Make a Website That Works!
Published on Monday, July 27, 2009
Years ago if someone had questions about your business, they would either call you or simply come see you at your business. Today, a lot of people judge your business by your website. Often, it’s your businesses’ first impression. While a website shouldn’t be a read like a resume, it should answer four (4) questions:
1. Who are you?
2. Where are you?
3. What are you offering?
4. Why are you the best business (in your industry) for them?
If you are a restaurant, people judge you based on photo’s and menu descriptions of your food, prices and reviews. For retail stores, listings of manufacturers, photos of the store and/or clothing, and upcoming sales are most important. For the trades, listings of services and testimonials are imperative.
Successful websites offer something of value to the customer. Be sure to include some useful information, savings or if nothing else, an easy-to-use and well designed interface. Consider who your target demographic is. If they are middle-aged and your website audience is predominantly in their early twenties, your site is not accomplishing your goals.
Additionally, customers enjoy the chance to go “behind the scenes” whenever possible. Consider putting photos or a video of your office or facility up. Try your hand at ‘blogging’ to let people know what is happening at your company or to discuss recent news. If you aren’t familiar, a Blog is basically an online journal where people share thoughts such as reflections or opinions with new entries appearing in sequence as they are written. If you are reflecting on a written article whether it be in print or online, be sure to cite it appropriately. At Curley Direct, we blog whenever possible, so be sure to follow us by visiting curleydirect.com/blog.