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As a professional pet sitter, it is essential that you have a professional website for your business, but creating one is no small feat. You may be very web savvy and know how to create your own website using a low-cost site builder tool. Or, with the effort needed to manage your pet-sitting business, you may not be able to invest the amount of time to create a professional business website.

Either way, before deciding to create your own website or outsource the project to a professional designer, consider these factors:

Free programs or do-it-yourself web design kits save you money initially, but remember to factor in the time you will spend. How much is your time worth and do you have the time to devote to designing and creating your site? Before embarking on the task, ask your business contacts or other professionals whose sites you admire what their time and money investments were like.

Even with free programs, you will need web-design knowledge. To build a professional, effective website, you will need a solid understanding of website design and a good understanding of search engine optimization (SEO). Effectively using SEO for your business website is necessary to ensure that your site comes up in web searches for local pet sitters. With the growing number of people using smartphones, you’ll also want to make sure that your website is mobile-compatible. If you are not confident in these areas, consider at least consulting with a professional developer before creating your site.

Do you have time to keep up with the ever-changing World Wide Web? A static website with rare updates will not help drive more traffic to your site. To effectively market your business and stay in the top of search results, your website must constantly offer new content. Maintaining a company blog on your website is a good way to ensure that you always have fresh content.

Make sure that your website platform allows you to make these changes when needed. Make sure your site allows you to integrate your social media pages, blog and e-commerce functionality if needed.

Invest the time necessary to create good online content. When it comes to the creation of website design and content, less is often more. Think from your potential client’s perspective—what information is most important, what will make your site attractive, easy to read and easy to navigate?

You want to make sure that your key information is easy-to-find. Can visitors to your website easily locate your phone number and e-mail address on each page of your website? Also, if you want pet owners to engage with you on social media, do you have your social media icons integrated into your website?

When designing your website, create a consistent look and feel. You own a professional business and your website should reflect this. Your website should be consistent with your business brand. Use colors and images similar to your business logo and other marketing materials.

Think about the websites you visit. Have you ever been to a website that had flashing graphics, used different fonts and almost gave you a feeling that this may not be a safe site to visit? Don’t be that website. Make sure your site looks professional and provides potential clients with confidence in using your services.

Good luck creating or updating your website! A well-planned and professional site is essential for your business. Remember to include your PSI Member logo on your website to display your professionalism.

Are there other tips you would offer to fellow pet sitters either creating or updating their business websites? Share your suggestions below.