I started my own website back in 2014.
It was a well-thought-out decision. I wanted a home that didn’t change with every new career move. Since a brick-and-mortar home was changing fast, the digital home or my own website was a dream come true.
But in the Indian blogging scene, I found many using free WordPress sites or blogger blogs.
All good if you want no money spent on it.But not really useful when you look at it with a long-form view.
So when in July, Tangi videos said goodbye (I still hope it’s a sayonara), I was grateful that I have my own website to share my occasional art adventures.
Tangi, in January of 2021, had first invited to work with them. I was lucky to work for Tangi for several months as an artist. Life will never be the same again. But it again drove home the point about having your own place in the digital sky.
Check out the portfolio page with a few of my and my daughter’s artwork.
If you want to follow me on my art journey, check out my Instagram videos.
In case you want to get to know me better, you will love my Youtube videos.
Being in a left-brain profession, I am often struggling with my intuitive right brain’s activities.
But painting and my adventures with Tangi helped me find a way to balance all my work, hobbies, and life to find a balance.
Growing up, I was exposed to drawing, painting, singing and dancing very early in my childhood. I don’t remember when I stopped drawing and painting for fun. It just happened
Like the childhood friend I lost touch with.
I remember her fondly and have lovely memories but will probably never meet again.
Seas apart, and now the world is changing by leaps and bounds.
So in July, I painted and did a lot of ink wash. It was extraordinary that ink wash is sometimes even more fun than florals. But I digress as usual.
So why should all professionals have their own website?
1)It’s easily the best digital calling card of the current times. Your website is up and opens three sixty-five days a year. That makes it the kind of billboard that would need serious money on other people’s land. But when you use it to spread awareness and education, it’s not an advertisement; it’s a social service.
2)You are the boss. You need to follow the law of the land, but not social media Moghul laws. Your freedom of expression depends on your sensibility. But it’s safe to say you have a much more considerable leeway than those on social channels. Remember, the tech giants can also refuse to host websites if you are not playing the game right. So the thing about FOE is technical, legal, and everything in between.
3)You can sell your own products, promote your favorite products, coach, teach or consult online. It’s your website. You can decide what you want when you want it.
4)You are building up authority with your content. So make it count.
Authority doesn’t come from just because you say so. But from your education, experience
and how you create and share your content. No one said it would be easy!
5)Your personal brand is you. That’s why creating a website for the professional you are essential. If it’s a more personal blog you want to make, that’s possible too. That’s brand building again, but with a different goal. Either way, it’s your platform and your brand.
6)You are creating a digital asset/family heirloom, Dumbledores pensieve, in digital format.
7)Your website can have your business information, FAQ section, how to get in touch with you, and the best part? You can update them easily whenever you want. It’s one of the best ways to keep your readers, customers, audience updated about your work and products.
8)You can showcase your books, videos, courses and, if you want, can start your own online school too! The potential is enormous when you have a website. What you can do is limited only by your imagination.
9)You can sell your websites to make money. Yes, that’s possible, and depending on the domain name, authority, and traffic you can make good money.
10)You will be a game-changer, torchbearer for all the people in your professional network. Imagine the potential? Definite scope for feeling good about all the hard work you have done right? So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t started one already start a website now.
A note of caution:
- While you are the boss of your website, it’s also a mixed blessing. Definitely, don’t do or say anything you wouldn’t in front of your mother or boss. They are probably reading your website too.
- Dont fake your qualifications and experience. Actual degrees matter even in the virtual world. Loss of good faith is irreparable.
- You are an adult. I am sure you will read what you write before hitting publish. In the online world, nothing ever goes away. So create Digital with care.
Social media platforms have their own reason for being.
It’s not to help us make friends or make money. But they do what they do to meet their business goals. Why do you need your own platform? If you want to be a professional, you must have your own website.