So you’ve decided it’s time to get a website for your equine business but you’re not sure what’s involved. Here are five things you need think about before you take the plunge:

1. What is your business goal for this website? In other words, how is having a website going to contribute to your bottom line? Expand your training business, showcase your sales horses, advertise shows and clinics at your facility; or maybe you just want to be sure potential clients can find you on the Internet. Knowing before hand what your goals and expectations are will go a long way toward building an effective website.
2. Content is king. Do you have some? Photos, lists of services, pricing–you have all the basics, but what makes your business unique? Special amenities at your facility, your training philosophy, or even the friendly family atmosphere you foster at your boarding barn. These are the things that convert a website visit into an email or a phone call. No matter how attractive your website is, it can’t turn your visitors into clients unless you show people what makes your business special.
3. What is your budget? Know this going in and stick with it, but do your homework and make sure your budget is realistic. Web designers charge anywhere from $200 to over $1000 for a custom designed brochure site. Like anything else, you get what you pay for.
4. Time. How much time can you devote to keeping your website up to date? We’ve all visited websites that suffer from Vacant Lot Syndrome. Their copyright date still says 2002, and it seems like nobody’s home–doesn’t inspire you to want to do business with them, does it? Keeping your site fresh and up to date is the best way to ensure a return on your investment. Whether you purchase some maintenance hours from your web designer or update the site yourself; if something’s happening in your business, it should be happening on your website too.
5. Choose a designer with care. Review their portfolio–have they built other sites you admire, and do they offer the services you need? Talk to them on the phone to get a sense of their business style. Make sure they understand your business–and your expectations for your website. Get a quote and contract in hand before writing a check.

PostedMonday, January 15th, 2007 at 11:17 pm in Website Tips.