As a small business owner, you need to be up to speed on the importance of high quality web design and development, and how to effectively utilize your website as a marketing tool. Without that business savvy, you might fall prey to the following six myths about getting found locally as a small business.
1. I can get by on word-of-mouth referrals.
The bench in front of the local barber shop is no longer an effective marketing tool. As people spend more time on social media, word of mouth has moved to an online dynamic. You need to make it easy for people to click on sharable icons directly from your website, like Facebook, Google +, LinkedIn, and more.
2. I don’t need a blog because I’m just a local business.
Even local customers need good, solid information about the things you sell. A professional blog lets people know that you are the expert that they can rely on when they need products and services.
3. Posting on my blog once a month is plenty.
The fresher your blog content is, the more traffic your site will generate, which translates to increased revenue for your business. Don’t underestimate the need for regular, frequent blog posts.
4. I don’t need to pay for web design. My secretary can do all that stuff for free.
Maybe your secretary can. But you’ll end up with a website that looks like your secretary designed it, instead of a professional, optimized website that will make your business stand out from the crowd. One of the worst mistakes that small business owners can make is going online with an amateur-looking website. An impression like that does more harm than good.
5. If my customers need me, they’ll pick up the phone.
Not necessarily. Most people now are accustomed to being able to click on a contact page, a live chat box or an email link in order to get through to businesses they’re interested in. You need o offer these options, especially if your customers use tablets, which they probably do.
6. The Yellow Pages takes care of all my marketing.
The print version of the Yellow Pages is passé. Even they have moved to online media, and they might not even find you unless you have a website up and running.
For help with your business online presence, contact the experts at a web design and development firm. They can help guide you in the world of online marketing.