Having a website as a small business is a must in this day and age. The design, layout, function, and content determines whether you will be successful or fail online. Here are some tips to ensure that you make the most of your online presence:
- Invest in good web design (and therefore a good web designer).
It is worth it in the long run to spend a little extra on the initial design of your website. First impressions mean everything online and you literally have a few seconds to impress potential clients. Focus on a clean design which will highlight your content in a neat and functional way. Stay away from to much flash and confusing design. - Keep your content current.
Website visitors and Search Engines love new content. Keep your website up-to-date and engage with your visitors in a more approachable way through a blog and/or other content. - Get Social!
Leveraging the power of social networks in the correct way can get your brand in front of thousands of people. Make sure you have social sharing buttons in easy to access areas of your website. Include your own social pages on your website as well. Remember, though, that the main aim is to get people from Social Networking sites to your website and not the other way around. - Get people to join the conversation.
You may be a little wary of allowing visitors to leave comments on your website, fearful perhaps that they may leave a negative comment. However, allowing visitors to comment on your website will keep them engaged and will result in return visits and…yes…you may have a negative comment here and there but at least you can address the issue and have valuable feedback. - Which brings me to the last tip – Feedback.
Feedback is important in any industry but is especially important when preparing a content plan for your website. Ask your visitors what you can do to improve your website and make it a better experience for them. They may suggest something you have not even thought about.
