We list our website on everything. It’s on our email signature, magnets, business cards – even the 1,000 pens and golf tee promo items we have in our swag closet. I design print material everyday where close attention is given to online contact information - but now what? What happens when someone actually types that address in their browser to check us out? Here is a quick and easy 15 minute checklist for your website/online presence.
Pull up your website on a mobile device / and or tablet
- Granted – not all users are mobile – but it’s growing more that way everyday. What does your site look like on a mobile device? You need to know what your customers are experiencing.
- How long does it take to find your contact info (phone, address)?
- Make a list of the top 3 things you are hoping a customer might accomplish on your site. Can they do it easily?
- Are there forms? Can I fill them out easily with my mobile device?
Visit your “about us” page
- What is the first thing a visitor sees? If your ABOUT PAGE lists only your mission statement…….then it’s time for a change.
- People do business with people – not stuffy mission statements.
- Make a note to get your staff listed online so customers can connect with them, find them, know who they are working with.
- Great examples of About us / meet the staff pages can be found here.
Google your business
- Does the info come up correctly?
- Pay attention to the search results. If the content is not being generated by you – get more information out there!
- Is your Google Places info correct? Are you even on there? A client of mine recently tried this out and found their location and contact information were incorrect. We were able to claim their listing and change the information in a matter of minutes. Here is step by step list I posted on claiming your listing via Richmond Social to help you along.
- Stay on top of online mentions and set up Google Alerts with your business name, competition, etc…
So what did you find? I am a firm believer that traditional media, print and online communications all have to work cohesively together for the most effective message. In a brief 15 minutes you can get a quick view from the online perspective of your customers. Did you find things you need to work on? Just print the handy list and tackle one thing at a time. If you have overwhelming website needs – call a local web development professional. Even if you have NO budget for a website overhaul, it can’t hurt to get an estimate so you know what to work towards.