As a professional in the wellness industry, it’s invaluable to have an online presence to attract your ideal client.
You’re setting up your own therapy practice, launching an online coaching business or setting up an e-shop for your new organic skincare product. Part of this process involves creating a branded website to share your story and let people know about your product/service.
Let’s see if this resonates with you…
You’re feeling overwhelmed just thinking about where to begin with the web design process, from deciding what goes on your homepage to writing your bio. You don’t have any good photographs other than from your sister’s wedding. And you have no idea where to begin looking for a web designer that is right for you.
Before you go down this road, contemplate the list below I use to make sure my clients are website ready. I encourage all wellness professionals to dedicate some time answering these before they can say with certainty, “YES! I am ready to tackle building a website”.
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What is the purpose of your website?
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How will your website support your business?
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What is your budget (for now)?
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Do you need branding beforehand?
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What is the primary action (CTA) you want users to take on your site?
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Do you have images already?
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What is the minimum you need on your website in order to launch (think MVP)?
If someone reaches out to me about creating a website for their wellness business, I always ask them to think about what is the purpose of creating their website. I know it sounds silly but it’s worth contemplating.
For instance, is it simply an online CV that gives you credibility? Or is it driving traffic and something that gives you a sustainable income? Are you going to sell a product online?
Depending on how you answer these questions, I would create different project proposals. For instance, if you simply want an online CV, I would suggest a 3-5 page website that is simple yet professional. If you want to sell a product and grow a sustainable online business, I would proposal a more in-depth website project which includes more optimization, perhaps an e-shop and regular content updates to ensure we are driving consistent traffic to your website.
As much as it pains me to say (since my agency is built around a demand for websites), I do in fact know a select few mid-career wellness professionals that have successfully built their business without a website. Many of them are 10-15 years in their career and they have a steady flow of clients they’ve built up over the years by word of mouth.
That being said, that’s an exception, not a RULE!
For most of us, a website is invaluable to support the growth of our wellness businesses. It can provide you professional credibility, a place to showcase your offerings to the world and a marketing platform to drive new clients. Ever heard the phase, “Allow your website to be working for you while you are sleeping”?
If your budget is low to begin with, shop around to find the right designer for you. Ask your web designer if they have a payment plan so that you don’t have to pay all up front. Most designers are flexible on payment if they really want to work with you however make sure that you are in clear agreement before you begin.
Another option is to build your website in phases. The first phase can include the essentials: Home, About and a Services page. From there, when you have more budget to work with, you can contact your designer for the next priority phase.
The average page visit is less than a minute and most stick around for less than 15 seconds. That’s how long you have to capture someone’s attention. It’s no secret that one of the keys to making your website stand out (a.k.a. give it that wow factor) and keeping visitors on your website is in the BRANDING!
One of my clients once said that when there is good branding, you barely notice it. Although sometimes gone unnoticed, through your branding, you will be able to establish trust, show your personality and attract the right clients.
I always suggest to take some time to notice what websites/brands stand out to you and why. Do you see a common theme, color or style?
Check out our ‘How to Create a Design Brief’ resource guide for DIY or hiring a designer.
CTA: Let’s get the lingo right!
This much-used acronym stands for ‘call-to-action’, meaning the action you want users to take when they land on your website or a particular page. Your website should be interactive and your call-to-action should be clear. Is it to pick up the phone and call you to schedule an appointment? Or to purchase one of your products?
Make sure this is CLEAR as day! If it’s not clear to you, how will users know how to navigate your site?
With GKW, part of the client onboarding process for a web design project is giving our clients a homework checklist that includes sharing all images/photos they want to use on the website. These can consist of stock photos, professional photographs or something your cousin snapped on their I-phone.
Nonetheless, modern websites are more visual than ever. Less and less text is needed to tell a story so the images chosen are key to communicating the experience the client will have with you. If you don’t have the budget to do a photoshoot, we love Unsplash and Pexels for free stock photography.
Try to only use images that are clear and of good quality. You can also buy a filter or use a program like Lightroom (free on mobile) that places a filter over the image to make them look more uniform.
Essentially, a website should never be ‘finished’ as it is something that evolves with you and your business over time. So for a launch now, refine later strategy, think about what are the minimum requirements for what you need as far as design, content and pages to make it ready for the public. Of course, make it something you are proud but know that over time it will transform and grow the more you put into it.
We recommend to review your website every 3-6 months and make sure that it represents what you are offering—i.e. updated class schedule, new products, seasonal promotions and call-to-actions.
Have an existing website and need help on content updates?
Consider a monthly maintenance plan with us to ensure your website remains safe & secure while you sleep. Plus, you’ll get a HUGE discount on any web design updates you need help with.
