5 Top Tips To Bring Your Creations Online
Building a successful online presence for your project is vital. Start now.
Cover photo by Max Ostrozhinskiy on Unsplash.
Whether you are considering improving your website or starting from scratch, this post is for you. Over the years, I observed many projects and businesses go online. While the goal was usually the same, every business is unique and different.
Ideally, it’s important to have a personalized plan. Realistically, finding the resources for this kind of investment is not always possible. Here are my top tips to help you build a successful online presence and start where you are with what you have.
Tip #1 – Start small
Depending on your specific project or years of activity, you might have developed many creations, products, or collections. Building an online presence can be overwhelming; despite what everybody says, it may not be as easy and quick as you expect. Be ready to work hard and start small.
When starting or refining your presence, your goal may not be to have a thorough representation of all you’ve done. Instead, the goal here is to give your audience and clients an idea of who you are and what you do. The rest will follow over time.
Start small, focus on the essential, and aim to launch as soon as possible.
Actionable tip
Make a selection of your best work and your bestselling products, or create a curated collection. Focus on bringing online that selection only as a starting point. Start small, with the plan to gradually expand as you grow your presence online.
Watch out
If you do make a selection, keep in mind that you might want to expand it in the future. Leave room for growth and remember that new needs and wants may arise in a few months. For example, if you consider expanding your offering soon, choose your template carefully and make sure that it will feel right for some time.
Tip #2 – Progress steadily
When working on a big project, it’s always a good idea to have a plan. Better yet: a written plan. Divide the work into smaller chunks and go for steady progress. For example, you may work on a new part of your website every week. As you move quickly, you have a close deadline, and see the results day after day, you will feel much more in control than working randomly.
After you launch your new website, repeat this process to expand your offering or improve your presence. Focus on progress and grow consistently, even after you launch your website.
Actionable tip
Grab your planner now and schedule the work you need to do for your website over the next few weeks. It can be as simple as “Week 1: research platforms and website building services, and choose one or two to try out; Week 2: choose a template; ...”.
Watch out
Try to stay on track and be prepared that things will not always go smooth or as planned – it’s ok. Just do your best to work consistently and focus on solutions, not problems. Remember that you are not alone. If you struggle, reach out to a friend, a professional, or customer support of the services that you are using for your website or project.
Tip #3 – Work with the best
If you’re anything like me, chances are that you like to get your hands dirty and do everything yourself. That kind of attitude is terrific and will serve you well for your business and life. Still, there are specific things that you could consider handing over to a professional for the best results. For example, as a creative, you might be able to shoot great photos of your products or creations, but do you feel as confident when writing your About page or product descriptions? Conversely, if you are more skilled in professional writing and branding, can you take killer photos of your products? I am sure you do many things well, but it’s important to recognize when you’d better work with an expert.
Depending on your budget and requirements, there are many different options available. Just take a step back, assess your skills and talents, and be open to hiring help. If you decide to do so, make sure to work with the best talent: they will make a massive difference for your project.
Actionable tip
Ask yourself: “What is the area where I might need help? What are the things that I am not able or willing to do?”.
Watch out
Don’t focus on price; focus on value. A service that seems cheaper is not necessarily a wise investment: you might end up throwing away the work entirely or not benefiting from it. Find a way to work with people you like and trust, and don’t settle for mediocrity. You deserve the best.
Tip #4 – Surround yourself with the right people
Building an online presence or a website is as vital as challenging. Surrounding yourself with people that support you is crucial. Whether it’s your business partner, life partner, family, friends, community, or fellow creators, build a network of people you can count on. For example, you may want to inform a friend of your plan to build a website and launch by a specific date and ask them to keep an eye on you. Having someone to tell it to will make you feel more motivated and accountable. As weeks go by, check-in regularly with them to share your updates and progress – maybe even some frustrations!
Create a safe space with the people that surround you and, if that feels comfortable for you, let them scold you lovingly that day that you stayed in bed for too long.
Actionable tip
Think of a supportive and kind friend or person in your network, and inform them right now about your goal, idea, or project. Keep them in the loop by sharing regular updates and listen to their (constructive) feedback or advice.
Watch out
If anyone says that you can’t do something, that you’re crazy, or that you’re going to fail, give it your all to prove yourself right. Failing at something is always a possibility, no matter how hard you try. Still, not even trying is the only way you can fail for sure.
Tip #5 – Be organized
As your website, project, or business grows, you may end up having more information than you can handle. Find a system that works well to track your work, organize data, and store documents and important information. From the passwords of your many accounts to images, branding texts, catalogs, and product descriptions, there are many different options to store and organize work. Often, they are also free!
Actionable tip
List all the information that you need to organize and take out of your mind.
For example:
the passwords for your accounts;
the people you can reach out to in case of need;
the partners you would love to collaborate with in the future;
your to-do list;
new concepts or ideas to develop in the future.
Now, try to think of what kind of tools, platforms, or services might help you. From spreadsheets to project management platforms, just experiment a bit and find what works for your specific needs.
Watch out
Again, try to keep things simple, manageable, and sustainable. Don’t go into too much detail, especially in the beginning. Organizing your work is just a means to help you, not your goal.
Start with what you have, aim for progress, and do your best consistently. Now, start!
Francesca – Armonica Studio
Francesca is the creator of Armonica Studio, a marketing consultancy focusing on strategy and communication. She is a Brand Strategist, a Communication Consultant, and the creator of The Armonica Blog: Marketing Insights And Actionable Tips For Creators And Makers. She currently lives in Berlin, Germany.
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