Build the website you need now – not the one you might need later

A founder came to me with a fat project. Instead of cooking the whole thing for $$$$$, I sliced off one piece and asked only $$.

Risky? Short term – yes. But I’m playing a long game, baby.

She’s an early-stage impact founder planning to shift how farmers treat soil. She’d done her research and interviews, and heard plenty of “Wow, I want in” from farmers.

But there’s a lot to test before the project can make a real difference on the ground. She has a clear plan for the first stage and a bold vision for happily ever after.

I could have tried to sell her a huge, complicated website for all her future stakeholders – farmers, supporters, corporates, governments… with hairy functionality, info pages and stuff.

Instead, I suggested splitting the website into phases that align with her plan, starting with a light, simple few-page version that supports what she’s doing in the next few months.

She might not get to the second phase. I might never get more money (if any 😅) from her. And that’s okay.

What matters is that she can focus on the immediate next step, with a tool that helps her do exactly that, spending as little time and money as possible.

Over those few months, she’ll learn things that will likely change her plans. Then, with or without me, she can adjust her website to support the next phase.