You have a small business, and of course you know that in today’s day and age, setting up a website for your small business is not only is it key, but essential to your success! However, emphasis needs to be made on actually making your small business website work for you.
Just think- let’s say that you have a small business that specializes in driving lessons. It is summertime, and someone in your neighborhood is interested in getting their 17 year old son some driving lessons so he can make his way to college in the fall. Where is this potential client going to look? Maybe the yellowpages? Local newspaper or periodical?
The answer is no. In today’s world, this parent is going to pull out their smartphone, and go strait to Google. He will then most likely in put his zip code, and a specific search term to the tune of “Driving Lessons”. If you are not online, the sad truth is that you are missing out on a significant amount of business. Yet, there are so many individuals who still swear by the advertising means and business practices of the last millenium, and do not have any web presence whatsoever.
However, lets say that you do have a website for your business, but it does not work for you. It is not generating you leads, or plays no particular role within your business. This is in fact just as bad as not having a website at all! There are a number of things that your small business website should have and do so that it can be a contributing part of your business.
1. Have a Purpose
In order for your website to serve a purpose, it first has to have a purpose! What is your goal for the website? What is it that you would like your website to do for your business? Setting up a website just for the sake of having a website is simply not good enough. Your website needs to attract your target audience, have a purpose, and turn a percentage of your target audience into new business.
2. Mobile Responsive
In order for your website to serve its purpose to your users, it needs to be viewable! With larges hoardes of today’s market utilizing their smartphone as their primary device, your website will be doomed if it is not mobile responsive.
3. Lead Capture Magnet
Your website should be actively gathering a list of warm leads for your to turn into new business. How, you ask? Lead capture! You want to have an opt- in form, prominently displayed on the homepage, whereby interested prospects can submit their information to obtain more information! Why not sweeten the pot and offer an incentive? Maybe a discounted service or a free trial?
4. Content
Content is king online, and your small business website needs to appeal to your specific niche market. In turn, your content – the verbiage, images, and subtitles- should also speak to your target audience, using terms and wording that they are used to.
5. Simple Process
Your small business website should be easy for your user to use. If your user cannot use your website, then it does not serve your business any purpose! Whatever you are looking to do – sell products (see edelsiehealth.com), send your users information, offer guidance- it should be an overall simple and easy process.
