Chances are, your business already has a website, and hopefully, you’ve put some real thought into what you want out of that website. But just in case, let’s review the functions of a business website and make sure all your bases are covered.
Vital Website Functions
Having a website isn’t just something that you do because you’re in business. The website is supposed to be your online home, not only displaying your information, but also drawing in the kind of people you want to do business with and creating an inviting atmosphere for them. It’s not just a virtual billboard, static and sterile. Think of it more as a virtual store, where you want others to feel welcome, engaged, and motivated to do business with you.
Every Virtual Store Needs the Following:
1. A Warm and Engaging Welcome
Your home page should make a statement. You have only a couple seconds to capture the interest of your online lead, so instantly tell them what you’re all about and what do next to thoroughly benefit from their visit. A video welcome is best, but big graphics are good, too.
2. Simple Navigation
I’ll let you in on a little secret: online viewers are lazy! Don’t make them search your page, because they won’t. Feed them your information via an intuitive, simple layout. Stick to only a few tabs, and consider laying all of your pages out vertically with your home page first, ending with your contact page. Your tabs can simply link to their respective portions of this long, vertical page, or viewers can scroll down at their leisure.
3. Updated Contact Information
Of course, you want to put an email address and/or phone number. But be sure to also link all of your social media accounts, so your viewers can get to know you a bit better and stay connected.
4. Content
This one is probably the most important, yet it is the most often overlooked. If you do not have original content being published to your website on a regular basis, you don’t have a website. You have a secret. Don’t expect people to find your website among the millions of others out there unless you are generating content that answers the questions your target audience is asking. This is how you get found. This is how you build credibility. This is how you generate leads online.
5. Good Copy
Your website is often the first impression you leave, so take great care to use the best copy to communicate your vision, tell your story, and detail your value proposition. Words are the currency of business. With them, you can create feelings, build urgency, nurture connections, and rest your case. Don’t just describe your services or products – paint word pictures that move your audience.
6. A Social Dimension
Lead generation doesn’t happen by accident. Go out and find your leads. Don’t just broadcast to them, hang out with them. Here’s another secret: people don’t business with brands, they do business with people. If your business is not active on social media, hanging out, answering questions, discussing solutions, then you’re going to have to work twice as hard for half the business. Be real and authentic, be spontaneous. Be human. And other humans will want to come hang out and do business with you.
Hopefully, you found these six things educational and insightful. Successful entrepreneurs and business owners understand the importance of growing and sharing knowledge in an ongoing learning experience. Be sure to share this post with your friends to keep the experience going!
