Most of the time, today’s consumers don’t pick up the Yellow Pages when they are looking for a business. They go to Google. Or Facebook. Or LinkedIn. So how can you be sure that they’ll choose you?
There are many elements to a successful internet marketing campaign, but it all starts with your website.
Social media can be very effective – but if your audience can’t click through to your site to learn more, or to get in touch, you’re losing out on potential business.
Search engine optimization is critical—but it’s very difficult to reach the first page of Google for competitive keywords without a modern, search-engine friendly site. And even if you do reach the first page, if your website doesn’t generate leads, what’s the point?
Pay-Per-Click advertising (like Google AdWords) is a very effective way to generate leads—but only when partnered with carefully crafted landing pages on your website.
So before you get too far down the road into your internet marketing strategy, give your website a thorough evaluation and make sure it’s up to par.
Here’s the good news: your website doesn’t have to be visually stunning. It doesn’t have to feature all of the bells and whistles of an international brand. It doesn’t even have to consist of more than a few pages.
So what should it do? Below is a brief list:
Your website should reflect your brand. Forget mind-blowing graphics and complicated animation. Visually, your website should be designed to be appealing to your target market, and to reflect your company brand.
Your website should be easy to navigate. Is it easy for a visitor to your website to find what they’re looking for? If not, you’re missing out on potential business. A simple, thoughtfully-designed menu is critical. Don’t hide important information in sub-menus or at the bottom of a page—make it easy for your visitors!
Your website should function smoothly. Again, fancy effects and animation aren’t needed. It’s far more important that your website functions properly. Broken menu links, pages that won’t load, and 404 errors aren’t going to establish confidence in the minds of your potential customers and clients!
Your website should clearly communicate the value you offer. Why should your visitors choose to do business with you, instead of the competition? What makes you unique and valuable? Is it your years of experience in the industry? The unique benefits of your product or service? Whatever it is, the value you provide needs to be front and center!
Your website should capture leads. At the end of the day, if your website doesn’t generate leads, what’s the point? It’s important to use contact forms and calls-to-action in order to motivate your visitors to take action. Make sure that your contact information is easily found, as well!
Questions or comments? Give us a call today if you’d like to learn more!
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