Get Your Business Online for Free

Hey there, small business owner! Ready get found online without breaking the bank? You're in luck! We've got the ultimate guide to launching your business online for free. Yep, you heard that right—FREE. Let's get started!

Step 1: Set Up a Google Business Profile

First things first, let's make sure people can find you! Setting up a Google Business Profile is like planting your business flag on the world map. It's simple, and it's probably the most effective (and cost-effective) way to boost your online visibility.

Bonus Tip: Connect your Google Business profile to a Yahoo profile. This dynamic duo will help you reach customers you didn't even know existed!

Extra Bonus Tip: We made a video about this a few years back when we had a Pink Mullet...its worth a look!

Click here for a quick rundown

Step 2: Get Social with Social Media

Social media is like a magical playground where your business gets to show off. Whether it's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, choose platforms where your potential customers hang out. Regular posts and interactive stories will keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Pro Tip: Consistency is key! Pick a schedule and stick to it, like your morning coffee routine. It doesn't matter if its once a week.

Step 3: Join Local Facebook Groups

Let's face it, we're all guilty of a little Facebook lurking. Why not put it to good use by joining local Facebook groups? These groups are treasure troves of potential customers. Share your expertise, offer promotions, and watch your community grow.

Insider Advice: Be genuine and helpful in these groups. Nobody likes a pushy salesperson.

Step 4: Build a Free Website

Ah, the pièce de résistance! No online presence is complete without a website. Free website builders like Wix and WordPress are perfect for creating a basic site that showcases your products and services.

Website Wisdom: Remember, the website is your digital storefront, so keep it clean, easy-to-navigate, and visually appealing.

The Catch – There Ain’t No Such Thing as a Free Lunch!

While these steps are a fantastic start, remember that nothing truly comes for free. In the digital world, if you're not paying for the product, you are the product. But don't worry—these foundations will set you up nicely for when you're ready to invest in a professional website.

Final Thoughts: Getting your business online doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Follow these steps, stay authentic, and remember to have fun with it. When you're ready to take it up a notch, we'll be here cheering you on!

Happy hustling, future online misfits!

Domain vs Hosting

Why the Fu*k Am I Paying for Domain and Hosting for My Website?

Aren't They the Same Thing?

You’re a seasoned business owner, not a techie, and yet here you are, staring at a bill for domain and hosting services wondering, "Why am I paying for both? Aren’t they the same damn thing?" Trust me, you’re not alone. Most folks have no freakin' idea what these terms really mean. But understanding them could save you from a world of digital hurt.

Domains and Hosting 101

Let's break it down. Imagine your website is a house. The domain is your street address – it’s how people find you online. It's that nifty URL you type into a web browser. Hosting, on the other hand, is the plot of land your house sits on. It’s where all the files, images, and data live.

Why Pay Separately?

Why the separate bills, you ask? Because they serve different purposes! Just as you wouldn’t expect your home address to come with free real estate, you shouldn’t expect your domain to cover hosting (or vice versa). Domains and hosting are distinct services offered by different providers, each with its own set of features and benefits.

The Industry's Big Misunderstanding

Many business owners struggle with this concept. You’re not alone. The industry doesn’t exactly make it easy, often bundling services in a way that confuses rather than clarifies. Add to that the tech jargon thrown around, and it’s enough to drive anyone up the wall.

But here’s the truth bomb—understanding these two elements is crucial to owning your digital space. Your domain is your brand, your identity. Hosting is the power behind it, ensuring your website is fast, secure, and reliable.

Real-World Insight

One of our Signwriting clients, was paying through the nose for a bundled package that sounded impressive but delivered little. When we stepped in, we helped separate the wheat from the chaff, optimizing both their domain and hosting costs while enhancing site performance. The result? They saved money and saw a noticeable boost in site speed.

You can do the same. Know what you’re paying for. Make sure your domain reflects your brand and is easy to remember. Choose hosting that offers the right balance of speed, security, and scalability.

Breaking Down Challenges

The industry needs to get its act together. It's time to demystify these services for business owners. Transparency in pricing and service offerings could prevent countless headaches.

Solutions? Here’s a thought—demand clarity from your provider. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and ensure you’re getting value for every dollar spent. Consider consulting with experts who can guide you through the maze of domain and hosting options.

Don't feel dumb

You shouldn’t feel like an idiot for asking questions about your domain and hosting. Want to know more about the nitty-gritty of domain and hosting? Our team is ready to help untangle the web (pun intended) of services and set you on the path to smarter web management.

Reach out to us for a consultation. Let's ensure you're getting the most out of your digital presence—without the smoke and mirrors.

Lets Chat

Top 4 Website Mistakes to Avoid

You've got a business and are ready to take it online. That's fantastic! But before you leap into the digital world, let's take a moment to ensure your website doesn't make the same classic mistakes that can leave potential customers scratching their heads. Here are some pitfalls to avoid to keep your digital presence as strong as your handshake!

1. Not Being Clear About What You Do (and Don’t Do)

Imagine walking into a shop where all the signs say "Maybe, Sort Of, We’ll See!"—confusing, right? Your website shouldn't be a guessing game.

2. Not Using Consistent Branding

Branding isn't just for big corporations—it's for every business, including yours. It's like wearing your uniform with pride and consistency.

3. Not Using a Decent Host and Domain Reseller

Your website's host is like the engine of your ute; you need something reliable that won't break down halfway through the job.

4. Copying the Competition

Sure, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but when it comes to business, you want to stand out, not blend in.

Creating a website is an exciting step in expanding your business, whether you're a trade, farmer, or military professional. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to building a strong online presence that accurately represents your business and connects with your target audience.

If you're looking to refine your website strategy or need a hand with branding, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help ensure your website is as solid as the work you do every day.

Unravel the Magic of SEO

Unravel the Magic of SEO: Why You Need It and Where It's Used

Hello, curious minds! We're about to embark on a thrilling adventure through the digital jungle known as Search Engine Optimization, or SEO (as the cool kids call it). Buckle up buttercups!

Let's Break It Down: It's Not Rocket Science!

Let's Break Down SEO: It's Not Rocket Science!

Think of SEO as the coolest party you've ever been to, and your website is the next big hit song. Now, DJ Google is spinning the tracks, and you want your song to be the one that gets everyone to the dance floor. SEO, in essence, is your song's VIP pass to the top of DJ Google's playlist.

In the world of web, Search Engine Optimization is the practice of boosting the quality and quantity of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. Its about understanding what people are searching for online. The answers they seek, the words they're using, and the type of content they wish to consume.

Why You Absolutely, Positively Need It

I need it

If you want your website to be seen and heard in the vast digital universe, SEO is your North Star. Here are a couple of reasons why you need it:

1. Visibility and Rankings: When people search for products or services that you offer, you want to appear as high in the search engine rankings as possible. Because people rarely scroll past the first page of search results.

2. Website Traffic: More visibility means more traffic. SEO is about attracting high-quality traffic - people who are genuinely interested in what you offer.

3. Credibility and Trust: Websites that appear higher in the rankings are viewed as more reputable. It helps build trust and credibility with your audience.

4. Improving User Experience: SEO is also about providing a friendly user experience. Search engines want to see user-friendly websites with relevant, high-quality content.

5. It's Cost-Effective: Unlike paid advertising, the traffic from Search Engine Optimization is completely free. It's an investment in your website’s future.

The Many Faces of SEO: Where It's Used

The Many Faces of SEO: Where It's Used

Now that you understand the "why" of SEO, let's delve into the "where". SEO isn't just for your website's content. It's a multifaceted beast that affects many aspects of your online presence:

1. Website Structure: Well-structured, easy-to-navigate website.

2. Content: The heart of Search Engine Optimization lies in content that is high-quality, relevant, and regularly updated.

3. On-Page SEO: This includes things like page titles, meta descriptions, and headers. It's all about making your website easily understandable for search engines and users.

4. Off-Page SEO: Think backlinks and social media signals, demonstrating to search engines that your website is a trusted authority.

5. Local SEO: If you're a local business, Search Engine Optimization is crucial in attracting local customers. This includes optimizing your website for local search terms and managing your online reputation.

6. Mobile SEO: With more people using mobile devices to search online, mobile Search Engine Optimization ensures your site is mobile-friendly.

Your Ticket to the Digital Dance Floor

Your Ticket to the Digital Dance Floor

Let's face it, the digital world is crowded and noisy. If you want your website to stand out and make some noise of its own, SEO is your best friend. It's all about making sure your website is seen and heard by the right people, at the right time.

Let's get ready to hit the digital dance floor. Start with SEO, and watch as your website becomes the life of the online party. It's not just about being seen; it's about being remembered. And trust us, with a solid Search Engine Optimization strategy, they won't forget you.

Its not a one-hit-wonder. It's a long-term strategy that requires time, dedication, and a bit of creativity. But hey, we're here to guide you through it, one beat at a time. So let's crank up the volume and get this party started!

How Good Web Design Can Boost Conversions & Sales

In the age of digital marketing, having a business website is crucial. But just having a website isn't enough. It's essential to have a website that's been designed with user experience in mind. In short, good web design can boost conversions and sales. But how exactly does it do that? We'll explore how good web design can help you achieve your business goals by increasing conversions and sales.

Good web design improves user experience


Good web design is crucial for providing a positive user experience. Users are more likely to stay on your website if it's easy to use and provides information in an easily digestible way. Good design includes factors such as a clear layout, easy navigation, and fast-loading pages that keep users engaged with your website. By keeping users on your website longer, you increase the chance they will convert into customers.

Good web design builds trust and credibility


People are more likely to do business with a company if they trust it. A well-designed website that's visually appealing helps build trust and credibility with potential customers. A website with a professional design and great content shows that you care about your business and your customers. It tells potential clients that you have high standards and that you take your business seriously.

Good web design can help with search engine optimization


Web design isn't just about aesthetics. Properly implemented, good web design can boost your search engine rankings. Search engines like Google give preference to websites that are well-designed and easy to navigate. Search engines also look for content that's relevant, and a well-designed website will make it easier for search engines to crawl your site, improving your search ranking.

Good web design optimizes for mobile devices


With more and more people accessing the internet on their mobiles, it's essential to ensure your website is optimized for mobile devices. Good web design includes responsive design, which means your website will automatically adjust to the screen size of the user's device. A website that looks great on a desktop but is difficult to use on a mobile device won't convert mobile users into customers. Having a website that's easy to use on a mobile device will increase conversions and sales.

Good web design drives sales and conversions


Ultimately, good web design is about driving sales and conversions. With a well-designed website, customers are more likely to stay on your site longer, trust your business, and share your content. Good web design creates a positive user experience, which helps to drive sales and conversions. Websites with a clear call to actions that are easy to find and use will turn potential customers into actual customers, increasing sales and driving revenue growth.

Good web design is about more than making a website look good. It's about creating a user experience that drives conversions and sales. A well-designed website builds trust and credibility with potential customers, helps with search engine optimization, optimizes for mobile devices, and ultimately drives sales and revenue growth. As a business owner, investing in good web design is one of the best ways to boost your online presence and take your business to the next level.

Custom Website Design vs Templates - Which Is Better?

As a small business owner or a tradie looking to create a website, choosing between a custom website design and a template can be a daunting decision. While some may argue that templates are more cost-effective and get you up and running quickly, others insist that custom websites are superior in every way. We’ll help you make a well-informed decision by breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of both. So, let’s dive in!

Custom Website Design

When you commission a custom website design, you’ll be working with a team of professionals to create a website tailored to your brand and business needs. Customisation is the biggest advantage of a custom website design. You’ll have complete control over the look and feel of your website, as well as its functionalities. When you’re working with experienced website developers, you’ll get a website that will be unique, one-of-a-kind and, most importantly, it will be made to convert visitors into customers.

But custom design can be expensive

The downside of custom website design is the fact that it can be expensive. If you’re working with a tight budget, custom design may be out of reach for your business. A custom website design can also take longer to create, depending on the number of design revisions needed. If you’re under time constraints, a template web design may be a more preferable option.

Template Websites

Template websites, or cookie cutter site as they're known in my world...as the name suggests, are pre-designed websites that can be customised with your content and branding. It’s an affordable and quick solution if you need a website built quickly. These templates come with predefined layouts, visuals, features that are easy to edit and update to provide a website that looks professional and unique. You’ll be able to choose from an array of templates, which provides you with a lot of options and saves you from the process back and forth designing and verifying the design process of custom websites.

But template websites can be generic

One of the disadvantages of template web design is that you will be sharing the same design with many other businesses or competitors as well. A template can limit your ability to convey your brand personality in a way that sets you apart. A template can also limit customisation, and that may not make it possible to achieve the whole essence of unique visual experience.

Choosing between custom website design and template website design is a crucial decision that will impact your business significantly. Many businesses choose templates because of their affordability, while others opt for custom websites because they offer a tailored and unique website. But custom web designs can stretch budgets and take longer to create.

In conclusion, it all depends on your individual business needs and budget. If you’re looking to build a website that is unique, conversion-focused and personalised to your brand, then custom website design is the way to go to establish your business's online presence in the market. But, if your budget is very tight or you need a website built quickly, template websites are a good solution, but you may need to compromise on the level of customisation and uniqueness. In the end, make sure to work with experienced web developers who can guide you through the process step by step, keeping in mind your business goals and budget constraints.

Your Business Needs a Website, Not Just Social Media

G'Day, fellow Aussies! As a business owner or tradie, you might think social media is all you need for online visibility. It’s easy to create pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and start posting your promotions and services. However, have you ever asked yourself if your social media efforts are enough to reach your target market and boost your business growth? We’ll share with you why your Aussie business needs a website, not just social media.

A website gives you more control

When you have your own website, you have the freedom to design it according to your brand and vision. You’re not limited to the templates and features provided by social media platforms. A website allows you to customize your pages, add functionalities, and create an immersive user experience that will set you apart from your competitors. Additionally, having a website means you’re not relying on a third-party to host your content. You’re the owner and have full control over your online presence.

Your Business Needs a Website, Not Just Social Media

A website showcases your credibility

Having a website gives your business instant credibility. It’s like having a digital business card that shows your professionalism, services, and accomplishments. On your website, you can showcase your portfolio, list testimonials from satisfied customers, and display your awards and certifications. This can help build trust with your potential customers and increase your chances of converting them into loyal clients. In contrast, social media platforms are more casual and often used for personal connections and leisure, which may not resonate well with certain business niches.

Your Business Needs a Website, Not Just Social Media

A website expands your reach

While social media can help you reach a broad audience, a website can give you more opportunities to target your niche market. With the help of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques, you can increase your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. This means when people search for keywords related to your business, your website will show up on the top results. Moreover, having a website allows you to use various digital marketing strategies like email marketing, PPC, and affiliate marketing, that can help you drive more traffic and revenue to your business.

Your Business Needs a Website, Not Just Social Media

A website provides valuable insights

One of the benefits of having a website is the ability to track and analyze visitor data. By using tools like Google Analytics, you can monitor your website’s traffic, user behaviour, and engagement metrics. This data can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your website, and optimize it to meet your business goals. You can also use this information to personalize your website’s content and offers based on the preferences and interests of your visitors. This level of analysis and personalization is not possible with social media platforms, as their analytics are more limited.

A website future-proofs your business

Finally, having a website is a smart investment for your business’s future. As technology continues to evolve, having an online presence will become a necessity rather than a luxury. By starting your website now, you’re setting a strong foundation for your business that can adapt to changing market trends and consumer behavior. Some social media platforms may become outdated or lose their popularity over time. Your website, on the other hand, can grow and evolve with your business and be a reliable source of leads and sales for years to come.

There you have it, mates! Five reasons why your Aussie business needs a website, not just social media. While social media can be a useful tool to complement your online presence, having a website gives you more control, showcases your credibility, expands your reach, provides valuable insights, and future-proofs your business. Make sure to create a website that reflects your brand personality, is user-friendly, and is optimized for search engines. By doing so, you'll be on your way to building a strong digital presence that will help you grow your business and connect with your customers. Thanks for reading, and may your website soar like an eagle!

5 Free Web Builders to Help Tight-Arse Business Owners

We're here to introduce you to 5 Free Web Builders for tight-arses. Wondering WTF tight-arse has to do with a business that's not the fitness industry? Let us help you out. Tight-arse is Australian slang for a person who spends as little money as possible. Let's use it in a sentence for you: "There's no way the boss would pay for a website, he's a total tight-arse". Do you see what we mean now?

One of the most common knockbacks we get from our website quotes is because the boss or business owner is a tight-arse. They probably read somewhere it's not the fu*king hard to build a website and passes the job to their unsuspecting partner, admin person, or apprentice...[insert any position other than their own here] See the thing is, your boss's mate that built their own site and said it wasn't the fu*king hard, is also a tight-arse. They tend to stick together.

Are free web builders really free

If you read our previous blog (Are free websites really free), you know we really do not recommend free web builders for established Aussie businesses. But we are aware of the increasing number of tight arses in the business space and thought we would help them out. Or for those working for the tight-arse. A quick note to let you know we are not associated with any of these builders, except Google. We are a Google partner. That doesn't really mean a lot though.

Google Business Profile

Coming in at number 1 is Google Business Profile. Its not actually a web builder...but it is with the biggest search engine so it kinda makes sense you should have a profile with them. It is actually entirely free. It will help people find your business and you can upload images, logos and all the things. It's not the slickest of builders but as far as getting found online this is the bare-bone minimum you should be doing.

WordPress

Not for a beginner. You need to do some serious YouTubing to get your WordPress, site to work. It is the powerhouse blogging engine that commandeered a staggering one-third of the Internet. Yes, you read that right. It's a force to be reckoned with. Now, here's the deal. You can go old school and install WordPress on your own servers, or you can save yourself the hassle and simply hop on over to WordPress.com (not WordPress.org) to get your blog, online magazine, or small business site up and running in a mere five minutes.

Mailchimp

Mailchimp is more than just an EDM platform. You can build websites too! Its not hard either. Most is drag and drop now. With Mailchimp's free website and landing page tools, you can effortlessly create stunning sites that will impress your audience and bring your brand to life. And that's not all. Their built-in marketing and automation features will take your marketing strategy to the next level. Obviously, some of it's free and some of the extra features are not.

Wix

What can we say. It's the most loved and hated of all the free builders. Wix has actually come a long way. It has improved so many of its lacking features. So don't feel bad using it. What WIX is notorious for is being super basic and any add-ons or decent features will cost you more. So keep this in mind. Again a basic drag and drop builder. Nice responsive templates. Easy to edit.

SITE123

A newish kid on the block. Site123 is more of an app. Their mission is to get you online in a flash, with a fully functional website in just minutes. It's as simple as that. Got your content ready? Great! They'll guide you step by step to create a stunning site. They have a heap of free images, videos, and icons to add that professional touch. No need to stress about design, this is the builder for anyone who wants a quick, easy, and stylish website for their business, portfolio, wedding, blog, or CV.


With the five free web builders above, building an awesome website for any tight-arse business owner has never been easier. Not only are they user-friendly and fun to use, but they will help you create a professionally designed website that looks sleek enough to satisfy even the most penny-pinching boss. So don't settle for a website that your budget doesn't give you - take matters into your own hands and try out one of these five powerful web builders!

Is your boss a tight-arse?

Do you need help convincing them you don't wanna build their stupid site? No problem. Get in touch and we'll help you out.