1. Is your business actually online?
It sounds egregious, but Westpac exploration plant that further than half of the small businesses were still not online last time.
With further people than ever using the internet to probe businesses and products, online invisibility is leaving your implicit guests in the dark.
Make 2014 the time you bring your business up to speed technology-wise.
2. Are you up to date?
Perhaps you were an early adopter of online technology and pride yourself on having jumped on board nice and early. But before you stroke, yourself on the back too hard, take a step back and assess your website with a critical eye. What was cutting edge technology five times agone can go out of style briskly than an 80s hairstyle. Does your website reflect a new, ultramodern business, or are you stuck in a dated pattern?
.3. Forget the computer screen; how does it look on your smartphone?
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Australians now spend4.4 billion hours a time using the internet on their mobiles, but how numerous of those hours will be spent on your website if it does not fit on their screen? Websites that use new responsive technology acclimatize their shape to fit any size screen-smartphone, tablet, or computer- making it easier for druggies to view and navigate. Any new website now should be responsive to reflect the different ways people now pierce the internet. Anything differently is old school. However, find one who can, If your web inventor can not offer this.
4. Do not be hysterical about using the web.
British retail practitioner Mary Portas says online isn’t just there to profit the titans; it can also be a significant boost for small businesses.” Used well, it’ll bring you loads of business,” Portas says.” Use social media wisely and have a great-looking website.”
5. Speaking of social media.
Use Twitter and Facebook to actually connect and engage with your guests, not just promote yourself. Encourage feedback, comment on events and assiduity trends, and come to an active party rather than just a commercial machine.
6. Be proud to be an original.
International websites may feel like a major competition, but exploration shows that utmost people are happier shopping online on their own virtual doorstep. Nearly half of online shoppers last time said they bought’ utmost’or’all’of their purchases from domestic spots, according to Swinburne University of Technology data.
7. But suppose global!
Guests have come to anticipate that they can do further and further business online and are prepared to look further amiss for the service they need. Opening your business to global followership could bring in custom from places you may noway anticipate, mainly if you offer a niche product or service.
8. Invest in your point
Too numerous small businesses try to cut corners and borrow a do-it-yourself approach to their websites. While it’s OK to be economical, your website is your public face on the internet. Just as you want your shop front or business demesne to appear approachable and professional, the same goes for your online gate. Investing in a seductive, stoner-friendly, and well-maintained point gives you the stylish occasion to reap the online prices.
9. Keep it current
Nothing screams out of date like a website that hasn’t been refreshed since 2011. Does your current point reflect your existing business? Set up a manageable conservation package with a developer and restore your energy each month. Indeed small changes like a new print, a streamlined price list, or a current company news section can give guests confidence that you watch about your business.
10. Stay in touch
Your website is an occasion to give your guests regular updates through a blog or newsfeed or by encouraging them to subscribe up to a regular newsletter or dispatch update.
MYOB principal superintendent Tim Reed says a well-managed website can be a significant first step in developing- going communication between you and your guests.
