Welcome to Managing Your Small Business Website Project: A Beginner’s Roadmap.
If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur who’s never managed a website project before, you’re in the right place. This guide is designed to help you confidently navigate the world of online technology, digital marketing, and social media, even if you have little or no prior experience. Whether you’re starting your own venture or an employee looking to branch out, you’ll find practical advice and step-by-step guidance to get your project off the ground.
To make things as clear and relatable as possible, we’ll use a fictitious business, Gumnut Growth Centre as our running example. Gumnut Growth Centre is a business selling specialty gardening supplies and offering online masterclasses. By following their journey, you’ll see real-world examples of the challenges and solutions you might encounter, making each concept easy to understand and apply to your own situation.
This guide is broken down into key sections, each packed with useful information to help you succeed:
Getting Started
- Intro: Starting point for managing a website project. (You are here)
- Creating a Plan: Laying the groundwork for your project and setting clear goals.
- Content Strategy: Plan and organise content to attract and engage your audience.
Project Planning
- Budgeting and Time Estimates: Know your website costs and timelines.
- Risk Management and Common Pitfalls: Avoid common mistakes and manage risks.
- Software Tools: Choosing the right tools to build and manage your website.
Building the Website
- Services: Understanding which professional services can help you along the way.
- Outsourcing: Knowing when and how to bring in outside help.
- Testing to Website Launch: Ensuring your website is ready for customers.
After Launch
- Promotion and Social Media: Getting the word out and building your online presence.
- Maintenance & Business Operations: Keeping your website and business running smoothly.
- Customer Feedback & Support: Listening to your customers and continually improving.
Additional
- Further Resources: Trusted resources for ongoing support and learning.
No matter your background, this guide will give you the confidence and know-how to manage your website project from start to finish. Let’s get started and turn your business idea into a thriving online presence!