onlineiq was invited to present to the South Australian branch of the Australian Physiotherapy Association as part of a Professional Development exercise for the Physiotherapy Business Association group.

It was a challenge to narrow this topic to include what most small business owners needed to know, without having their eyes glaze over from overwhelm (or worse - boredom!).

With a mixed audience of those practitioners having existing websites, and those contemplating their first one, it was important to ensure that both the basics were covered, and some 'next steps' and latest developments included for those with existing websites.

Many people were surprised at the skill set needed to put together a successful web presence, and while I covered some DIY options, the majority of people left feeling that it was best left to the professionals. 

Each of the important elements were discussed, starting with an assessment and plan to achieve the business goals specific to their business (think: architectural plan), design (think: the look & feel), coding (the wiring), copy-writing (the message), images (visuals), and website optimization (being found online).  This is indeed a broad skill-set.  Finding all of these in one individual while not impossible, is rare.  Some of the DIY options available today provide much in the way of design (using templates) and coding (by use of platforms), but having this all work together towards a successful business tool so it bends to your 'marketing' will can be another matter.

Many physio practitioners were not aware of how additional features can help not just with the public-facing site, but with internal business workflows - to streamline queries, newsletter subscriptions and online sales.

The feedback on our talk was great - 'pitched at just the right level', 'surprised I did not fall asleep' (well I took that as good feedback, anyway), and 'why would I do it myself?', when realizing how much cheaper development options had become in the the last few years.

Carolyn Coleman, the Manager of the South Australian Branch commented that  "... the presentation was extremely well received by all who attended.  Thank you for agreeing to having it videoed - as it will become part of the APA's online education offering for Physiotherapists right across Australia. You explained clearly why no-one in business can afford not to have a website now to be on an even playing field - and you gave our members the information they needed to take those first steps confidently."

If you are part of an industry body, small business group or not-for-profit group interested in having a similar talk, please contact Ursh on 0413 606 463.  Bookings for presentations available in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, and always open to invitations from other cities.

I have spent many hours reassuring nervous clients about their websites - particularly in the middle of the website build. It is an emotional, creative and logistical exercise and process. Just because its something I am familiar and comfortable with does not mean you are.
Here is my take on it - would love to hear yours!
Building a website is much like building a home.
You have a vision or a need.
You explain your ideas.
Someone draws a plan.
You change it. They make suggestions too.
You both agree.
You call the builder.
They look at the plan and quote.
You go ahead or review your plan. You shake on it.
They start to build it.
You see the foundations and think it looks tiny, and worry.
They send you off to find paints and tiles.
It is starting to take form, but you worry that its looking messy.
They send you off to find light fittings and furniture.
You need to make some decisions about your power, gas and telecommunications supplier.
You bring in the paint, the tiles, and order the light fittings and furniture.
The preparation for the painting begins.
The paint goes on. Its starting to feel real. A bit echoey but real.

You realise you really do need that furniture, that carpet and the light fittings to make it feel like home.

You get some furniture. You move it around. You sit on it.

You invite a few friends. They tell you what they think.

You tell the builder. He tells you what is possible [and what isn't].

He makes the changes.
You move in, do some landscaping and put everything away.

You send out the invitations.

You have a housewarming.
Your website has been launched!