Hi everyone:

I have decided to look into Wordpress for my website and since it's being built by someone else through barter, it may be a few more weeks.

However, I would like to start networking now. Don't get me wrong, I happen to be a person who thinks that websites are paramount to building your business, but there are weekly networking events I can go to, and it takes time to build a relationship, I see no reason why I shouldn't go now, even though the website isn't done.

Also, I have been working on a temporary website on weebly and was thinking about using that until the site is done. The only downside to that is getting business cards made up with the weebly url and then having to redo the card again. I think I'm just anxious to get started.

Thoughts?

Caroline

Hi Caroline, I agree that it would be silly to pass up on networking events because your website isn't complete. Instead of starting a 'temporary' website and possibly confusing potential clients when you switch over to your regular site, have your designer install one of the 'under construction' plugins. If they choose the right one it will allow you to have some basic information like your phone # and e-mail while explaining that your website is coming soon.
Then you don't have to worry about giving out your regular website address.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

Like Tina said, have your web designer install an under construction plugin so that visitors know that it'll launch. Some plugins you can even customize to say "Site Will Launch On May 1, 2012" or whatever date you're going to launch it. I say go to the networking events. There's no reason why you can't start making contacts because your site isn't running yet.

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Paulette R.
Rhythm Virtual Solutions | Alpha & Beta Translations

Yes, I would say the exact same thing as both Tina and Paulette. Have a construction or landing page created that has your basic details and maybe a way to contact you via email and get yourself out to your networking events.

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Renee Shupe, Redhead Business Solutions & Ripple Action Marketing
Business Planning Workshop only $47 starts Feb 12th.

Thanks, everyone!

I live in area where there literally isn't a day (except maybe the weekends) where there isn't some networking event, and I get invited to them a lot. I kept putting off because of the website. It's just now that I am feeling more confident and plan to launch soon that I am ready to start attending these events.

When I have my phone appointment with the barteree(?) (don't know if that's a word) I will ask if the first thing we do is putting up a landing page.

This is great - I was thinking this week but that's honestly pushing it. But next week, I will be ready!

Caroline

Hi Caroline,

Having a temporary site that is under construction with a go live date shows that you are professional and serious about your business. You may also want to consider printing up a few flyers to take with you to your networking events and include a blurb about your upcoming website. I hope this helps!

Jo Ann | purpleroseva

I would also suggest that you log into MailChimp, create a quick account, copy the code and send it to the designer to add to your 'under construction' page.

Then if people do visit your website, encourage them to sign their name and email so that you can capture those leads. Once you have an email list, send out an announcement that the site is up and running.

In return for leaving an email ask them if they would like to receive a free download or a tips sheet once your site is up.

Janine

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