It’s 2021. If you don’t have a website for your business or even your side hustle, you need to get one –now. Websites are a must if you are looking to grow your business and digital presence. The great thing is, they are not hard to make anymore, they are not very expensive, and sometimes, you can even create one for free. Stop putting it off and start your website now – there is no excuse.

BASICS OF A WEBSITE

Simply put, a website is a collection of content that contains text, images, and may include video, audio, or other media. A website can be as simple as a few pages or as complex as several applications simultaneously running. In most cases, as far as an aesthetician’s website, this can and should have everything from who you are, what services you offer, where you are located, contact information a place clients can book an appointment, and shop products. The website should have an overall feel of what clients can expect when they come in to see you. If you want to take it a step further, you can add a blog to give clients and potential clients more value. Also add videos of thespa or services you offer.

READY, SET, GO

Now that you know what a website is, you need to put your ideas into action. I know some of you might not have a big budget, but the beauty of it is, you don’t need anextensive budget. When I started my first website in 2011 it was simple, but I also knew the importance of having an online presence. It was two pages withan About Me page, with a photo of myself.The second page was a list of services with details, pricing, and contact information. I know a lot of you are already using an online booking system.Many of those systems offer free websites,and you should take advantage. Many times, these website hosting companies have easy how-tos, and you can easily fill in your information without feeling overwhelmed. If you are already doing that and want to take it to the next level, then congrats to you. I highly recommend picking a website builder that fits your needs the most.A lot of times we think we need to hire out for this service, which can be helpful, but if you are just getting your foot in the door, it doesn’t have to be perfect. I am constantly updating and improving my website, even after 10 years.It’s an evolution and grows with me and my business and hopefully yours will too.

CREATE & LAUNCH

Now that you know what a website is, how you can make one?It’s time for the fun part – creating your website. First off, congratulations on deciding to take yourself and your business to the next level. Next, make a list. Create a domain name and choose the name of your website.Don’t be discouraged if the first domain is taken – get creative. Secondly, your website will need pages. Create a homepage – think of this as a virtual lobby where you introduce what the business is and what the client should expect. Make a services page. It should look like a menu, with services offered, description of services, time, and price, but only if you feel comfortable adding those online. Create acontact or booking page. This isa place for clients to email you with a question or book an appointment.The about me pagetellsthe client a little about yourself. They want to know who is going to be servicing them. What we do as aestheticians is intimate.Let the client get to know you and start feeling comfortable with you before they even walk through the door.

 Make it fun.Have fun with creating your website and it will shine through. Add pictures that represent you and your business. Don’t be afraid to add colors and personality and then –launch it.This way, potential clients can get to know you and your services and even book an appointment while you are busy seeing other clients. A website is going to help you work smarter, not harder.

Kasey Boone has always had a passion for the beauty industry. After working as an aesthetician in the treatment room for over 15 years, she now has a passion to create fun, versatile tools that can be used in and out of the treatment room. She has created amazingly soft and easy-to-use Glow Towels, Glow Skincare Cold Roller, Mini Cold Roller, and more. When Boone is not creating skin care tools or treating her clients, she is working on her new magazine and podcast, Skin and the City.