We have clients all the time who come to us in a complete state of overwhelm. They know they need a new website, but they aren’t sure exactly what they need for where their business is––at that moment.
They think they need 10 pages, search engine optimization, e-commerce, a blog, a brochure, a new logo, new colors, etc… And while these are all wonderful things, and can be very helpful to build as time goes on, it can be extremely challenging to even know where to begin.
And so, the paralysis sets in. And nothing actually gets done.
One of the best ways to start––is simply to start with one small thing, and build from there.
The Lazy Genius Way
Before we dive in, we would love to tell you about the wonderful place where the inspiration and framework for this blog came from, and that is from our friends at The Lazy Genius Collective. The Lazy Genius Podcast is one of our favorites, and a place we often go when we feel overwhelmed, and are looking for a little direction ourselves.
How To Start A Website Project – In 5 Simple Steps
So today, we are going to talk about how to start a website project when you feel overwhelmed, and we are going to use some of the Lazy Genius principles to guide us in this discussion.
1. Start Small
If you haven’t already heard us talk about the magic of microsites, spoiler alert, we are getting ready to do that, yet again. Microsites are not necessarily new, but they have become increasingly popular over the last year or two, and for good reason. To learn more about microsites, click here.
But the reason why it works when you need to start small is because it gives you everything you need to get started, and you can build on it later. With Symmetric microsites, you get a custom one-page site, design and development, content creation, professional photography, project management, etc… all in one sweet little package.
And it only takes a matter of weeks, from start to finish. If you thought you had to set aside an entire year to get this project done, you don’t. You need about 6 weeks.
Looks like you’re going to have time for that round of golf on Fridays after all.
2. Name What’s Working
First, let’s shift the focus to the positive aspects of your business. This might sound like something you can skip, but really it’s not.
Maybe it’s the work you actually do. You are a chiropractor, and the people who come to you in pain, leave with relief. You have a machine shop, and you get the parts turned around quickly so your clients can meet their deadlines. You make Italian ice cream, and let’s be honest, the vanilla honey flavor is seriously changing people’s lives on the daily.
By slowing down a little bit, and taking some time to name what’s working BEFORE we do anything else, it gives us a little more energy and space to THEN figure out how to best solve the problems we actually need to.
3. Name What’s NOT Working
If you don’t have a website, then this part is pretty easy.
If you DO have a website, how is it not serving you?
- Is it outdated?
- Does it work on desktop computers, but not on a phone?
- Does it need better content?
- Do you need a better way for customers to contact you?
- Have your services changed?
- Are you hiring new team members?
- Do you need a new logo or branding elements?
- Is it visually appealing?
4. Ask For Help
We’re going to let you in on a little secret, and that is that––if our toilet stops flushing, we don’t try to fix it ourselves. Because we know for a fact that we will end up with a much bigger mess on our hands (gross), if we YouTube it and then go down that rabbit hole (also gross).
Even if we could do it ourselves, we don’t have the time. So, we call a plumber. Preferably one with a lot of experience, and good reviews.
Website design is really not much different. You have a lot going on. When you need help, just call an expert. You will have a partner to help guide you through the process. It will probably turn out better than you think, and cost less in the long run than either spinning your wheels, or doing nothing at all.
5. Remember Why You Are Doing This
If you own a small or medium-sized business, then you know that it helps to be reminded every so often why it is that you started this business in the first place.
It is very easy to get caught up in the piles of paperwork, projects that take longer than they should, and day-in day-out frustrations of becoming, what seems to be an admin person, instead of an expert in your field.
If you can, take five minutes to step away from your emails and spreadsheets, and actually do the work. Go out to the shop, serve up the ice cream, talk to your customers instead of just passing them by.
A little inspiration goes a long way.
A Quick Recap
Because maybe you didn’t make it through all 800ish of these words so far, and that’s ok. Here’s how to start a website project when you feel overwhelmed – in 5 simple steps.
- Start Small
- Name What IS Working
- Name What Is NOT Working
- Ask For Help
- Remember Why You Are Doing This
BONUS – Be Kind To Yourself
That last one also comes to you courtesy of The Lazy Genius Way. Because in business and in life, it’s a little too easy to feel like you’re doing everything wrong, and we’re just here to tell you that you are also doing a lot of things right.
Be kind to yourself today.
If you need help with branding, website design, SEO, or some combination of all three, we would love the opportunity to learn more about you, and see how we can help. Schedule a consultation today to get started.