Many local businesses want to take the leap into online marketing and e-commerce, but many have no idea where to start. And for those who have taken the plunge and have gotten a website online, are you absolutely sure you've tackled all the important pieces to online business? Read the checklist below, mentally marking each item with either a YES or a NO.
___ My Local Website showcases perfectly what my business is.
The way your website comes across to your prospective customers will affect the way they view your business. Your website should make it clear what your business is, what it can do and/or provide for the client, and what your values are. The importance of this becomes quickly evident as more people search for you on the Internet.
___ My Local Website looks beautiful due to the use of professional graphics and design.
Besides having the correct content, the overall look of your website design is important. This doesn't mean you have to own a slick, over-the-top design but the graphics you use should be professional enough to evoke and be engaging to your website visitors.
___ My Local Website is having a steady stream of traffic with new people visiting every day.
Traffic from new people visiting your Local Website is the lifeblood of your online business. You need to make sure you are using multiple maketing methods to get as much if that online traffic flow as you can.
___ My Local Website is actively selling products.
Many are surprised to learn that their website is supposed to be more than just an online business card. And yet your customers desire the convenience of buying from you online. However you must remember that you are not just selling products and services but also your brand.
___ My Local Website is equipped so that I may track where my customers are coming from.
Knowing how people are finding your site means you can beef up the weak areas or put extra time and resources in the strong areas.
__ I use social media and there are links on my site.
At the very least you'll want to consider getting on Twitter and putting up a Facebook fan page.
__ I collect names and email addresses of my site visitors so I can market to them down the line.
This is huge! Offer something people want in exchange for their email address and you'll have a targeted list of people who are interested in what you have to offer.
__ Other websites have links to my site.
This is called backlinking and it helps your site get higher up in the search rankings. The better your site sits in Google, the more traffic you get.
Don't feel bad if you marked many of these No. You're not alone. But you can turn that around and make these all Yeses and get ahead of your competitors. I'm here to answer your questions.