Dear Africana Woman,
Hi hi. No I have not forgotten the challenge. I just had some hectic days and was not able to send you a letter. Je suis desole. I will make this a very quick one. Of first of all, the Africana Woman website has a facelift. I am very proud because I did it myself. I was very sure I would break it lol. Please go look at it and tell me what you think.
I love people who give feedback like this is too much, this is ugly. Trust me I can take it. For example, I forgot to redesign the mobile web interface and only realised it much later. But so many people had been looking at the website but instead of telling me ‘sis, it looks crazy’ they kept quiet. Sigh. Don’t worry, Mo came to the rescue and snatched my edges. What I am trying to say is that when someone asks for feedback they really need it. Even if it is negative feedback because then they are able to improve. If you don’t say anything, it’s like letting your friend walk around the office with tissue stuck to the back of her skirt the whole day. It’s cruel.
Eh but designing a website has so many facets to remember. Like a user-friendly interface for both mobile devices and desktops. Then there is the social media share. SEO. All this is on top of the copywriting, imagery, active links etc. It’s a constant work in progress. Which is why I use WIX because it is made for dummies. Those of you who use a certain website that presses on your patience, I don’t know how you do it. It’s complicated for no reason.
Let me answer this question about whether or not you need a website for your business. Some people are entirely reliant of social media platforms to conduct their business and do not have websites. That is Threat on your SWOT analysis because any social media can up and close on any day. We think it’s not possible but recently Facebook, Instagram & Whatsapp went down for a few hours. Just imagine you do not have a way to contact all your followers or people in your communities i.e. groups. Where would that leave your business. If you do decide to stick to social media only, have a backup plan for collecting contact information from your community. For example, in Facebook under groups for someone to join you can request that they submit their email and phone number. Make sure that you are actually storing that information.
Why have a website? That is your real estate on the internet. You control the narrative of your story. It adds some legitimacy to your business or expertise in an area. Again, if any platform were to suddenly close down, your community would know where to find you and stay connected with you. I don’t think you need to make it complicated. Even one page is enough. Just remember the way you experience a website on a desktop is very different from the way you experience it on a phone. The majority of people access websites through their mobile devices so it is important that you make the experience user friendly. Personally, I prefer not to store all the content I create on a platform that I do not own. Imagine if all my writing and podcasts disappeared by the touch of a button because a platform closed. No fank you.
I will end here before I bore you with technical jargon. If you want to learn more, feel free to reach out. I also do compelling copywriting. Welcome welcome. So good to have you here for the first time. I hope this is not the last. To ensure it isn’t, click the subscribe button. Welcome back Beloved, you are truly loved. Please go ahead and share this with a friend. Africana Woman is a blog, podcast and community. There is something for everyone. Again check out the website. You can catch me on Instagram @ChulubyDesign. My desire is that you love yourself, flaws n all, and attract the life you truly desire. Day 18 done. #30DaysWriting
Have a good one
Chulu