At the end of last year, I built a website for an auto and marine electrician (www.wattos.co.nz). He was setting up a new business and wanted to make an impact and get noticed fast. His sign-written trailer being driven around the area helped, along with local print advertising, and having a polished, well-designed, and written website to send people to.
It worked too well, and he got too busy too fast, so asked if I could turn the website off. While I get it — you’re flat out, booked solid, and maybe even dreaming of cloning yourself I told him "no". When the workload piles up, it can be tempting to switch off your website for a while. “Back soon,” you tell yourself. But before you hit that ‘off’ button, here’s why you should absolutely keep your site live — even when you’re too busy to take on more work.
1. Search rankings are hard to earn and easy to lose.
Taking your site offline can tank your Google rankings. All the time and effort you’ve put into SEO? Gone in a flash. When you bring your site back, it can take weeks or months to recover. Staying online protects your visibility.
2. Your website builds long-term credibility.
Even if you’re not taking on new work today, potential clients researching your services will still find you — and remember you when the time is right. A switched-off site might give the impression you’ve closed up shop.
3. It helps you control your workload.
Let your website do some of the heavy lifting. Clearly explain your availability, who you work with, and how to book ahead. FAQs can save you hours by answering repeat questions before they hit your inbox.
4. It keeps you ahead of competitors.
If people can’t find you, they’ll find someone else. Even if you’re not available, staying visible means staying top of mind. Out of sight, out of mind — and potentially out of business.
5. It attracts the right clients.
A well-optimised website doesn’t just bring in more work — it brings in better work. You can use it to speak directly to the kind of clients and projects you want to attract.
6. It shows professionalism and reliability.
A live website signals that your business is active and trustworthy. Taking it down can look flaky, no matter how good your reasons are.
7. It creates opportunities, even while you sleep.
Your website can keep building your email list, deliver digital products, or attract future leads while you're head-down in client work.
8. You never know who’s watching.
Dream clients. Collaborators. Media. They’re out there — and they’re looking. Your website is often the first impression. Make sure it’s a good one.
So even when you’re swamped, resist the urge to disappear. Keep your website working — it’s one of the hardest-working team members you’ve got.
If you are ready to get a website for your business that may work a little too well do contact me to find out more.
