Starting a service-based business can be exciting, but one question that often arises early on is: “What kind of online presence do I need to get started?” Maybe you’ve got your social media accounts up and running, but relying solely on those platforms can be risky. After all, you don’t own your social media accounts, and the platform could change or disappear overnight. So, what can you do to build a digital presence that is under your control?

In this post, we’ll compare three key options: bio pages, landing pages, and full-fledged websites. I’ll break down each one and help you figure out which one you should focus on first as you kick off your service-based business journey.

Understanding Bio Pages, Landing Pages, and Websites

Before diving into which one to create first, let’s start by understanding what each option really is.

What is a Bio Page?

A bio page is a one-page website that houses all the essential links your potential customers need to know about your business. You can think of it as a digital business card. It’s a summary page with links to key things like:

• Contact information
• A link to your services or offers
• Social media profiles
• Blog or podcast (if you have one)
• A link to a freebie (like an e-book or guide)

Bio pages are commonly used on social media, where people can add a “link in bio” to provide easy access to important links. There are many apps available that help you set up a bio page quickly—some even integrate with the tools you use for scheduling social media content.

What is a Landing Page?

A landing page is also a one-page website, but it differs from a bio page in that it’s designed for a specific purpose. Usually, the goal of a landing page is to:

• Grow your email list
• Sell a product or service
• Promote a lead magnet (like a free resource in exchange for someone’s email)

Landing pages are more content-rich than bio pages. They include text, images, videos, and sometimes even forms for sign-ups. For example, if you’re offering a free guide to your audience, a landing page might explain the benefits of that guide, followed by a sign-up form to download it. Some people use landing pages to market specific offers, workshops, or events.

What is a Full Website?

Now, a full website is exactly what it sounds like—a complete, multi-page site that contains everything you need to showcase your business. This could include:

• Home page
• About page
• Services or product pages
• Contact page
• Blog, podcast, or resource pages

A full website is like a digital home for your business, housing all of the information about what you do and who you serve. It’s a more extensive platform compared to a bio or landing page, and it’s ideal for businesses looking to provide a comprehensive experience for their audience.

So, Which One Should You Create First?

Now that we understand what these pages are, let’s talk about which one is best to create first for your service-based business. The answer really depends on how you plan to start your business. Are you focused on building an audience first, or are you looking to get your services out there as quickly as possible?

If You’re Following the Audience-First Path…

The “audience-first” path is all about building your audience before you start offering services. In this case, you might want to focus on creating content like blog posts, podcasts, or videos to establish your authority in your niche. If you’re going down this route, I recommend starting with a landing page.

Here’s why: a landing page can help you collect email addresses from people who are interested in what you’re offering. It’s specifically designed to grow your audience by offering something valuable (like a freebie or newsletter sign-up). You can then use that list to nurture relationships with your audience, and eventually, sell your products or services when you’re ready.

Additionally, a landing page is perfect for directing people from your social media accounts. You’ll only have one link available (especially on platforms like Instagram), so having a link to your landing page ensures you can capture leads while keeping things simple.

You can also create a bio page that links to your landing page. That way, people can access your landing page (and the freebie or offer you’re promoting) without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices.

If You’re Following the Service-First Path…

On the other hand, if you’re starting with your services in mind—let’s say you’re launching something like a virtual assistant business—then you’re ready to offer something right away. In this case, you’ll need a more complete online presence to showcase your services and let people know exactly how to work with you.

For this, I recommend a full-fledged website if you have the budget for it. A full website gives you the space to explain everything about your services, showcase testimonials, and provide detailed information about how people can contact you or book your services.

However, if you’re just starting out and don’t yet have the resources for a full website, you can still go with a landing page. You can create a landing page that highlights the services you offer, provides a bit about you, and even includes testimonials or a freebie. A landing page can accomplish much of the same goals as a website, but at a more affordable price point.

A Quick Recap

Let’s summarize:

• If you’re following the audience-first path, create a landing page to start growing your email list and providing value. A bio page can be added as an extra tool to link to your landing page.
  
• If you’re following the service-first path, create a full website if you have the resources. If you’re on a budget, start with a landing page that explains your services and allows potential clients to sign up or book a consultation.
  
• If you’re still not sure, remember that a bio page is a great place to start if you just want something simple and quick. It’s like your digital business card and can always be expanded as you grow.
  

So, What’s the Best Option for You?

Starting your online service-based business doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t need to invest in a full website right away. Depending on where you are in your business journey, you can choose a bio page, a landing page, or a full website. Whatever you choose, remember that your goal is to make it easy for people to find you, learn about your services, and get in touch with you.

If you need help with setting up any of these pages or figuring out the best option for your business, feel free to reach out. Let’s create a plan that suits your goals and helps you get your business off the ground.