Your business needs a website. An online presence allows you to sell your services and products to new customers while advertising special offers and business related tips. Rather than hiring an expensive web design firm, create your own website by incorporating the following features.
Choose a Template
Begin building your website by browsing online templates from web design companies, such as Vistaprint or Intuit. These templates offer simple, cut and paste options for arranging the text and photos you wish to include. For visual appeal, choose complimentary colors for the background and text. Include large, easy-to-read font. Proofread the text and preview the site before publishing the website to verify the design meets your needs and appeals to customers.
Incorporate Your Logo
Customers remember a business with an eye-catching logo or slogan. Incorporate these visually identifiable monikers in your web design to increase brand awareness and promote the services you provide.
Introduce Yourself
As the owner, you possess the passion, enthusiasm and skills necessary to maintain your business. Share a resume that highlights your professional expertise. Include applicable education, certification, and experience in your field. Offer personal information such as marital status and your hometown to increase rapport and credibility with customers.
Describe the Products
Include a page for each major category of services offered or list the products on one page. A detailed inventory list and prices need not be included as they may fluctuate.
Take a Picture
Photos throughout the website personally connect customers with your products and services. Add photos of sculptures you sell, jewelry you design, or satisfied customers. If your business does not offer easily photographed products, include photos of your building and staff.
Contact Us
Correct contact information and office hours must be included. Share your complete telephone and fax numbers. Include email addresses for every department head. To increase exposure, include your business’s social networking site links.
Add Directions
You want customers to know exactly where you are located to avoid frustration when driving to your business location. Specific directions also eliminate confusion between your business and another local business with a similar name. Include detailed directions and a map or your correct address and a link to MapQuest. Add identifying landmarks if applicable.
Share Tips
Include a page for business related tips or money saving techniques related to your business. By offering tips, you relay your expertise and reinforce your desire to serve the customer first. For example, an auto repair business may share tips for increasing gas mileage. Keep the paragraphs short to match an online reader’s attention span.
Offer Discounts
Use your website to offer discounts of coupons to new and existing customers. Celebrate your anniversary with a special promotion or offer off-season discounts. Specify quantity limits or expiration dates.
Edit Often
As you add new services, products, office hours, or staff, edit the changes into your website. A few minutes of maintenance every month portray an accurate overview of your business and could increase your sales significantly.
Every business benefits from an online presence. Advertise your business services, offer special discounts, share product tips, and gain more customers with a personalized web design.
Diane Johnson writes about a variety of things ranging from finance to online classes. In her free time she loves traveling and enjoying the outdoors.