What your website says about you - and why it matters
In today’s market a website is a must for just about every company, large or small. But what does your website say to your customers? A company website is a powerful marketing tool and says a lot about your business and the people behind it.
A poor website, with spelling mistakes, insignificant imagery, too much text or is difficult to navigate, can make a bad impression to a potential customer. Equally, a very technical or busy website can be just as annoying. Far from being impressed by the wonderful technology, your potential customers have probably gone to look elsewhere!
A common mistake once a company has a website is to forget about it. A website should be continually updated with your latest company news and information about your products and services. Getting the content right is just as important as the way it looks. Take a look at your website from your customer’s point of view – are you still happy with it?
Top tips for a good website include:
1. Never assume anything - ensure your homepage tells the reader what you do and what you can do for them.
2. Have a ‘contact us’ link with either a data capture form or contact details such as name, address, telephone number and email address.
3. Make sure your logo is visible and all your pages are branded.
4. Use case studies. Case studies are a powerful way of demonstrating to the reader exactly how your products and services have helped other people.
5. Don’t be too ‘flash’. Businesses spend thousands of pounds to have a technical and flashy website designed which does everything other than make you a cup of tea, it’s not necessary. Some of the most simple, but well written websites will hold a readers attention longer than a website that is constantly jumping out at them and making strange noises.
6. Good copy is a must. You need to be able to get across your message clearly and succinctly. It is easy to make assumptions – just because you understand your products and services doesn’t mean everyone does. It’s often not as easy as it sounds but it’s worth getting it right. When you are happy, check and check it again for jargon, abbreviations, technical words and spelling mistakes.
7. Search engine optimism (SEO) can get your company noticed. When looking for a product or service people use search engines, such as ‘Google’ or ‘Ask Jeeves’. In simple terms (it’s actually more of a science!) the more search engine terms in your website copy can help move your website up the rankings - your company could be one of the first results they see.
If you are not convinced your website is everything it should be call First Impression now on 0870 204 8507 for a free website review*.
*The free website review is an informal report about how you could improve your company website.