Yes, You Do Need a Website

So, do you have a website yet? 

Many horseback riding instructors and horse trainers rely on applications like Facebook as the sole means to advertise their services. While this can work for established professionals who can rely on word of mouth referrals (don't worry, you'll get there, too), it is a detriment to equine professionals looking to build and grow. Really, you need a website.

Here’s why:

Think about the primary demographics of people looking for your business. The core customer base consists of Millennials with young kids wanting to learn to ride, Boomers with grand kids or riding themselves, and Gen Xers with teenagers looking to advance their riding skills or getting back into it now that their kids are out of the house.

Core customers tend to go directly to your website or google you after they find you initially

Your audience will want to learn more about you and your program and determine if it is the right fit for them. While they may hear about you via a personal referral, Social Media, or Google Search/Maps, your website is likely where they will start doing their due diligence as a prospective customer.

Google Maps and Google Search are still extremely popular for customers searching for local or specialized riding instructors and trainers. 

Both of these tools use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) algorithms and crawl websites for relevant information. Having a website to begin with increases your chances of being found - even better if you optimize it for search engines!

No matter which demographic you work with most in your business, having a website helps you look more professional at first glance. In my experience, people generally appreciate professionalism. They are more likely to trust their kids with you, refer you to others, trust you with their horse, and listen to you as an industry professional when you come across as organized, structured, and like you generally have your act together. A program established enough to have a website, even a simple one, will set a more professional tone and help you put your best foot forward with a potential customer before they ever even connect with you or step on your farm. 

So, do you have a website yet? 

If you said Yes, awesome! Are you maximizing this online real estate via business authentication on Google Maps and leveraging SEO? I can help.

Answer No? Now is the time to create one. Don’t worry, it can be simple - more of a landing page than anything, really. Want help brainstorming the design or figuring out which tool to use? Set up a call with me.

Bonus Tip: Don't worry if your website isn't perfect right off the bat. You will likely change it quite a bit in the early stages as your business grows and evolves. It's better to have it good enough and remain flexible, making regular small updates. This will keep you from getting bogged down in the details of the first version so your presence is out and findable. Your updates will become fewer and farther between as your business grows and matures. I like simple website creators where I can make changes myself (like Wix) over a fancier or more complex site to start. As I got more established and less changes are necessary on a regular basis I would consider looking for a professional website designer and builder.

Hugs and Happy Riding,

Kristin

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Have questions, want help with your business operations, or want to learn more about the Equestripreneur Community? Don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Equestripreneur offers coaching and community for equine business owners like you!

Learn more about author Kristin Bowers.

Blog posts from Equestripreneur are not meant to replace individual professional advice, which will best inform personal circumstances.