Do You Love Your Website?
I thought it would be fun to expand on a recent post I did about "4 Simple Web Tools For Your Small Biz". To recap, I highlighted four tools that could help your business thrive on the web. Number 1 was your website. Are you giving your website the love it needs? I hope so. As of today, it is still the most important part of your business's web presence. It's your home base.
Almost all businesses have a website now, but the majority of them just have a website because someone told them they should have one. So they slapped a website online without any thought. Now they have this static website that is really not doing them any good, especially the way people use the web today. Are you one of those folks?
So for fun, lets pull up your website right now. Look at it. Now I want you to ask yourself this:
What do I want people to do when they reach my website?
This is the the most important question to think about when putting together your website. Do you want people to know who you are, what you do, to contact you, find new leads? Maybe it is all of the above. Figure out what you want and then work backwards.
So now you have your goals. Now what will make your website stand out from the rest? I think there are three areas you need to focus on.
3. Keep it simple. I know I say that all the time, but just think about the sites you like to visit most. I bet the majority of them are nice and simple and easy to navigate.
2. Master the home page. Your home page should answer all of the questions a potential visitor might have when they land on your site.
1. What is the best way visitors can reach you? Make it easy for your customers or potential customers to contact you. Email, phone, social media sites like twitter, facebook, linkedin, blog.
There ya have it. Now they know who you are and where to find you. Next is getting them to engage with you online and share that conversation online with others. How do we do that? Can you say, blog?
3 comments
Feb 22, 2010
Tyler said...
You make some very good points Chris. I have been trying to convince my brother's employer (An RV Dealer) that they need a better web presence. They don't see the need, but I know it would make a world of difference in the way potential customers "view" the business.
Feb 22, 2010
Chad Egeland said...
Great tips and good information for business owners Chris.I think one item that is overlooked on many small business websites is the design and aesthetics of the site. Your website is an extension of your business and if your website looks like trash what message do you think you're sending potential clients?
I believe that most small business owners wouldn't let their their store front contain broken windows and peeling paint but for some reason they think this look is OK for their website.
Feb 22, 2010
Chris Nadeau said...
Great comparison Chad. I agree the design should fall under the love you give your website, but I also don't think someone should spend a small fortune on designing their site. I still think Seth Godin hit the nail on the head back in 2007. There is no need to reinvent the wheel here. Find a site that can work for your business and make it yours. Simplicity and content will separate you from the pack.