Laura’s Blog

A question entrepreneurs frequently ask me is:

When do I need a website?

How many months (or years) before I open for business should I begin brand-building, blogging, and creating a website that showcases my professionalism?

I answer this question in my new column at the Writing at the Red House blog. While my response is directed to writers and speakers, entrepreneurs in any niche can adapt my tips for your use.

You’ll get six key takeaways in my article:

1. Blogging gives you the opportunity to test three key factors that will contribute to your long-term success.
2. How many blog topics you’ll need to brainstorm before launching your business (the number might surprise you).
3. Why you need to take a long-term approach to business blogging.
4. How many true fans you really need.
5. The right time to add a website to the mix.
6. Six important pages to include on your “starter” website.

Free Website Page Planner

Plus, I have a free Website Page Planner that I think you’re going to love! Print it and use it to help you plan the visuals, headlines, text, and special features for every page of your website.

When creating a website, remember this rule of thumb:

FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION.

You always want to plan the brand messaging and content (text, images, audio, video) BEFORE designing your site. Once the content for each page is in place, design your website so visitors can quickly and efficiently access and consume your content.

Grab your Website Page Planner now and get started!

About Writing at the Red House

My friends, Kathi and Roger Lipp, started Writing at the Red House to equip and encourage men and women to be the communicators God made them to be. Their focus is on helping upcoming speakers and authors further their reach through best practices, training, and coaching.

I met Kathi in 2014, when we both began serving on the board of directors for West Coast Christian Writers. Roger is an unofficial board member, doing a ton of tech stuff behind the scenes at our writers’ confernces.

During the past few years, Kathi and I have visited each other’s homes, shared meals, laughter, tears, and our mutual love of high-quality coffee.

When Kathi recently decided to expand her blog, she invited several writers and speakers to join her team as regular contributors. Each of us shares our expertise in our niche – my niche is website and blog education.