Ask the expert: A great website in 5 pages

Cara Tobin
15 February 2008

When you first come up with the idea of being your own boss, you probably think of all the cool things you think it involves – flexible work hours (“I can work in the spa if I’m careful and don’t drop my laptop or phone in”), work from anywhere in the world with all the technology at your fingertips (“Sure I can have a phone conference with you after I slalom down this Swiss Alp”), and wear your tracky-dacks and favourite Yoda T-shirt from 1981 to the office in the corner of your bedroom (“See, I’m saving on office rent so I can go out for lunch every day.”)

Sound familiar? Maybe only to some, but most people don’t realize how tough it is to be doing something this big, completely solo. Nothing happens unless you are involved. Nothing.

Whether it makes your fingertips zing or gives you a dull migraine, the majority of sole traders understand that a website is a must and should be launched early on in the piece. You may have hundreds of ideas tricking about in your brain but no time and energy to bring them to life, as that would drag you away from the part of actually making dollars. So, getting a good and functional website up at the birth of your business should be a priority.

Setting up your own business is a costly excursion and spending thousands on your website is a serious turn-off and not necessary. The basic function of a website is attracting and informing potential customers. Having a fancy-schmancy Flash site is all very pretty but if people can’t find or open your site as Flash is not installed on their computer, then there ain’t much point.

I decided to investigate and ask an expert in the field, Sorna Devadas from www.5pages.com.au external link . Sorna has been developing websites for over 5 years and runs a business called 5 Pages, focusing on dynamic and powerful websites.

So what does Sorna believe is a solution?

“When someone visits your website, forgive the expression, it's like a monkey looking for a banana. The most important thing is to have some recent pictures and some key information. We have found that to gain credibility, 5 pages of information covering the who, what, where and why of your business along with some examples, is very effective in generating new leads. Combining our strengths with these understandings led to the creation of the 5 Pages Website System.”

According to Sorna, you need to do a lot of research to find what suits you best. And the cool bit? You don’t have to spend a fortune on your website…

“Some [websites] of them you are expected to design yourself, others are based on existing layouts and can look fantastic. Ask yourself questions such as do I need to update it myself? Can I send email newsletters that adhere to my design? Will I be found on the first page of Google? How much will that cost? Do I want an interactive map on my website? How long will it take to build? How much information do I really need? How much will it cost? Do I need a logo designed? Do I have some photos that show what I do? Do I have any information already typed up?”

So many questions for one little sole trader! But wait, there’s more.

“Building the website is one thing, getting found in Google and Yahoo is another. Having these two bases covered is crucial, then you need to think about how many visitors are actually looking to buy your offering when they visit your website,” says Devadas.

“People often think that once they have a website, people will flood it with visits and enquiries and they’ll be turning down work. This does happen but only with careful attention to getting found in search engines.”

So, once you have done the unglamorous task of researching, comparing, asking questions of friends, other small business owners and web developers, and even your grandmother if you think she will be helpful, you will be that next step closer to sole-trader nirvana. Skiing in the Alps, anyone?