Congratulations! Your new website is live. Here’s your complete roadmap to turn your website investment into a customer-generating machine.
1. Secure Your Domain Ownership
Before anything else, ensure you legally own your domain name. This protects your business and gives you full control over your online presence.
Why Domain Ownership Matters
- Security: Prevents unauthorized transfers or changes
- Control: Ensures you can make DNS changes, renewals, hosting moves
- Legal Protection: Establishes your rights to the domain name
Verification Process
- Check registration emails for verification requests from your domain registrar
- Respond promptly – most verification emails expire within 15 days
- Contact your web developer if you’re unsure about domain management
2. Your New Website is Done! What’s Next?
Your website is live, but it’s not finished. Think of it as a living tool that needs regular care to perform at its best.
Testing Your Website
- Copy/paste method: Copy/paste URL from browser, to an email, from each page needing a correction, note the info needing correction
- What to look for: Spelling errors, grammar mistakes, broken links, missing images
- Mobile test: View on your phone – does everything display correctly?
Fresh Content Strategy
Why it matters: Search engines favor websites with regular updates. Fresh content = better rankings.
Easy content ideas:
- New blog post (300-500 words about your industry)
- Upload new photo with descriptive caption
- Add customer testimonial or case study
- Update seasonal information or promotions
Frequency: Weekly ideal, bi-weekly minimum for search engine visibility.
Need to learn your website editor? Check out this 15-minute Elementor basics tutorial to get up to speed quickly.
3. The Basics – Your NAP on All Internet Directory Sites
NAP = Name, Address, Phone Number – must be identical across ALL online listings. Even small differences can hurt your search rankings.
Essential Directory Sites
- Google Business Profile: Most important – where customers find you first
- Bing Places for Business: Microsoft’s search engine directory
- Yelp: Major review and directory platform
- Yellow Pages: Still relevant for local searches
- Better Business Bureau: Builds trust and credibility
Avoid Paid Directory Traps
- Stick to free listings only
- Never sign contracts for directory submissions
- Avoid monthly payment services – you can do this yourself
- Red flags: High-pressure sales calls, “limited time” offers, upfront fees
4. Your Marketing Platform: I Have a Website, What Else Do I Need to Get Business?
Beyond your website, use these proven strategies to attract customers and build your reputation.
QR Code Marketing
- Physical locations: Yard signs, vehicle graphics, business cards
- Flexible options: Hanging cards or sheets for temporary displays
- Two types needed: Website QR code + Reviews QR code
- Benefits: Easy for customers to find you or leave reviews instantly
Review Generation Strategy
- Ask every customer: “If we did good work, would you leave a quick review?”
- Follow-up system: Text or email 24-48 hours after service completion
- Make it easy: Provide direct links or QR codes to review platforms
- Respond to all reviews: Thank positive ones, address concerns professionally
Social Media & Networking
- Start simple: Facebook business page minimum
- Post weekly: Share completed projects, tips, behind-the-scenes content
- Partner businesses: Build relationships with complementary services
- Community involvement: Sponsor local events, join chamber of commerce
5. Monitor Your Success
Track your progress with these essential tools. Check weekly to spot trends and opportunities.
Google Business Profile Monitoring
- New reviews: Respond within 24 hours
- Customer questions: Answer promptly and helpfully
- Photo views: See which images get the most attention
- Call tracking: Monitor phone calls generated from your listing
Website Analytics
- Visitor numbers: How many people visit your website
- Page views: Which pages are most popular
- Contact form submissions: Track leads generated from your website
- Traffic sources: See where visitors come from (search, social, direct)
What Good Numbers Look Like
- Steady or increasing website traffic
- Growing number of Google Business Profile views
- Consistent review generation (2-3 per month minimum)
- Increasing phone calls and contact form submissions
Ready to Get Started?
Your website is just the beginning. Follow these steps systematically, and you’ll transform your online presence into a customer-generating machine.
Need help implementing these strategies? Contact your web developer for guidance on any of these steps.
