As social media becomes more and more integrated into our businesses, the question if websites are still necessary is being asked more often. Should you drop your website for a free Facebook page?
No, you absolutely shouldn’t.
There is an enormous amount of competition with businesses on Facebook and with the new algorithm changes, it is even harder to get your content seen.
On Facebook, you are constantly competing for a viewer’s attention. How can you possibly get someone to click on your page when Tasty has a brand-new summer drink recipe right above your post? Everything can get lost in the shuffle very easily. You could go the Facebook ad route, which isn’t a bad one, but it can get pricey if you use it constantly. Facebook groups are a great way to boost engagement but cannot handle being your only platform.
A website is a one-stop shop that tells your viewer everything they need to know about your business. It is designed and crafted to fit the needs of your company and potential customers. Your website doesn’t change unless you want it to.
Here’s the ultimate list to make sure your website is still effective in 2018:
1) SEO, SEO, and more SEO
Search Engine Optimization is the process of organizing and developing content in a way that search engines (like Google) understand. This consists of keywords, topics that your audience is searching for, and blogging consistently- just to name a few things. It’s also important to show Google that your company is transparent. This means that each blog post or page has a visible author, explicitly stating on your site what your company’s mission is and why you do it, and having a contact page that is very easy to use and has links to social media, email, phone number, etc.
2) Import any and all kinds of media
When was the last time you looked at a company’s website that had no, or very few, pictures? There’s probably a reason you don’t remember either A) you’ve never seen it because its horribly ineffective or B) you don’t remember the company because you left their site immediately. Your website needs to be tastefully filled with pictures and video. Don’t make it look like a 4th graders collage project. Use relevant pictures that show you and your employees out in the field working. Show pictures of your projects and what your company has accomplished.
3) Have a transparent “About Us/Employee” page
When creating your “About Us” page, include pictures and a bio of your employees. Put a face to the name that your customers see on the computer screen! This will put your audience at ease because it starts to get them familiar with your employees. They aren’t just calling a random person or even a robot, they are calling a real human that they know exists.
4) Clickable links
Your website should be filled with internal and external links. Never let your customer get bored with what’s in front of them- direct them somewhere else! A blog, video, social media, or simply a different page on your website. And if they do get bored and think they should leave, set up an exit intent lead flow to keep them on your site!
5) Show your passion
I should know exactly what you do and why you do it within the first 30 seconds of me being on your site. A company’s mission and values should be on the home page; the first thing people see. There are plenty of other companies that are in your field, what makes your company unique? Why should a person choose your business? If the answers to those questions aren’t readily available, you won’t get the sale.
Make your website an extension of your business- it’s worth the investment. If you’re running into some road blocks, we are here to help! Request a free marketing assessment and revolutionize your business.
