What Does it Mean to Say You Want a Website

In this day and age it is sometimes thought that any consultant should have their own web site.  But is this true?  And if so, what does it mean in terms of costs and effort.  These are real questions that anyone who calls themselves a consultant needs to ask.

First off, why does a website seem important?  The truth is that there are actually many good reasons to have one.  Probably the most important is that it is a sign of being serious and committed.  Another point, is that it provides a convenient way for potential clients to find you in this post-phonebook era.  Also the information on your web site will save time on the initial introductory questions and answers about you and your work with potential clients.  If your site attracts the attention of the search engines, you may actual find that it is a source of free advertising.

It is also possible that the web site could become part of your workflow.  For example, if you are a specialist in exchange rates, having customized tables may provide a valuable reference point.  You may also use the web site to organize focus groups or maintain discipline in the process of  drafting documents.  Your website may also contain statements on such issues as privacy policy that may take on considerable importance when preparing bids.  Steps taken to ensure the security of your website against hackers may seen as an important indicator of professionalism (See caption below).

How much does all this cost?  There are a huge variation, both in terms of time and money.  On some levels, a free Facebook account may be all you need.  There are also services that will allow one to prepare a small website that is free provided your traffic does not exceed a certain volume and you are willing to allow advertising on your page.  On the other end of the scale, the cost may be in the thousands to attain a web site that one might associate with a high-end management consulting firm.  In addition, if you have a multilingual client base, then translation issues need to be considered.

A lot of this boils down to what sort of image do you want to project to both your current and future clients.  On some levels, it is an investment like any other.  The only difference is that if you over-invest you run the risk of looking foolish.  Still in this day and age, every consultant will have to consider these questions to some degree.

However for many, the most difficult thing is deciding how to describe oneself.  Many people stumble into freelance consulting without a real long term plan.  Preparing a web site forces one do decide many questions about who you are and what you have to offer.  Developing answers to these questions may justify the whole effort by itself.

For an extra $30 a year, the link on top was made secure