The Website Procrastination Trap
May 11, 2023
It’s scary how many holistic practitioners waste time building and updating their websites over finding clients. There is a common belief that they need one to be taken seriously. Or it makes them feel like they have a ‘real’ business. But I would question whether you actually need one - especially if you're just starting out!
There are businesses that absolutely do need a website such as online shops, but for most holistic practitioners, this isn’t the case.
A website is nice to have and it’s certainly a useful marketing asset when you have the time and space, but it’s a big and never-ending job. It will keep you busy for weeks (even months) and is a great way to procrastinate and keep yourself hiding in the shadows.
Websites are Never Finished
Websites aren’t static online brochures – you don’t set them up once and leave them to get on with everything else. They take constant work to keep them updated and operating properly.
Add to the fact that you will need to add regular content in the form of blogs or videos etc. to keep it fresh. It’s this content that will help you to communicate your expertise but it’s also how people will find you when they’re searching for answers to their problems on Google.
Here are 3 ways to get found online without a website:
Google Business Profile
I would definitely prioritise this over a website as it’s like having a mini website but within Google. It provides you with the opportunity to share updates, events, and services, and get reviews. Here are a couple of blogs to help you set yours up:
Create a Google Business Profile.
Listings in Relevant Directories
Online directories replaced the old Yellow Pages and have been a brilliant way to fill a diary for some of my clients. One managed to fill her practice during lockdown by being listed in the top 2 in her industry.
If you are looking for the best directories to list your business in, Google your “profession” + “directory”, e.g. “osteopath directory” and see which ones come up the highest in the search results - these should be the ones with the most traffic. Then look at them – do they look professional and feel like a good fit for your business and will reflect you accurately?
You can also Google the names of other practitioners in your local area to see where they are listed as it’s useful to make sure your listing appears in the same places.
If you’re considering a paid directory, you need to make sure that it's going to give you a return on your investment. Understand the benefits are you going to get from your listing and make sure you ask every enquiry where they found you, so you know if it’s paying for itself.
Social Media
Social media is a great place to have an online presence and share your work and ideas. Your profile will provide you with the ability to sell yourself and your skills to your audience – especially if you’re on a platform such as LinkedIn. Added to that, there is social proof of client feedback and interaction with your account which is a powerful way to attract clients to your business.
Whilst social media is a great marketing tool, don’t rely on it for your marketing as you don’t own the platform and the rules can change. Always build an email list alongside social media so if you suddenly find your profile is taken down, you can still communicate with your audience.
Have a Great Bio
Wherever you want to be found online, you need a great bio to promote yourself and let people know why you’re the best holistic practitioner for them.
It’s important to have a consistent bio that people will easily recognise as you. The easiest way to do this is to have templates that can be tweaked for the platform.
Here’s a blog to help you get your bios in order.
Websites can be the cause of many a practitioners’ procrastination. Once done, it's lovely to have a shiny online shop window to your holistic business but don’t underestimate the time and effort they take to set up and maintain. There are a lot of ways you can find clients and market yourself online before you need to consider creating a website.
If you’re struggling with your marketing, book a call with me to have a chat about how I can help you.
