The Last Two Steps to a Website That Works (and Keeps Working)
By now, you’ve nailed down your why, figured out how to get found online, built strong content, chosen the right features, and found a great website creator to bring it all together.
But here’s the thing—a website isn’t just a one-and-done project.
It’s a living, breathing part of your business that needs to work seamlessly with your other tools and be regularly maintained to stay effective.
That’s where these final two steps come in.
Step Six: Integration and Cohesion
This is the part where everything comes together.
Your website isn’t just a pretty digital brochure—it’s a business tool. And like any tool, it needs to be connected to the right systems to actually function properly.
So, what do you need to integrate?
✔ Professional Email Addresses – Your website domain should match your email. A business running on [yourname]@gmail.com? Not a great look.
✔ CRM System for Leads & Customers – A customer relationship management (CRM) system helps you keep track of leads, follow-ups, and customer interactions. No more lost inquiries!
✔ Google Tag Manager & Google Analytics – If you’re not tracking what’s happening on your site, you’re flying blind. These tools help you understand who’s visiting, what they’re clicking on, and where they drop off.
✔ Social Media Tracking & Ads Integration – Facebook Pixel, Instagram tracking, LinkedIn insights—these tools tell you what’s working and what’s not so you can adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.
The Benefits of a Fully Integrated Website
✔ Better Data = Better Decisions – When everything is connected, you can make informed marketing choices instead of just guessing.
✔ A More Streamlined Business – No more jumping between platforms or manually entering leads. Integration = efficiency.
✔ Stronger Brand Presence – A cohesive system ensures a seamless customer experience, whether someone finds you on Google, Instagram, or directly on your site.
✔ Higher Conversions – Tracking data means you can fine-tune your site to maximize leads and sales.
What Happens If You Skip This Step?
If your website isn’t properly integrated, you’re missing out on valuable insights and potential customers.
It’s like throwing a party but forgetting to send out the invitations—you might get a few visitors, but you’re not reaching your full potential.
Step Seven: Ongoing Maintenance is a Must
Here’s the hard truth: Websites aren’t set-it-and-forget-it.
Just like a car needs regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups, your website needs ongoing care to keep running smoothly.
So, what kind of maintenance are we talking about?
🔹 Technology Updates – Keeping plugins, themes, and your website platform updated prevents glitches, improves security, and ensures everything works properly.
🔹 Hosting & Security Checks – A reliable hosting provider and strong security measures protect your site from hackers, downtime, and data breaches.
🔹 Content Refreshes – Regularly updating your blog, service pages, and core content keeps your site relevant and engaging. (Nobody trusts a website with a blog that hasn’t been updated since 2021!)
🔹 Traffic & Performance Analysis – Reviewing your Google Analytics and social media tracking data helps you understand what’s working and what’s falling flat.
🔹 SEO Maintenance – Google’s algorithms change constantly. If you’re not updating your SEO strategy, you risk losing visibility.
The Benefits of Regular Website Maintenance
✔ Better Performance & Faster Load Times – Regular updates keep your site running fast, reducing bounce rates and improving user experience.
✔ Stronger Security – Hackers love outdated websites. Regular maintenance keeps your site safe from cyber threats.
✔ Higher Search Rankings – Google favors active, well-maintained websites. Fresh content and updated SEO strategies help you stay competitive.
✔ More Leads & Conversions – A site that’s constantly optimized = more visitors taking action.
What Happens If You Skip This Step?
Let’s be real: Neglecting website maintenance is a disaster waiting to happen.
A slow, outdated, and unsecure site leads to:
🚫 Broken links & errors – A frustrating experience for users.
🚫 Weaker SEO rankings – Search engines push neglected sites lower.
🚫 Higher security risks – Outdated plugins can be hacked easily.
🚫 Lost sales & leads – Visitors won’t stick around if your site looks abandoned.
Your website is an investment—protect it with proper care.
Final Thoughts: A Steep Learning Curve for DIY
If someone tells you, “Just pick a template and build a site!”—they’re missing everything that actually makes a website successful.
A truly effective website isn’t just about design—it’s about:
✅ Strategic planning
✅ Smart integrations
✅ Ongoing optimization
If you want a website that attracts traffic, engages visitors, and converts leads into customers, you need more than a DIY template.
You need a solid foundation, a clear plan, and expert guidance.
And if you’ve made it this far—you’re already on the right track. 🚀
