It has been over two years since I answered the question, “Does my Small Business Need a Website?” if you still don’t have a website, stop reading this right now and call me at 715-584-6773. If you do have a website and want to get maximum results from it in 2012 and beyond, read on.
*Let me also tell you a little secret, it is NOT the job of a website developer to ensure that your site gets found, to write quality SEO content, or to use marketing techniques to make more conversions! Though some developers offer SEO services, most will simply create aesthetically pleasing webpages. You need someone like me, Terra L. Fletcher, to do the rest. I’ll be the first to tell you – I’m not the world’s best web developer. Sure I can do a simple site, but I rely on a strong network of really good developers if you want a really nice website. What makes Fletcher Freelance different is the combination of quality SEO content (with a no-typo guarantee) and the infusion of proven marketing techniques that will help your website do what it’s supposed to – SELL! (And you just thought you needed a site to look pretty and keep up with thejones.com.) So how do you take your attractive – but possibly not worth its hefty price tag website – to the next level? There are two key opportunities here, Search Engine Optimization and optimizing for conversions.
Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization or SEO basically means that your website will get found in search. There are several elements that will make search engines more likely to crawl, index, and rank your website. Sites are ranked based on relevance, authority, popularity, and legitimacy.
At my internet marketing classes I have a tendency to give away the two big secrets to SEO. First, content. Content needs to be relevant, unique, and of high-quality. The right words are imperative! Second, links. Quality inbound links are not easy to attain, but they are essential. Links need to be from relevant websites (gambling or adult sites, won’t help you for example).
In addition to the big two, your site needs to be user-friendly. Ask yourself if your site is well structured, clean, and easy to use. If you want an unbiased opinion email me today, terra(at)fletcherfreelance(dot)com; ask for a website review.
Optimizing for Conversions
When a visitor happens upon your website through search or even going directly to your site you need a site that is going to convert. By that I mean that a favorable percentage of viewers do more than just browse your site, they buy something. To get people to buy, you must have strong, clear calls to action. Don’t assume they will know where to click, how to buy, to call, or stop in your brick-and-mortar location. Ask them to! This ties in with usability as well. Make it easy. Design should not be overwhelming or detract from your message, either.
Provide visitors some assurance that you will do what you say. Online, your reputation is everything, especially if they have never encountered your business before. Prove why your company is the best choice. Include testimonials; provide guarantees; display credentials, industry affiliations, and awards.
The structure of your site is also important. Make it easy to get to your most popular products or services from the home page. Remember you only have 6-8 seconds for a visitor to decide to stay on your site.
Need some help? If you’re looking for SEO assistance, there are things to watch for. There are tons of questionable companies. Don’t trust anyone who says they can guarantee you a rank. No one can do that directly. Want to try it yourself? Take a class. Want to hire an expert? Give me a call at 715-584-6773.
What’s worked for your site? Share your SEO tips in the comments below.
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