Your potential clients are looking for you. Can they find you?
People Use Search Engines Daily
When people are looking for a service or a product, they typically turn to search engines. Their searches could be based on anything from a broad spectrum of keywords to the actual name of an organization.
Because of the array of different items and businesses that will show up during search results, thirty percent of people won’t utilize a business if it doesn’t have a website.
The fact of the matter is your audience will judge you based on search results. They want to know quickly whether you are the company they need.
If you are a landscaping company who specializes in building beautiful water scenes, someone who is looking for routine lawn maintenance is not a likely fit for you. No one wants to waste time setting up an appointment, only to be told that you don’t even offer the services they need. They want to see that information right there on your website.
If that information isn’t readily available to them, chances are they will move on to the next business available.
Customers Expect You to Have a Website
Potential and current customers like to be able to visually observe your business. They need to know whether you are the right company for their needs. With modern technology, the clients of today have the ability to be fully informed on your business because they can see reviews and opinions the second they pull up your homepage. They can find out all they need to know about who you are, what you do, and why they should choose your business over your competitors with a simple click of a button.
That raises the odds of them doing business with you.
Social Media vs Website
From working with businesses, I’ve learned that there are many reasons why people choose not to have a website.
However, having a site helps your enterprise rank better in search results. And, although there are lots of factors that assist with rank, you have a much better chance to compete with your own website.
When it comes to social media and company listings, you don’t have the same space that comes with a fully functioning site. You will lose out on a lot of connections by limiting yourself to a much more narrow network.
Plus, you’ll be tied to the direction your social media platform chooses to proceed. You’ll be tremendously affected by ever-changing algorithms that limit your vulnerability. Don’t rely on a societal networking platform to match the success that a website will achieve.
Of course, utilizing social media to get an even broader reach online is a great idea, just don’t count on it being your only, or biggest, source of clientele.
Having your own site also allows you to better manage the impressions you make on consumers.
Things to include in your Site
When you are building your website, there are a number of things to remember and consider.
In order to satisfy your current and potential customer expectations and, establish your authenticity, make sure your site:
1. Is Mobile Responsive
First and foremost, consumers are expecting your website to work quickly and easily, no matter what device they’re using.
Trying to read, or even buy, a product from a website that does not function well is simply annoying–especially if it’s from a mobile phone. It either doesn’t work properly, or you need to scroll here, there, and everywhere to try to locate what you want.
When people find your website, they expect it to look good and work well. Clients typically only stay on a site for about fifteen seconds, and they expect to be able to readily find what they want without feeling like they need some sort of map or compass.
2. Has an Appealing Design
People may not “judge a book by its cover,” but they are definitely judging your website by its design. Prospective customers want to see that you present yourself as professional, ready to work, easy to reach and that you have happy clients. Then, they will be able to envision themselves using your service or product.
A well-thought-out and visually appealing design will only add to your credibility.
3. Answers Consumer Questions
Your website should also answer some basic questions and supply information so consumers know how to get in contact with you. A basic website structure typically contains three pages: Home, About, and Contact. These pages provide crucial information that can easily be accessed by your clients.
Crucial Pages
Home
This is the front door to your business online. A top-level site must let folks know exactly what you offer, provide links to sources, and guide customers efficiently to what they seek. Think about the end goal of your business, and ask your visitors to take an action that enables you to accomplish that goal, like filling out an online form.
If you promote your goods or services online, individuals expect to see the details and be able to make that purchase right then and there.
About
Let them know how they may benefit from working together with you and what distinguishes your business from the contest.
Contact
This page of your site lets people know where to locate you, when they could find you, and how they could get in touch with you. This is your opportunity to invite them to connect with you further, such as on social media, or by signing up for your email listing.
Your Site Must Provide Worth
In addition to the basic questions your consumers will have, you want to attempt and field more particular questions that you get.
Think about the questions you receive from prospects all the time. These are the same questions consumers are typing into Google.
Whenever you can answer these questions at a blog or resource center, it shows consumers you have the expertise needed to help them. As soon as you’ve demonstrated your credibility, they’ll be more likely to conduct business with you.
Your potential clients are looking for you. Can they find you?
Ensure you’re making the proper impression with your website’s content and fulfilling your visitors’ expectations.