Websites for Internet Newbies

It's the summer and following a normal blog routine just isn't my style. This is particularly true when the weather is nice and there are beaches to visit, also I recently moved so packing and unpacking has consumed my life. But I have not ignored all elements of work, I started to advise a client, if you allow me to call her that. The client is my older sister. She is starting her own counseling practice and needed everything from business cards to a website. I am not a designer, so I was unable to help with the business cards, but websites I know a thing or two about.

My sister is a little older then I am, and has not had the privilege of growing up with technology, and the internet, the way I have. I do not consider myself an expert, but I do understand the importance of optimizing the internet to assist in establishing a brand and reputation. This ability is not something everyone possess.(I am not gonna lie but I took for granted that everyone understood the internet and social media the way I do.)

My sister's business needs are similar to any small business owner, she wanted a lower cost option to building and maintain a website. Some of her colleagues pay hundreds of dollars a year for a basic site. Since she is just starting her practice, she wants to keep all overhead low. When I heard this I suggested building a Blogger or Wordpress site and directing it to her own domain, which could be purchased for a small fee. By using Wordpress, or Blogger, she can build, update, and maintain the site herself.

Of course the idea of doing a site for less appealed to her, but my other ideas for creating an online presence did not. I suggested using the site to have weekly tips and links to great articles for clients. For example, she could have a section on stress. In this section she could write a few tips and maybe have a recommend reading list with links to purchase the recommended books. This would not take the place of her counseling, but it could be a resource for her clients. I, also, suggested she could link the page to twitter and connect with people from across the country and establish herself, and her practice, as a leading expert in the personal counseling field. My sister is interested in running a small practice, not becoming the Canadian Dr. Phil. All my ideas, which are all simple and basic to anyone who uses social media, could really work for her in establishing her practice and optimizing her website, but that is not inline with her business goals.

Long story short, for minimal overhead she has a great website that she controls herself. This all achieved by taking advantage of social media. I think this is such a great thing. It may be basic, but it works. My sister is not internet savvy, but she is able to create and maintain her own website for fraction of the cost her colleagues pay.