Having a credible online presence is a vital part of any fledgling business. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking update an existing website, Jonny Lawrence, Digital Marketing Expert at Logic4training, explains why being online is so important and gives some handy hints to get you started.
We now live in a world where online searching has far outstripped any other method of finding information and services. For tradespeople wanting to give themselves the best shot at long-term success, an online presence is essential.
But simply having a website is not enough; if you really want to reap the rewards of the web, you need to make sure your site contains basic functions that will enable customers to find you online and then compel them to get in touch.
You might already have a website, but is it performing as it should? Most common errors are pretty basic and can be easily remedied. Displaying outdated contact details is a classic example of something that will send potential customers straight into the arms of your competitors.
Even if you’ve yet to embrace digital marketing channels, building a website doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple pointers, an informative and well-built website will be well within your grasp. Once you have the basics in place, they can easily be built upon by adding content and functions that will increase the visibility and usability of your website.
Website benefits
Credibility: Clients will expect you to be online; if you’re not, it might ring alarm bells. Even if they found you in a newspaper, most customers will probably still Google you to find out more and get in touch. A decent website is a chance to make a good first impression and communicate your professionalism, with pictures of past work and accreditations.
Visibility: Through your website, you are available to customers 24/7. Your web-builder should provide Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), which will help you to feature favourably in local search engine results. Signing up for Google My Business will provide additional visibility and ensure web traffic is maximised.
Show off your skills: Your website provides you with a unique opportunity to promote your professionalism and skill. You can display quality pictures of your past work, case studies, blog posts and customer testimonials, all in one place. As well as building a profile of your service in your customer’s mind, these techniques will also help you get found online.
Go for it!
If you’ve never created a website before, you have two options. For a hassle free solution, you could put your web build in the hands of a professional who will take care of everything for you, from design, build, domain name and hosting to all-important SEO. Soletrader.com, for example, offers completely managed website packages specifically designed for small businesses for around a couple of hundred pounds.
Alternatively, there are plenty of companies online which offer DIY websites based on standardised templates. If you are reasonably tech-savvy, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a fully functioning website for a low-cost.
Logic4training has created a series of free business guides, covering websites as well as other topics such as employing people and job costing. To sign-up for your free copies, visit: www.logic4training.co.uk/blog/business/logic4training-business-guides
