Picture this: someone hears about your amazing tourism experience and decides to Google your business. What do they find? A Facebook page? A Yellow Pages listing? Or, ideally, a sleek, professional website that showcases your brand exactly as you envision it?
If it’s not the last one, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many Tasmanian tourism operators rely solely on social media or directories to represent their business online. While these tools are useful, they’re no substitute for a stand-alone website. And the good news? Creating a simple, effective website is absolutely within reach—even if you’re not a tech wizard.
Let’s explore why your business needs a website and how you can DIY it the right way.
Why Bother with a Website?
You might be thinking, “I’m already on Facebook and Google Business—why do I need a website?” Here’s the truth: those platforms are great for visibility, but they come with limitations.
- Control Your Brand
Social media platforms dictate how your business looks and feels online. A stand-alone website, on the other hand, lets you choose everything—from colours to photos to the tone of your content. Want to highlight your passion for Tasmanian culture or showcase customer reviews? Your website is your space to do that. - Show Professionalism
Imagine searching for a business and finding only a Facebook page. For many potential customers, that raises red flags. A professional website signals that you’re serious about your business and makes you stand out. - Boost Your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
A website improves your chances of appearing in search results when someone types “Tasmanian tourism operator” into Google. Blogging, backlinks, and a mobile-friendly design all contribute to your search rankings, bringing more eyes to your business. - Centralise Your Online Presence
Your website should be the hub of your online world. Social media, Google listings, and advertising campaigns all lead back to your website, where potential customers can learn more or make a booking.
What Should a Website Include?
If the thought of building a website overwhelms you, let me simplify it. You don’t need a fancy, multi-layered site to impress. Start with these essentials:
- Home Page
This is the first thing visitors see, and you’ve got about three seconds to wow them. Use professional images and a clear, engaging message to make them want to explore more. - About Us
Tell your story. Why are you passionate about what you do? How do you deliver a unique experience to your customers? Authenticity is key here—don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. - Contact Details
Make it ridiculously easy for people to get in touch. Include a phone number, email address, and a contact form so they can reach you however they prefer. - Blog or News Page
Share tips, stories, or updates about your business. For example, write about hidden gems in Tasmania, seasonal activities, or behind-the-scenes looks at your day-to-day operations. This not only helps your customers but also boosts your SEO.
Can I Really DIY My Website?
Yes! DIYing your website is entirely possible with the right tools and mindset. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress make it easy to create professional-looking websites without any coding knowledge. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:
- Start Simple
Focus on the essentials. You can always expand your site later as your business grows. - Choose the Right Platform
For beginners, platforms like Squarespace or Wix are intuitive and offer beautiful templates. WordPress provides more flexibility if you’re willing to invest some extra time learning. - Use High-Quality Images
Tourism is all about experiences, and visuals are everything. If you don’t have professional photos, consider hiring a photographer or using free high-quality stock images. - Make It Mobile-Friendly
Most people will visit your site on their phone, so it’s crucial that your website looks great and works seamlessly on mobile devices. - Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If DIY feels daunting, you can always start with a basic site and call in an expert later to polish things up.
The DIY Journey Is Worth It
Building your own website might feel like a big task, but it’s an investment in your business that will pay off in spades. Not only will you stand out in Tasmania’s competitive tourism industry, but you’ll also create a powerful tool to attract and convert customers.
And if you’re still not sure where to begin, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Keep an eye out for our upcoming course that will guide you step by step through the process of building a beautiful, effective website that represents your brand.
Your business deserves a place to shine online. Are you ready to take the first step?
Excited to create your website but need a bit of guidance? The Website Prep Pack, our DIY Website Design Course for Tasmanian Tourism Operators is launching soon! Stay tuned for more details, and let’s get your business online the right way.