Slay babes, I've been meaning to write this post for a while but in the foray of building this fantastic site I lost track of time. Before, partnering up with Syianne to launch our female empowerment brand 'Women Who Slay'. We spent 8 years running our online positive lifestyle magazine 'In-spire LS' and this site took us to different parts of the world, it opened up our eyes to a better and more refined way of living life and it also taught me what not to do this time around. I'm thankful for every opportunity it brought my way. But more vitally it gave me a vast amount of knowledge that I feel will not only benefit me as I embark on my new path but it will serve as valuable pearls of wisdom for you guys too.
I've learned so many things( more than I actually realised, that this post will be split into two parts and will also include a video series too so watch this space!)
You really don't need to hire an expensive web designer to create your website
As you embark into the world of business and begin to work on defining your brand, you will be encouraged in the early stages to create your own website. Your brand's website is the life blood of your business. It is where your current and potential clients will visit to not only gain more insight into your brand but also to establish what you have to offer. As a result, you will feel that the best thing for you to do is to hire a web designer to create your website. Now of course, I'm not trying to put web designers out of business, But, as a start up it is so important that you manage your outgoings effectively and try and find cost effective ways to hold on to your coins and make them stretch.
We're very lucky to be living in a digital age where new apps and online resources are being created and launched on a daily basis. As a result, you now have the free software available online that you can access to enable you to build your own website. When I first started my online magazine I paid £300+ for a basic website which didn't include many features. Now I use Wix.com (I'm sure you knew that was coming, and no; it's no sponsored!) and similar sites like Squarespace, Yola and website.com where you are provided with the necessary tools and where coding skills are not needed. I have saved hundreds of pounds and now can invest this money in other areas of my brands development. You don't need to pay for high quality images
When I first started my online magazine I did not have access to expensive cameras to take my own images, nor did I have the funds to purchase stock images. However, because the quality of my output was important, I researched 'affordable' stock image sites online and came across one called 'Big Stock Photo'. The images were fantastic and were exactly the quality I needed but each month, due to the quantity of articles going on my site, I would spend over £40 each month on images for the header alone! As a start up and someone who was paying for every aspect of my brand out of my own pocket. This began to add up and ultimately led me to being in deficit each month.
Fast forward to 2019, and the list of high quality photography sites available online is exhaustive. Talented photographers covering a range of genres submit their work onto websites such as Unsplash and Pexels and you have access to thousands of top quality images to cater for all areas of your promotional needs. You have the choice to credit the photographers on each image you use and can use them to convey your brands message on not only your website but through your social media accounts also. I can honestly say that having these resources available and at my disposal has been fundamental in my creating and launching this brand in such a short space of time. The amount of social media accounts you use should be kept to a minimum
This is one lesson I undoubtedly learned the hard way but having read a vast amount of articles and books from the likes of individuals like Gary Vaynerchuk (and trust me slayers he knows his stuff!) I now understand how vital it is to focus your attentions on a small amount of social media platforms and to dedicate time in using each one for a particular purpose.
Your social media accounts should not all function in the same way. For example: if you have a Twitter account and you share inspirational tweets through it, you shouldn't then post the very same inspirational quotes on your Instagram account and then on to your Pinterest profile. You should instead create different content to be promoted through each platform. By having too many platforms on the go, your message can become scattered and unless you have a massive team working behind you, what will tend to happen is your posts will not be consistent enough as you're spreading yourself to thinly. I have chosen to focus on Instagram as my PRIMARY social media platform and then use Facebook as my SECONDARY platform. By doing this, I am able to be more consistent and regular in my postings and the sites visits have steadily increased as a result.
Try and consider and implement some of the tips I've shared in this post and please do subscribe and share your thoughts. Keep an eye out for part two on they key things I have learned in business part two.
By| womenwhoslay @womenwhoslay
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