In today’s online age, it pays to make your website offer more than just an online version of who-you-are. Whilst having a basic website answers the need for an online presence, you should really be looking at ways to make your website work for you and become more than “just” a website.
Engage with your site visitors
Don’t assume that your standard business description copy is enough to keep your customers interested. If you want them to continue to visit your website, you need to provide engaging content that they will want to read. This means regular updates in the form of blogs, commentary on what you’ve been working on, links to related articles and topical information.
Provide examples of recent project work to demonstrate what you can do, post industry-related articles and don’t neglect your social media presence. Show that you are dynamic and passionate about what you do. If you don’t show an interest, why expect your customers to?
Make it easy to share information
By including social media links on your website, you have a direct line to making yourself appear on other sites, boosting your profile. Visitors can effectively market your information for you by sharing it across social media such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. This means that your content reaches a much wider audience. Let readers share your content by allowing them to post it to their social media feeds or “like” articles.
Appeal to people’s interests
Not everyone wants to sit and read an article or look for a How-To guide. Make the most of the opportunity that YouTube offers by including videos on products or demos that people can sit back and watch. This can even lead to new customers, as people often bypass Google searches and head straight to YouTube to find demos or tips on how to do something.
Step outside of the website
Offering a subscription newsletter is a great way to engage with your customers without relying on repeat site visits from them. This gives you a chance to share your news on a regular basis without bombarding clients that may just want to keep a toe in the water.
Don’t be shy
People want to do business with those they believe to be experts in their field. Let customers know your expertise and credibility by sharing information and examples of what you can do.
The art of conversation
If you receive a comment on an article or topic, post a reply. Let people know that it’s worth engaging with you and that there is a ‘real’ person behind the website. Ask for people’s thoughts on products, or start conversations in forums. Blatant self-promotion isn’t necessary – just by discussing industry-related topics means you are reaching out to potential customers and making your name and expertise known.
Mind your p’s & q’s
Websites can become so much more than just an online description of what you do. Think of your website as your hub online, reaching out across a variety of online mediums to spread the word about who you are. With this in mind, remember that this means an awful lot of people can have access to what you are writing, so ensure your content and conversation reflect your professional nature!
