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How can a website help you grow? PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 23 October 2008 13:10

This post isn't just a shameless sales tactic to create interest in my new program Grow the Extra Mile™ which opens for registration tomorrow. 

Honestly, I had no intention of writing today, but I was inspired after a real dilemma I had this morning. 

Here’s what happened: 

I got an email from a couple who want to hire me for premarital counseling. They’re a referral from a former client, and even though I’d love to work with them, they live an hour’s drive away from me. 

Like many people, they’re really busy with daily life. In order to meet with me they’d have to drive an hour in each direction which is time they could spend preparing for their wedding. 

Since I know many interfaith ministers who live in their neighborhood I wanted to give them a few referrals to make their life easier. I decided to send a quick email with website information so the couple could determine if any of the ministers fit their needs. But I discovered something that surprised me: none of the ministers have websites! 

It made me wonder, how many people are losing business because they don’t have a website? 


99.9% of the people who request my services visit my website before they contact me, even if they are referrals and already have my phone number. 


If you’re open for business and want to grow, you need a website. And it’s less expensive than you think. 


Having a website is much easier than you probably imagine. There are a lot of free and inexpensive ways to create a good website. Some methods are excellent. Others are a waste of your valuable time. Before you decide which option to choose you need to know the difference. If you join Grow the Extra Mile™, you'll learn how to create a $20 a month website that attracts prospective clients. 

Here are 6 reasons soulopreneurs of any type - mind, body, soul - need a website:

 

1) People like to do research before they commit to a service or product, and most do research on the internet

My former client Rev. Elizabeth River (www.reverendriver.com) told me that after engaged couples discover her Yellow pages ad they often visit her website before they contact her. This is how they determine whether or not they want to interview her to be their wedding officiant. As soon as they read her site and see the beautiful photos of other weddings, they make an emotional connection and their excitement grows. They recognize she’s the perfect minister for them, so they contact her to schedule an appointment. 

2)  You can more easily separate the sheep from the cattle

Your website acts like a boundary between those you want to serve and those who are better served by someone else. When you have the right website for your community, your perfect client will be inspired to contact you. 
 
For instance, my former client Rev. John Mabry owns Apocryphile Press (www.apocryphile.org), a publishing company specializing in spirituality, religion, apocryphilia, philosophy and poetry. If you want to publish a book about "Shepherding Your Flock: Spiritual Leadship in the 21st Century", I imagine John would be happy to meet with you. However, if you want to publish a book called "How to Herd Cattle Before Breakfast" you're better off going somewhere else.

3) Brochures and postcards end up in landfills

When I first started my practice I had a great idea to create a postcard that detailed my services. I now have 200 postcards taking up space in my closet. I couldn’t find any place to distribute them, they quickly grew outdated and people are learning not to take paper products because it’s an unnecessary waste. 

Brochures and postcards have their place, but for someone on a budget, you’ll get a much higher return on your investment with a website, especially if you use it wisely. A website is easily updated and accessible 24/7. And you can use a wind powered hosting service that actually gives back energy to the planet!  

4) People consider you a serious professional if you have a website

For self-employed “soul-o-preneurs” in the service industry, your website is your storefront. When you have all the right pieces – design, copy (text), photos, free valuable resoures – people feel more compelled to engage with you. They see you as a leader in your field and this helps them trust you. Trust is essential in 21st century marketing. 

5)  You can keep a calendar of events

When you’re as busy as my former client Rev. Jeremy Taylor, you have to have an online calendar that’s easy to update. If you want to take a class with him, one click of a button and you know where to find this revolutionary dreamworker’s workshops. Additionally, you can easily find contact information for his wife Kathy who will be more than happy to help you sign up for classes. (www.jeremytaylor.com)

6) Websites can help you create community

Years ago, my current client Mary Ann Ireland, coach and organizational consultant, formed a group called growBOLD, or Biotech Organizational Learning and Development (www.growbold.com). A year ago she realized a website would help her communicate more efficiently with her members, so she hired me to help her create a membership website. I taught her what to do and she created the website almost entirely by herself! 

Now growBOLD has 35 paid members and the site is filled with invaluable resources that help their community grow.  
 

I believe in the value of what you do.

 
That's why I created Grow the Extra Mile™. If I can help you grow your business, the world will have one more spiritual guide to help it grow. And right now I think the world could use some more spiritual guidance and healing. Don’t you agree? 
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Donna Belt said:

Thanks, Amy. This is good advice. Besides providing the very helpful benefits you mentioned, I found that organizing my website when I started as a "soul-o-preneur" provided me with the focus I needed to hone my vision. Working on the website, I was able to see myself as if I were a stranger meeting me for the first time. As so often happens, the words I used to tell my story actually shaped my experience. This is too powerful an outlet to miss!

Donna
October 23, 2008 | url

Amy said:

That's great, Donna. And now I hope you'll let the world know you HAVE a websites! I didn't even know you had one and you are definitely someone who should spread the word!
October 23, 2008 | url

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