Think having a generic website is enough to get your business off the ground and growing? If you've been in business for 30+ years and do all word-of-mouth clientèle, then maybe. If not, you're kidding yourself. Having a website is just as important as having a business card and brochures to give to clients and networkers. The quality of your website will speak miles about you as business, even before a client calls to speak with you. In addition to SEO, here are some things to consider when planning for your business' future.
Convey Confidence
Naturally, the first thing I'm going to recommend is making sure your visual presentation conveys client and customer confidence. Please do not underestimate this. Especially as we progress further into the new millennium, visual presentation is key for both conveying confidence and for establishing repoire. So, thus far, we have item #1 confirmed:
- Confidence-Conveying Design
Up-To-Date Content
Second, I recommend giving your clients more than just an about us and services page. Testimonials are crucial, but even more important is the integration of up-to-date content. When I read a periodical, or examine a website, I always try to find a date on the page - and so does Google. If your website has an up-to-date copyright with the year at the bottom, that's a great way to start, but please don't stop. You also need up-to-date content, especially on your landing page (the main page people see when they visit your website), also known as your home page. Current content on a landing page is critical. If you have a static website (HTML, PHP, or ASP.net), the get your webmaster (or brother-in-law) to install a WordPress blog and integrate it into your home page so it will always show your top posts (check out zakgraphix.com for an example). So, now we have two things. Here they are to refresh your memory:
- Confidence-Conveying Design
- Up-To-Date Content (Especially on the Landing Page)
Be Social Media Ready!
And lastly, I recommend you integrate your website with the current trend in social media. Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. You know the ones your friends and business associates use. Imagine being able to share your latest updates and website posts where every single one of your associates can read and share your information. This always follows "Up-To-Date Content" because without it, you won't have much to share. Whether you're asking an opinion for your latest project or event, asking for people to rate your photos, offering a discount, or sharing a new holiday special - social media is the way to get your business in front of your friends and business associates, as well as new potential clients, at little to no cost! Once the technology is built in, you can just keep sharing to your heart's content. Here's our final list:
- Confidence-Conveying Design
- Up-To-Date Content (Especially on the Landing Page)
- Integrate Social Media Into Your Website
Wrapping up, I recommend always revisiting the impact your website has on potential clients every six months. If you don't have Google Analytics installed, please do so. It's easy and free, and you can check out how effective your website is and make calculated and informed decisions based off the information you receive from it. Don't know how to do that? Don't know anyone that can integrated a blog or integrate social media? Call ZakGraphix today at 877-631-8925 or contact us to learn more!
ZakGraphix - “Raising the Standard of Design, One Website at a Time.”
Micah Zak
St. Louis Web Design – ZakGraphix.com