A client I worked for recently required me to look through the websites of over thirty accounting firms of varying sizes. When I did this, I was shocked to find that the majority of these sites (easily 85percent) had been… How do I phrase this in an excellent way… extraordinarily outdated and did not convey an image of the professionalism of the business, and was challenging to navigate.
It was apparent to me that the majority of these websites had not been updated for a while! I think that’s the impression they left on me.
If I was a first-time user of these websites, I’d not be likely to reach out to any of them to learn more information about their offerings. It’s possible that I wouldn’t even be made conscious. However, I would have left each site within a few seconds of logging in.
Many small business owners are too busy working to build their businesses that they fail to consider the way the online footprint (website or social networks) along with another branding (flyers or business cards, signs) have an impact on their business.
Although the perception isn’t always accurate, it can be reality. The way we present our company online, the way that consumers view our brand through the content they experience and see online can affect your business! We may not have the opportunity to share this directly – but there are indicators in the event you are aware of the right places to examine.
Your online presence
It is making an online presence not an option anymore for any company that is serious about advancing their profits and business. It doesn’t matter if you are a home-based business or a Fortune 500 company, a realtor, or a small company that employs ten employees as an artisan, a plumber. Nowadays, customers are expecting to get information about your company online prior to making a phone call or email you, generally.
That includes your site as well as your social media networks! The website of nearly any company is the center of your internet presence. The time and money you spend on social media and sending traffic to an inefficient site is not a good idea.
There’s nothing wrong with having the top website on the planet! It’s about having a beautifully practical, user-friendly, and easy-to-use web page that’s educational, useful, and simple to use on smartphones of all sizes. A site that users find helpful and relevant. Don’t overlook relevance. It’s increasing in importance in driving traffic to search websites every day.
Social media isn’t about joining every social network in the world and even all the top social networks! It’s more important to be selective in the number of social media networks you’re on, unless, of course, you have the time and resources to manage them and manage on them, and they’re appropriate for your business.
What is the most important thing?
Incorporating any of the social media platforms is only the beginning of your journey. There are some fundamental essential yet crucial steps you should do first, and some you should do on a regular basis so that you can see positive results of incorporating social media into your online presence.
Check that you’ve completed your profile on social networks. At a minimum, profile photo and/or cover photo, information section, and any other relevant information specific URL, If it is not set automatically at the time of setting up the account.
Make sure your branding represents your company (or you’re personal) clearly and is uniform across all of your print and online materials. Visitors must be able to recognize (unconsciously) you have a site and your business social media networks are linked to the same company.
Post updates on your social media networks frequently. The word “regular” means various things for different social networks.
Respond to visitors’ inquiries and respond to visitor inquiries promptly. Every network differs as to what is acceptable, however in the case of most inquiries from customers, the quicker you respond, the more effective.
Post content that readers or potential customers find interesting, useful or inspiring, and/or valuable.
Make sure you have the money to promote your business at least regularly on social media sites like Facebook and other ones later on. Social media marketing for businesses might initially be cost-free, but it’s fast becoming less.
Your website and social media are crucial. website as well as social media
The majority of consumers today browse the internet first for information on a particular company or individual, in addition, to find information on products and services generally. They often also seek input from their friends, typically via social media.
When visitors are first introduced to your social or website, in a matter of seconds, they’ll have formed their first impression of your business. Do you think it’s a good one?
Sue assists small business owners in enhancing their brand by improving the online platform (website and other social networks) and printed marketing materials.
