Stop Overthinking: The Simplest Way to Get Your Website Live
Have you been putting off launching your website because it’s not quite perfect? Here’s the truth: a simple website that’s live today is worth more than a perfect website that never launches.
I see so many female entrepreneurs getting stuck in this place where they know they need a website, but they’re overwhelmed by all the options and decisions. They’re juggling client work, family responsibilities, and everything in between – and the website just keeps getting pushed to the back burner. Sound familiar?
Let me share something I’ve learned after years of helping other business owners with their websites: I’ve never met a successful service provider who said, “I wish I’d waited longer to launch my website.” But I’ve met plenty who regretted waiting months (or years!) trying to make everything perfect
Should You DIY or Hire Out?
I actually recommend DIY for most business owners, especially if you’re in your first few years of business. There are really only two situations where I recommend hiring a professional right away:
- You’re ready to invest several thousands – and yes, I mean several thousands – in the full package: brand messaging, design, professional copywriting, and website development. This isn’t just about the website – it’s about the whole brand experience.
- You’re already crystal clear on who your business serves, what makes you stand out, and how to communicate that effectively – AND you have the money but not the time to build it yourself.
For everyone else? DIY is actually going to serve you better. When you build your own website, you’re forced to get really clear on your business. You have to think deeply about who you serve and who you don’t. You need to articulate what makes your services special. You have to explain your value in a way that connects with your ideal clients. These are things no designer can figure out for you – it has to come from you doing the work.
The Only 3 Things Your Website Actually Needs
Let’s talk about what your website actually needs to start bringing in clients. And I promise you, it’s way less than you think.
1. A Clear Homepage
Your homepage needs to tell visitors:
- Who you help
- How you help them
- What they should do next
2. A Way to Contact You
Keep it simple with:
- A basic contact form
- Your business email
- Maybe a phone number if that’s how you prefer to connect
3. Your Core Services
Make it clear:
- What you offer
- Who it’s for
- Basic pricing or “starting at” rates
That’s it! You don’t need fancy animations, complex booking systems, or automated everything right now.
How Your Website Will Grow
Here’s something nobody tells you when you’re starting out – your website is never truly “done.” Think of your website like your business wardrobe – you don’t buy everything at once. You start with the essentials and add pieces as you need them.
Here’s how I typically see websites evolve:
Phase 1: The Essential Foundation
- Basic information about you and your services
- Simple contact form
- A few testimonials as you collect them
- Mobile-friendly design
- Basic SEO optimization
Phase 2: Adding Value and Depth
- Clearer Messaging and Copy
- Blog or resource section
- Newsletter signup
- More detailed service packages
- Client case studies
- More advanced SEO tactics
Phase 3: Advanced Features
- Online booking system
- Client portal
- Automated email sequences
- More sophisticated design elements
- Advanced analytics
Remember, these phases aren’t tied to specific timeframes – every business grows at its own pace, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to start with the essentials and add features and more clarity as it makes sense for your business and your life.
The Platform I Recommend
While WordPress might be touted as the best for SEO, if you can’t easily swap out a photo or update your pricing, that tool isn’t right for you. This is why I recommend Showit. (Use this link for a free month!)
If you’re already using Canva or have any experience with Adobe tools, the learning curve really isn’t that steep. Like those tools you can literally drag and drop elements anywhere on the page. You can pretty much design anything you can imagine, and you don’t need to know a single line of code to do it.
What I love most about Showit is everything it gives you as a business owner:
- Complete creative freedom
- Separate desktop and mobile design control
- Great SEO capabilities
- Easy user experience creation
- Simple updates and changes
Ready to Get Started?
Here’s what to do next:
- Block out a few hours and write your content
- Choose a template for your site design
- Gather your basic business photos
- Set up your contact form
- Test everything on mobile
- Launch!
Need Some Support?
I know this might still feel like a lot to tackle on your own, and that’s exactly why I’ve created several ways to support you on this journey.
I have Showit website templates and copywriting tools that can help you get started right away – whether you need help with the design side of things or you’re struggling with what to write. These are great if you’re pretty self-sufficient but just need some guidance and structure to follow.
But if you’re looking for more hands-on support, I’d love to invite you to join my signature program, Brand Base Camp. This is where we work together to create not just a website, but a complete brand presence that truly connects with your ideal clients. You get live coaching calls, detailed feedback, and a supportive community to help you through the process.
Remember…
Your website is the core of your marketing message and helps you show up online in a way that you can be proud of. But perfect is a moving target. Your business will evolve, and your website can evolve with it. What matters is starting somewhere and improving as you go.
The best time to launch your website was yesterday. The second best time is today.
So let’s get it launched! Your future self will thank you for starting now, even if everything isn’t exactly as you envision it. Because here’s the truth: the only bad website is the one that exists only in your head.
Need help getting started? I’d love to support you on your website journey. Learn more about Brand Base Camp →
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