Do visitors to your website feel they can trust you based on a visit to your site? Do you even have a website? If the answer to either of these questions is “No”, then you need to focus on this aspect of your business immediately. An effective website is the backbone of any small business in today’s technological world. Here are a few simple ideas to help you get started on building a credible website.
1) Choose a business name that is easy to remember and spell and is pertinent to your business. In accordance with these same principles, choose a logo that is simple, clean but matches your business.
2) A business website should always make use of its name in the URL in some way. If your exact name isn’t available, try to use something as close to your business’s actual name as possible.
3) Make it easy for potential clients to discover your organization is a real organization. Include:
- Phone Numbers – I suggest utilizing a service, such as Google Voice, to put a link right on your site on every page that allows callers to call you immediately from the site.
- Email addresses
- Links to a Contact form which will automatically email you their questions
- Physical Address
- Pictures of your offices
- Memberships with local organizations
4) Create a professional, useable website. For all websites, it is essential to be aware of typography, layout, consistency and use of appropriate images. It is also important to be consistent with your site’s purpose so be sure to design a website that fits your business. It is easy to want to create an elaborate website utilizing the newest web technology. However, most users are looking for a website that is easy to use and provides great information.
5) Including an About or Bio page is critical. It gives you the opportunity to tell visitors what the company does, why you are in business, and how you came by your expertise. Readers want to know who they will be working with on any project. If you have several employees, be sure to include short bios and photos of each person on the website.
6) In regards to content, be sure to include
- A detailed list of services/products you are selling
- Affiliations with credible organizations
- Ways to contact you via social media, ie Twitter and Facebook.
- Links to any Press Coverage
- Testimonials
- Video Content
- List of any Awards recently received
- Be sure to limit advertising. Affiliate Marketing is a very useful tool but don’t go overboard on including affiliates on your website. Too much advertising can make you lose credibility.
- Make sure content is current and updated frequently.
Building a credible website takes a lot of creativity, hard work and persistence. It also gives you the opportunity to put you and your business one step ahead of your competition. Take this opportunity and let a talented, educated Virtual Assistant help you make the difference for your business.
Jodi Crosby, Smart Virtual Assistant for You, is a mom and an entrepreneur committed to working with small business owners. My goal is to enable you to accomplish your goals while leaving the administrative tasks to a professional. I understand that being in business for yourself, while very rewarding is also very challenging. Smart Virtual Assistant for You can help. Visit http://smartvaforu.com. Follow Jodi on Twitter @SmartVAforU
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