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The idea of building a web site can be daunting for small business owners. It can seem expensive and distracting from your main business. However, most people get their information about services and products from the Internet and it is important for every business to have a web presence. If you spend some time really thinking through your goals, your message(s) and your audience, and you partner up with the right web development team, your web site can increase your business substantially.
When considering or making a new web site, keep these essential things in mind:
1. Keep it Simple
Most small businesses don't need bells and whistles. Let your experience, products and services speak for themselves. Flash "splash pages" are distracting for most web visitors who already know what they're looking for. Save yourself the money and save your visitors time and don't bother.
2. Set an Obvious Path
Your goal on any web site for small business is to get more clients. Make it easy for them. Show them how they can take the next step. Use calls to action to encourage visitors to contact you, or set an appointment, or purchase that e-book.
3. Become Connected to the Local Community
There are many ways to connect your web site to your specific region. List your address on your site, list your site on places like Google Local, Yahoo Local, or Yelp, and make sure you have an actual location listed on your LinkedIn page, Facebook page or Twitter bio. Broadcasting your location helps you market your services to the people who are looking for them in your area right now.
4. Testimonials Are Your Friend
The best way to convey trust on the web is to ask your clients and customers to provide testimonials. When the prospect visiting your web site sees that other people have benefited from your services or products, they'll be more likely to take that next step and contact you.
5. Know Your Strengths
Your strengths are what set you apart from the competition. Expressing them on your web site will show clients how you can assist them in their endeavors. Don't just list the features of your new product or servic--make sure a visitor understands the benefits s/he will gain from working with you or using your product or service.
6. Be Specific--and Be Brief
Web site visitors surf the web with intention. Don't waste their time with flowery speeches. Show them what you provide and why you provide it better than anyone else quickly and stylishly.
7. Supplement Your Web Site With a Blog and Newsletter
Give your visitors a chance to become connected with you. Keeping visitors (and past clients/customers) updated increases the likelihood of repeat visitors to your site and repeat patronage of your business.
Here are a few links we liked for thinking about web sites for small businesses:
Pull Marketing Strategies for Small Business (Web Distortion)
Small Business Web Design For Tough Economic Times (Ezine Articles)
How To Start Email Marketing (e-commerceguide.com)
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Your Website (Start-up Nation)
6 Phases of the Web Site Design/Development Process (iDesign Studios)
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