I've recently started building websites for clients, and I've noticed some clients seem to think that just having a website will automatically attract visitors. I've done a few projects, mostly for my portfolio, and I realize that many of these clients assume that once the site is live, traffic will just come streaming in. While I know that good SEO, search console integration, and having a Google business profile can bring in some organic traffic, I believe it's not enough—especially without existing brand recognition. I'm questioning whether this misunderstanding is common among web design clients or if it's more of an isolated case that I just need to explain better in my initial conversations.
3 Answers
It's common for clients to underestimate what goes into a website's visibility. In my experience, during initial meetings, I focus on questions about how their website fits into their overall marketing strategy. If they haven't thought about it yet, it becomes clear there's a gap in their understanding. It's essential to clarify these aspects early!
Yep, I've seen this quite a bit! Most clients don't grasp that organic traffic takes time to build. For instance, my website, after 3.5 years, only gets about 2k views per month with little marketing. I always tell clients that creating quality content and improving their website's user experience are key. It can be slow, but with consistent effort, they’ll see growth. It's worth explaining this process to them upfront.
Absolutely! Many clients equate having a website with having a successful business. It's crucial to educate them right from the start about the effort involved, including marketing strategies beyond just posting on social media. Some even think they’ll get thousands of hits just like their favorite influencers without realizing the work that goes into it. It's definitely a misunderstanding more than a one-off situation.

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