Chapter 1: The Importance of Early Lead Generation

Don’t let an "Under Construction" page hold you back. Instead, begin building your email list right away.

Imagine this scenario: You receive a connection request on Facebook or LinkedIn. You find their concept intriguing and want to know more. Naturally, you ask, "Where can I find your website?" The response is often, "It’s not ready yet," or even worse, "It’ll be a few months." Months? That’s a clear indication that they need to rethink their website strategy. Is this the right moment to introduce your services, or are they simply not prepared to launch their site yet?

As a small business, you aspire for a significant online presence and aim to start generating leads while establishing valuable relationships. Yet, if your website isn’t live, what should you do? It’s easy to get stuck on an "Under Construction" page, a trend so prevalent that templates are readily available. However, this approach offers little value. People seldom bookmark such pages anymore.

Moreover, visitors feel like they’ve arrived at a gathering where the host is still setting up. They often leave confused about what to do next and drift off to other options.

1. Secure Your Domain Name: The longer your domain name is active, the more credibility you earn in the eyes of search engines. I have websites that continue to attract visitors simply due to their longevity.
2. Develop a Compelling Lead Magnet: Create an enticing offer, such as "5 Steps to Craft a Foolproof Retirement Plan" or "7 Tips for Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Will." Ensure you can deliver on your promises.
3. Register with an Email Service: Many email services provide free or affordable plans. You can always switch later, but prioritize those with excellent customer support, as you will have questions.
4. Build an Attractive Landing Page: Nowadays, platforms like LeadPages or WordPress make it easy to create a simple yet appealing landing page.
5. Redirect to a Social Media Page: For a minimalistic approach, you can redirect your domain to a Facebook or LinkedIn page where you promote your lead magnet.
6. Consider a Blog as Your Website: Many successful service providers opt for a blog instead of a traditional website and thrive without a standard homepage.

Eventually, you’ll want to develop a full website that includes the essential four pages. A good rule of thumb is to consider creating a website when you have around 10 clients (or possibly 5 if they’re engaged in long-term contracts with substantial payments). There are numerous ways to acquire clients before investing heavily in a full-fledged website.

Ultimately, the aesthetic of your site is less important than the message you communicate. Many service providers struggle to articulate their message until they’ve interacted with a few clients and clarified their foundational concepts.

I’m Cathy Goodwin, and I specialize in crafting storytelling solutions that address your marketing hurdles. Download my complimentary 7-step website planning guide to streamline your website development journey—many complicate this process unnecessarily! Click here.

If you're interested in exploring options tailored to your needs, the best approach is to start with a Strategic Intensive. We will delve into your business, and you will receive the precise 1-2-3 steps necessary for your growth. Often, we’ll initiate the first steps during the call.

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Chapter 2: Leveraging Your Current Resources