Many small businesses, especially new ones, run a lean operation. We understand that your main focus is on necessities and urgent matters, only spending money when you need to. But, a great website for your small business is the best way to showcase your venture.
Having a website and online presence strategy allows you to market your business online. It’s a fundamental tool that every company (big or small!) needs. You can use your website to attract traffic and grow an audience, showcase your products and ideas, and share what you know.
Did you know that Yarra Plenty Regional Library offers a variety of digital and physical resources to help you in setting up a website for your small business?
We offer free access to hundreds of LinkedIn Learning courses that can help you get started, including our top picks below.
Thanks to website builders like Squarespace, WordPress, and Shopify, you don't need coding skills to get a website online. But you do still need a plan. In this course, learn how to set yourself up for success by determining the purpose of your website, the type of site you’re going to make, and which goals to track along the way.
The course also covers designing the actual look and feel of your website, explaining how to ensure that the words, images, and overall design are accessible, mobile-friendly, and optimised for performance and search engines.
Building a Small Business Website with WordPress
Anyone can build a business’s presence online with the themes, plugins, and built-in functionality offered by WordPress. In this course, create a website complete with a contact form, social sharing buttons, a blog, and a custom homepage. Learn to think about your requirements in a smart way, and then be walked through every step in the process: from site planning and finding the right plugins, to installing a new theme and customising the appearance of your site to match your brand. Plus, get tips for prepping and sharing your site with the world—and implementing the security you need to keep it safe.
We even have books that you can borrow (!) to help you make the most of your website.
Online marketing for baby boomers by Fiona Blinco, 2020
Many business owners procrastinate with their online marketing and, as a result, are missing out on the opportunities the internet offers them. This book demystifies the dark arts of digital marketing so business owners of any age can embrace the technology and grow their business online.
Digital marketing for businesses in easy steps by Jon Smith, 2020
This book guides you through the essential steps you'll need to take to set up your digital strategy and get it right the first time. It covers the fundamentals of digital marketing, how to get more from your website and keeping your "digital house" in order.
Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers, by Russell Brunson, 2020
Traffic is just people. This book will help you find YOUR people, so you can focus on changing their world with the products and services that you sell. Learn how to understand exactly who your dream customer is, discover where they're congregating, and how to throw out the hooks that will grab their attention to pull them into your funnels.
For more tips, tools, and upcoming events for your business, visit our Small Business Support page.