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What day of the week should I launch a website?

The moment you unveil your new website can have a big impact on its performance in the early days. It’s important to pick the right date to premiere your website, but choosing the right day is not always that straightforward. Here is some advice on how to choose the right date and day of the week to launch your site.

What is the best date?

The first question to ask is whether your business is a seasonal one. Is there a certain time when your target audience will most want to use your products/services? When is that time? For example, it wouldn’t be a great idea to launch your new skiing equipment store right at the end of the ski season, as nobody will be looking for new products at that time. Find out when your audience is likely to be most active online, and aim to put it out then.

What is the best day?

Days of the week, and times of day, make a difference for different audiences, but also for you…

For example, launching a site on a Friday is one of the worst things to do. This is because putting your website online is not going to be a smooth process; you want your web team, client, host, and the domain registrar all to be ready in case issues arise. These negatives hold true for launching your site on a Saturday or a Sunday, especially if your product is designed for a corporate audience. 

Tuesday is one of the best days to launch your site, as it’s likely that your potential clients are browsing online and haven’t yet been bogged down in so much work that they don’t have time to look at your site. Choosing Tuesday means that not only do you have Monday to properly prepare your team and tease out any loose ends when your brains are fresh, it also gives you the rest of the week to work with your team to deal with potential bug fixes or other problems as and when they arise.

The right day could be completely different for a different company though; make sure you know when your target audience is most online so that you can identify the best day and time to reach them with a new website. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right work and attention to general trends and statistics, you can get an idea of what day might work best for you.

Be prepared and plan ahead

It is always a good idea to plan ahead to ensure a successful website launch. And, once your website goes live there is a whole new list of things you need to prepare for. For example, you need to plan who you are going to tell about the launch and what platforms to use on social media. Influencers and news sources that speak to your target audience are important too. You’ll also need to set aside some time to respond to people when they have queries about your business.

There are no real shortcuts when it comes to making a success of your website launch. You will need to do the research and plan accordingly to see the best results. You know your business, and this empowers you to understand who your target audience is. If you’re unsure, by downloading our free ‘A beginners guide to buyer personas’ will help you learn more about them, find out their habits, and launch your website at a time that they will be receptive to it.

Having a website is crucial for every business. If you haven’t created yours yet, why don’t you check out Go Sitebuilder? Create your website from anywhere without the need for any technical skills. Try Go Sitebuilder free for 14-days to see just how easy it is to get your business online.

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How to make a successful wedding photography website

How to make a successful wedding photography website

If you are a wedding photographer, your most important tool – apart from your camera – is your website. This is where potential clients come to see your previous work, decide if you are right for them and check out your prices. The success of your business could depend on it.

We’ve written this guide to help you make sure your website stands out from the crowd and brings you more clients, more visibility, and more revenue!

Assess the competition 

Before you start anything, have a look at what others in your industry are doing. In fact, while you do your research, make a list of wedding photographers that you think are leading in the market. What are they doing well, and most importantly – what do you think they could improve on? If there is anything you think their website is missing, make sure to make a note of it so you include it in yours. 

Looking at the competition will help you read the market and identify any gaps that you could fill. Develop your niche – if everyone looks like they’re doing the same thing, highlight what you do differently, whether that’s elopements, large ceremonies or destination weddings. 

Build your brand

Once you’ve decided on your niche, then you can work on your branding. This includes your name, logo, colour palette and typography; if you develop them together then they will look more harmonious on the website. You don’t need to hire a graphic designer to make a logo either, as free online tools like Makr and Looka can help you make your own. 

To help you do this, write notes on the service you provide, your target audience and your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). This will help you direct your creativity and make sure that your website accurately reflects you and your brand. 

Showcase your talents

This is one of the most important parts of your website, if not the most important. The gallery of photos that you choose to showcase are going to be the deciding factor as to whether a potential client contacts you. Choose the pictures that best reflect your brand and your USP, making sure that they are both inclusive and diverse. 

Another consideration is the speed your photos load at – a slow-loading site is a sure-fire way to put visitors off, but you also want to avoid having low-quality pictures in your gallery. Make sure the web host you use is fast and efficient to be able to find a happy medium. 

Tell your story

As a photographer, you are the individual, the company and the brand. Clients are looking to work with someone that they would be happy to have at their wedding, so your story is a tool you can use to make you stand out against the competition. 

Be approachable, relatable and engaging, involving elements of your life that might make it more likely for you to forge a connection with your potential clients. At a loss? Ask your friends and family for qualities they think make you unique and incorporate this into your story. 

Gather testimonials

Another intrinsic part of your website that will help you get conversions are testimonials from previous clients. Although they are difficult to obtain when your business is young, they are essential to developing client trust. 

After each wedding, make sure you contact your clients and ask for a testimonial – if they liked your services then they will be happy to write a glowing review! This is the clients’ big day, and a stamp of approval from previous clients will show them that you won’t let them down. 

Create a clear website navigation

This might seem daunting, but you just need to look at your website as if you were a potential customer. The first page needs to show off your photography and your brand, and have the information most relevant for your client – what type of weddings do you specialise in and where are you based?

Other crucial elements to include are a clear navigation menu that in one click can lead them to your previous work, testimonials, pricing, and contact details.

Start a blog

Blogging is a powerful marketing tool for everyone trying to expand their business. By including keywords relevant to your business, Google will rank your website higher in its search engine, making it easier for people to find you. 

You can use the blog in various ways, either sharing client stories, posting industry-related news, or sharing top tips or guides for a seamless wedding experience. This will place you as a leader in your industry, and help potential clients relate to you as an individual.  Be prepared to update your blog regularly though, as this will help with Google rankings and make your website look relevant and up to date. 

Are you ready to make your own wedding photography website? At Go Sitebuilder you can build a website with minimum hassle. Our pre-designed sections help you drag and drop your logos and pictures where you want them, and there are image galleries ready to showcase your wedding photography! Try our 14-day free trial today and see just how amazing your website could look.

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What kind of online business is the most profitable?

Female relaxing on a grey sofa whilst using her mobile phone to run her business from home

Whilst starting up an online business seems daunting, it is not as difficult as you may think. People from all backgrounds can create a successful online business, and not all online businesses demand a vast amount of time or money for them to be profitable. As long as your content is of real value then there is a market out there for you.

Online home rentals

This first example doesn’t require any special skills; anyone can rent out their home. Although sites such as AirBnB or HomeAway may suggest the market is overly-crowded, InvitedHome or Luxury Retreats show that there is always potential to market your property to a certain crowd. Creating a niche category in the market means you can create a steady and reliable source of income, and make it more likely that those who use your site will return. 

SEO consultancy

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a market of endless opportunity. If you are already confident in SEO strategy, then you can create profit by marketing your skills to online businesses who are looking to rank higher on Google. This will help them gain visibility, and will improve your reputation as a leader in the field. Don’t be deterred if you have limited knowledge; there are loads of resources online to help you understand SEO – check out Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO to get you started. 

Managing advertisements

If you understand the methodology behind paid advertising, then advising businesses on how to manage their ads – or doing it for them – can boost your income dramatically. Considering that online business giants such as Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter rely on ads for their growth, ad management could be your ticket to success. It is still a relatively modern market with huge potential for growth – eMarketer has reported that, for the first time in America, online advertising spending exceeds that of traditional ads.

What next?

If you are interested in pursuing any of the above then it is vital to have a website to boost your credibility and to provide a platform to market your skills. Check out our 14-week free trial which gives you all the flexibility you need to begin your online business journey – why not give it a go today?

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What’s the best online business to start in 2020?

A male and a female business owners stood in a shop looking at a tablet device. Both are wearing aprons and smiling

This is the year you start your own successful online business! You’re looking for freedom, cash flow and an escape from the 9-5 commuter grind – but first, you need to decide on a business idea. 

Start a blog and monetise it

What could you talk about for hours on end? Try starting a blog on a subject you’re interested in. It’s not quite as easy as it sounds though, as you’ll have to consistently publish content that engages users to develop a solid following. Once you’ve got this though, you can start earning money through affiliate marketing or advertising. 

Affiliate marketing is where you earn a commission by promoting products through your blog. It’s useful to have a basic knowledge of SEO and copywriting for this (here’s a good beginner’s guide from SEO Moz), and you’ll get better results promoting content that is similar to your blog to start with. Amazon’s affiliate program has a list of products you can advertise if you’re stuck for ideas. 

You can also make money by selling advert space on your blog, but to get a decent income you have to have millions of viewers. It’s a good side hustle, but don’t expect it to become your main form of income. 

Coaching and online courses

If you have a good level of expertise in a certain subject, you can monetise it! You will have to promote it yourself through a website, social media and email lists, and it’s often useful to have a blog related to your subject of expertise to give yourself more credibility. 

Online coaching involves few clients, but at a high hourly rate. It’s a quick way to start earning money fast, and you can charge premium prices – but make sure to do some market research to set your price. 

Online courses are low risk, high reward ventures. They are easily scalable and can reach a global audience, and as they don’t have a sell-by date, they can make money over time with minimal input from you. 

Ecommerce

You’ll need to do your research to find a profitable market first, with steady growth, and it’s best to keep your idea specific rather than general to give yourself an edge. 

There are lots of costs involved in ecommerce, so make sure your product costs at least £50, if not more, otherwise you might find you aren’t making any profit at all! A cheaper option is to use dropshipping, where the products are held and sent by the supplier rather than you. 

To set up a profitable and successful online business, go into something you care about and you have a good level of knowledge on. And for each of these options, a website is paramount. Try Go Sitebuilder’s simple website creator with our free 14-day trial and start your online business today! 

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What are five benefits of selling online?

Female ecommerce business owner boxing up new orders she's just received through her online store. She is casually dressed, leaning over a white table, looking at her laptop

If you’ve already got a brick and mortar shop or you’re just starting out in the ecommerce world, selling online is a great way to expand your company’s reach. If you’re not sure whether it would be beneficial for you, we’ve put together five benefits of selling online that could help you decide.

Shoppers start online

87% of shoppers start their search for products online, to compare cost, brands, inventory levels and to check customer reviews. Even though they may end up buying the item in a physical store, the only way you can form part of this initial search is for your shop to have an online presence. 

Lower set-up and running costs

With website builders, it’s possible to set up an ecommerce platform with ready-made templates in a couple of minutes, which usually cost around £15-20 a month. Compare this to renting a physical space and paying for bills, which can easily run over a thousand pounds a month. Your budget for staff will also be drastically reduced as the sales system in an online store is automated; all these savings mean an online store is often more profitable and more scalable. 

More customers, more opportunities

Your ecommerce site will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As it is not limited by the people who can actually visit your store in person, you can expand to new demographics and reach a global audience. This maximises both your sales and your profits, as there are no restrictions for customers to purchase from your site.

Easily measurable and marketable

Analytics tools are invaluable for helping you collect data on who is visiting your site. Not only can you look at customer activity, like average cart total, cart abandonment rate and how long your customers spend on certain pages, you can also look at the demographics of your audience. 

You will be able to use this data to develop better marketing initiatives that are geared towards your target market, which will boost your conversion rates and increase your profits.

Work from anywhere

One of the greatest benefits of working online is that you are not restricted to a city or even country. As long as you are able to cover delivery costs, you can oversee your ecommerce business from anywhere!

Does setting up an online shop sound good for your business? Getting online is simple and quick with Go SiteBuilder; you can even try out their 14-day free trial to see if it works for you!

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3 ways to find an online start-up business partner

Birds eye view of two females sat down at a table drinking tea. A doughnut is also on the table.

Starting an online business can be extremely exciting, confusing and scary at the same time. With all of these feelings along with the list of tasks you need to check off, a business partner could be exactly what you need. We know that things are always better with a friend by your side, even in the world of business. Finding another entrepreneur or sometimes even a group of entrepreneurs is always a great way of beginning your start-up. But, how do you meet them? How can you find people who share the same interests as you, along with the passion for business? It may seem hard, but we’re here to break it down. We’ve compiled a helpful list with 3 ways to assist you in finding your new online start-up business partner!

1. Make use of social media

Social media has never been bigger. There’s an estimated 3 billion of us using it each day. With so many people out there, it is highly likely that there is another person on the internet with the same business idea as you who would also be willing to look to partner up.

But how do you find them?

Hashtags! And use lots of them! Taking advantage of hashtags by using and following your interests/business ideas is a great way of connecting to people like you. You can search for other people using the hashtags along with posting them yourself. Try using some generalised ones such as #startupbusiness or #buddingentrepreneur, as well as a mix of hashtags that relate to your business idea.

Once you’ve found someone who clearly shares the same love for your business idea as you, try sending them a direct message saying you are looking to connect with other entrepreneurs – you never know where it could lead you.

2. Forums

Forums are there to connect groups of people who share the same likes and interests on large group chat-style websites. There is a forum for everything and even whole websites that focus on one specific idea.
Try searching for a forum surrounding your business approach and make a post, asking if anyone is interested in setting up an online start-up business. You could find your next business partner on the other side of the world!

3. Local listing pages

There are plenty of websites on the internet that offer a service similar to a digital AA pages book. Some of these are free to post on, allowing you to put out a search for other entrepreneurs who may be interested in starting a business with you, or who may know someone else who is looking for a business partner. And, if you’ve posted a free advert, it’s not as though you’ve lost anything in doing it!

So there you have it – 3 easy ways to start connecting with possible business partners! With the internet so vast and full of different interests and personalities, there’s never been more opportunity to find people who could help you take your start-up online business to the next level. If you still haven’t got your business online, now is a perfect time! Try Go Sitebuilder free for 14-days and see just how easy it is to get your website up and running.

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How to start your own electrician business

Building an electrician business

Have you really hit it off with your clientele or developed your skills to an exceptional level? Or, maybe it’s just simply time to make a change. Whatever your reason for starting your own electrician business, this is an exciting time, so, where do you start? We’ve put together a list of 4 simple steps to have your electrician business up and running in no time.

1. Build a client base

You may already have a client base; people who come to you regularly to carry out any necessary work. If you have not yet built a client base, this is an important and exciting step, as this will be where your day-to-day work will come from. There are many ways to network and build this client base. Start by using social media, marketing your services within your local area and sign up directories such as Yell and Checkatrade.

Contractors are also an ideal pitch for electricians, as this can often mean repeat business when they are contracted on an allocated job. For example, you could contact a construction company, advertising your services, and offering to be an external contractor within their project. 

Building relationships with clients and contractors may take a bit of time, but it will be worth it. Getting good reviews, recommendations and photos of the brilliant work you’ve completed will be very helpful in the future success of your business.

2. Ensure your qualifications are up to date

When starting your own business, one thing that is often checked is your credentials – by clients and potential investors. This is simply a way for people to quickly verify your skills. After all, people will want to be sure that you are able to do the job and feel confident in your abilities. With the knowledge that you have obtained, along with the necessary qualifications, they will be able to trust that you are truly a specialist within your trade. Having the necessary education and qualification is a must to be an electrician, or to simply run an electrician business, it’s required by law.

3. Insurance is essential

This is a step you won’t want to miss – making sure you’re covered is key! Property, vans and people could be at risk when carrying out electrical work and good insurance can put your mind at ease. There are a number of different types of insurance coverage that are offered to business owners. So, make sure to do your research or speak to a professional to find the right fit for you. Don’t forget to insure your tools and equipment as well – they’re the heart and soul of your trade after all!

4. Build your online presence

More and more people are comparing services online, not only by price but by customer satisfaction and professionalism. Online reviews and websites are a key part of this, and thereby, a strong online presence is a must. You could potentially be losing out on clients if you do not have a website. Or, if your website is somewhat basic, difficult to use, or isn’t mobile-friendly potential customers could start looking at your competitors instead. A website with a good design, which features reviews, contact methods and images of previous work will show potential clients that your services are just what they’re looking for. A website can also help potential customers understand what other services you provide, as well as your ability to work to a specific idea or demand.

If you are looking to build a website then look no further, we’re here to help you create a professional and unique site to promote your electrician business. Start with a 14-day free trial and see what you can build today – no technical skills required!

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What is the easiest website builder for beginners?

Choosing the easiest website builder

Deciding to build a website can be a daunting prospect. After all, you may not know where to start. For a beginner, using a website builder is the quickest way to create one as you don’t need to know about coding or website design. Before diving into constructing your own website you’ll want to understand a bit more about them and how they work.

What exactly is a website builder?

A website builder is a simple and effective tool to create a website. There is often no need to have expert knowledge of website design. You simply just need the information that you wish to include on your site – giving you the ultimate control over your online presence.

How does a website builder work?

Like a lot of current website builders, Go Sitebuilder uses a drag and drop system and beautifully designed pre-built sections. This is perfect for beginners as there is no need for any experience in coding, and you can customise your site based on the look you want. There is a huge library of templates and sections to pick from providing you with an unlimited amount of design options to suit your brand. This makes it the best choice for beginners.

Your own domain and email

You want people to be able to find your website just by searching your company name, which is where domain names come in. With Go Sitebuilder, you can have a specific domain name, which will give your site a professional and credible look. A domain name is unique to your website and company, meaning there are no two domains which are the same.

Finally, some things to remember when building your first website:

  • Pick the right website builder – Most website builders will have a free trial so make sure it’s easy to use and fits into your busy schedule.
  • Know what you want – Think about your audience and the way you want them to interact with your site.
  • Make sure you’re supported – Ensure your website builder has an expert support team who are there to offer advice throughout the process.
  • Have fun! – This is your chance to promote yourself, so don’t forget to enjoy the experience!

We’ve created Go Sitebuilder to be the easiest website builder for small businesses. If you’re looking to give your business the web presence it deserves, check out Our14-day free trial and see just how easy it is.

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What’s the easiest way to build a website?

Black male sat at a desk building a website online with Go Sitebuilder

Whether you’re starting a new business or simply have a hobby you’re passionate about, a website is an excellent way to share it with the world. But, when it comes to actually build a website, the options can seem a little bit daunting. If you’re looking for the easiest way to build a website, this article is for you.

Here are 4 different ways to get your website up and running – starting with the most difficult:

4. Most difficult: Doing it the old-fashioned way

Let’s begin with the most time-intensive option on our list: doing it all yourself by hand. This option will be almost exclusively reserved for the technically minded among us, but – put simply – anyone can build a website using HTML and CSS code. In fact, just by writing a couple of lines of text in a text document, you can technically build a functioning website. But if you’d prefer an option which doesn’t require learning to code, read on…

3. Slightly less difficult: Install a Content Management System and use a theme

A content management system, or CMS, is essentially a piece of software you can install on your own website which allows you to build a website more easily. WordPress is perhaps the most popular example, offering countless themes which can get you started quite quickly. That said, actually finding a theme which is suitable for your needs can take time, and you’ll find that your website may look similar to many others. A CMS is certainly fast, but they often require updates and the majority rely on third-party plug-ins to provide enough functionality.

2. Getting easier: Work with a dedicated web designer

If you want to go to the other extreme and have a completely hands-off website building experience, you can find a web designer or developer. There are many freelancers out there who will be able to help, but you’ll need to be very detailed about what it is you want. Your brief will need to be quite precise so that the designer can make your vision come to life, which can be quite time-consuming. Also, because you’re hiring a real person to help, this can also be a quite expensive option.

1. The easiest way to do it: Use a do-it-yourself website builder

Now we arrive at what is perhaps the easiest option for those who want a unique website which is also simple to build. Using a website builder, you don’t have to worry about writing a single line of code or browsing through endless themes. You can simply drag and drop the text and images you want on your website and make things look exactly how you want them. With a website builder, your site can be launched in a matter of hours – and it’ll look great, too. You’ll have complete control over your content, time and expenses.

Now that you know just how easy it can be to create your own website, why not give it a go yourself? In fact, with Go Sitebuilder’s free trial, you can discover the ease of building a website without spending a penny.

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Creating a website for selling products

Woman shopping online

With more and more people choosing to shop online, having a website where you can sell your products is an invaluable way to increase your customer base. But, with so much competition on the internet, priority should be given to how you create and design your eCommerce website if you want it to succeed.

Always put the user first

When creating a website for selling products, step into the mindset of your users. Think about what you sell and who your target audiences are. Once you know who your users are, you should create your site with them in mind. Every style element you choose, from the fonts, to the choice of colours, images and text should be considered based on who you are trying to target. For example, if you sell beauty or fashion products, you should pay attention to the visual aspects of the design, creating a fun or informal feel, whereas if you’re selling something like financial products, your website should take on a more formal and informative tone.

Responsive design is critical

Gone are the days when consumers only use their desktop computers for purchasing items online. These days, smartphones and tablets have taken over, as more and more people use a variety of devices for internet shopping. In order to create a good user-experience when selling your wares online, responsive web design is key. This is where your website will adapt to suit the particular device that it is being viewed on so that it is easy to browse, scroll and navigate.

Create an easy, secure shopping experience

Make the online shopping process as seamless and straightforward as possible. Use text and images to accompany each product and state the prices clearly. Include your terms and conditions, and use a payment system that is reliable, safe and secure.

Include testimonials

Adding customer reviews and testimonials to your website helps to give your brand credibility, and these can prove a really worthwhile selling strategy. Try to include the reviews next to each relevant product you sell so that they are easy to spot by potential customers.

Make contact details easily accessible

Online shoppers like the reassurance of knowing that if they need to get in touch with a website business, they can easily do so. Make sure your contact details are easy to find on your website and are up to date. Include a variety of options for contacting you, including phone, email and an address. Good customer service is crucial, so always respond promptly to any queries you receive.

Building an eCommerce website is easier than you think. Go Sitebuilder has been created and designed with busy small businesses in mind – discover how you can create an online site today.