I’ve read countless blog posts telling you what a website is, what should be on it, and how to focus on customer conversions. Today, I want to do something a bit different. I’m going to talk about what a website is not. There are some common misconceptions out there, and I think it’s time we addressed them. So, pop the kettle on, and let’s chat about what your website is NOT.

1. A Website Is Not Just a Pretty Face

We all love a good-looking site, but thinking that’s all there is to it? That’s like judging a book by its cover. A website needs to be more than just eye candy. It’s got to work hard too!

• It’s got to function: If your site’s full of broken links or takes ages to load, visitors will scarper faster than you can say “bounce rate”.
• It needs to make sense: If finding info on your site is harder than solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded, you’ve got a problem.
• Content is crucial: A gorgeous site with rubbish content is like a fancy restaurant serving microwave meals. Not good.
• It needs a purpose: Whether you’re flogging wares or sharing wisdom, your site needs to know what it’s about.

2. A Website Is Not a One-Time Project

Think you can build a website and then put your feet up? Think again! A website is more high-maintenance than a prize-winning rose garden. Here’s why:

• Cyber nasties are everywhere: The internet’s full of baddies trying to cause mischief. Regular updates keep your site safe as houses.
• Things change: Your business evolves, and your website should too. Otherwise, it’ll end up as outdated as last year’s slang.
• Fresh content is king: Keep adding new, interesting stuff to keep people coming back for more.
• Google’s always changing the rules: Just when you think you’ve cracked the SEO code, Google moves the goalposts. Keeping up with these changes is a never-ending job.

3. A Website Is Not a Magic Money Tree

Some people reckon that slapping up a website is like planting a magic bean that’ll grow into a money tree overnight. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s not that simple:

• Marketing still matters: Your shiny new website won’t market itself. You’ve got to put in the legwork to get eyeballs on your site.
• Trust takes time: People don’t just hand over their hard-earned cash to any old website. You’ve got to prove you’re the real deal.
• Data is your friend: A website can give you loads of useful info about your visitors. But it’s up to you to make sense of it all and use it wisely.

4. A Website Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Affair

Thinking of grabbing an off-the-shelf template for your website? Hold your horses! Here’s why a custom job might be worth considering:

• Stand out from the crowd: A template site is like turning up to a party in the same outfit as everyone else. Awkward.
• Room to grow: A custom site can grow with your business, like a well-tailored suit that still fits after Christmas dinner.
• Tailored to your crowd: Your customers are unique, so their experience on your site should be too.
• Show off your personality: Your business is an extension of you. A custom site lets your true colours shine through.
• Works with your way of doing things: Why change your whole business to fit a website? A custom job can be built around your existing systems.

Remember, your website is often the first impression people get of your business. It’s not just about being online – it’s about showing the world who you are and what you’re about.

To wrap it up, a website isn’t a magic wand, a one-time job, or a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a powerful tool that, when done right, grows with your business, shows off what makes you special, and connects with the people you want to reach. It’s about creating a little corner of the internet that’s all you. When you nail it, your website becomes more than just a pretty face – it becomes a proper asset to your business.