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If you have a business, you need a website.
Customers expect to you to have a website. A mobile-friendly, useful website.
If you don’t have a website, you are losing business. A business website is how you get found and where you present your business to your customers.
It’s the key marketing tool of our time.
Google it.
What do you do if you want to check the hours, address or phone of a business? You Google it.
What do you think if the website is absent, hard to use, or poorly designed? You bounce.
Yup, it’s a thing. Google Analytics calls it the ‘bounce rate’.
92% of consumers use the internet to search for local businesses [Local Consumer Review Survey 2014]. Business owners must take their online presence seriously.
A Facebook page isn’t enough.
If you have a business you should have a Facebook page. It’s expected by clients and they will search for your business there.
Facebook is a great business marketing tool. And it’s free.
Your business Facebook page should include:
- your business contact information and hours
- a link to your website
- your logo
- a great cover photo banner (It’s like free billboard space!)
- business-appropriate information and posts
Don’t abandon your business’ Facebook page. Check and update it regularly. People will like, read, and post on it. They may message you through it. If you don’t respond quickly, personally, and professionally they will not be impressed.
BUT… it is not a substitute for a website.
If you have a business you should have a Facebook page…
BUT… it is not a substitute for a website.
What you need.
Your website can be as simple as you need it to be. If you’re starting out and the budget is tight, just get a solid 1-3 page website up.
The bare minimum:
- Add your logo.
- Include your location, contact information, and hours if appropriate.
- Keep it clean and uncluttered.
- Make sure it’s mobile-friendly (responsive) and that it functions properly.
- Don’t get hacked. Add a security plugin.
What you want.
Once you have the basics covered, expand from there. What is most important will vary depending on your business.
Some helpful additions…
- Social media links
- A Google interactive map
- Engaging, quality images
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Make your case – briefly. What do you offer and why they should choose you?
- Products, testimonials, portfolio items, etc.
- An ‘About’ section or page
- A contact form
- Current sales & promotions
- Newsletter sign-up
…you get the idea. Remember – keep the content and design clean and uncluttered.
The target.
Unfortunately, it’s a moving target.
Don’t abandon your website. Maintain and update your website as needed.
Web standards and ‘best practices’ are constantly changing.
For example…
- 10 years ago no one worried about designing for mobile, 5 years ago it was a good idea, now it is necessary.
- 10 years ago Flash was used on many websites, 5 years ago people were removing it, now it is a bad idea to have a website with Flash on it.
The investment.
Investing in a solid website is money well spent. If you have a great website it will work for you. It will reach customers that would never have found you otherwise. Your website will be the best ‘salesman’ on your staff!
Bite the bullet. It amazes me when a business sees the value of advertising and will invest hundreds or even thousands into flyers, ads, billboards, and signage – but they have a terrible website.
Find the right person for the job. Hire an experienced pro that offers the services you need. View samples of their work and their credentials. Make sure they’re responsive and accessible.
Don’t under value your web designer.
“If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Hiring the wrong people for the job can end up costing you a lot more afterwards.”
– Donjete Vuniqi (Elegant Themes)
The Bottom Line
If you have a business, get a decent website up, even if it’s very simple.
If you have an outdated website, invest in a website refresh. Update the content, make sure it is mobile friendly, and address any re-design needs.
In summary…
- If you have a business, you need a website.
- Customers expect to you to have a website. A mobile-friendly, useful website.
- If you don’t have a website, you are losing business.
A quality website is a great tool that will work for you daily. 24/7
A quality website is a great tool that will work for you daily. 24/7
Join the discussion! Please scroll to the bottom of the page to view and leave comments. I would love to hear from you!
Related: Learn WordPress – Advice & Tips for Beginners
Related: Learn WordPress — Maintaining Your WordPress Website
Related: Is Your Website Doing Its Job?
Image Credit: Rawpixel.com / bigstockphoto.com
Mon Sheri Design
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sheri Lossing
designer|photographer
— I am a freelance web and graphic designer who also does professional photography.
— I drink a lot of coffee, live in front of my computer, and occasionally leave my house. I love what I do.