As I network around RI, sometimes I’m asked the question: “do I need a website?” This is generally followed by “Oh, well I assume you’ll say yes.” I mean, why wouldn’t I? I’m trying to sell websites right?

But the truth is not EVERY business needs a website. If you’re an accountant, for example, and have had the same clients for 20 years. You want to retire soon, and you have as much work as you can handle. Then you don’t need a website. But if you want new customers, more customers, better relationships with customers, better relationships with business partners and suppliers, and a powerful marketing tool, then yes – you need a website. And it needs to be a good one.

I do think most small business owners have some understanding that a website could be beneficial, but don’t know how to approach it. There are so many website designers out there, not to mention hundreds of Do-It-Yourself services.

So where to start? Well, not every business needs a site for the same reasons or in the same ways. The essential question is this: “what is my business trying to accomplish, and how can a website help me do that?” You might not know the answer to either of those questions right now. What I would recommend above all else is this: find a web designer who can discuss your business with you and help you find the answers. A website designer that just takes your information and throws it on a page won’t help your business grow half as much as one who designs it with your purpose in mind.