Let’s start today’s blog with a philosophical question, so think hard – is there a more divisive a group wandering our dear planet than the Kardashians?
For some, hearing, watching or reading about what Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall, Kylie and matriarch Kris Jenner have been up to requires hourly updates.
For others, the mere sight of the gossip-mag gaggle instantly requires a makeshift crucifix to ward off their unholy presence and make the evil go away.
But, like ‘em or loathe ‘em, I don’t think there’s much chance of the Kardashian juggernaut going away anytime soon because they understand the value of their “brand” and the need to keep it constantly in the public eye for maximum returns.
They know what to do and when to do it and, as a result, their label continues to go from strength to strength.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could all do it so effectively?
Unfortunately, local business doesn’t have the luxury of a film crew in tow 24/7 or salivating news and magazine editors desperate for any tabloid scraps to fall accidently (or otherwise) from the Kardashian plate.
For we mere mortals, the answer is to use more conventional methods to get our message out – and one of the cheapest and essential marketing tools is a professional and engaging website.
In an age where technology is falling over itself with the speed in which social media trends come and go, the humble website still has the capacity to tell ‘your’ story to the people that matter – your customers. Don’t get me wrong we still need social platforms like Instagram and Facebook but we need to use them as a vehicle to drive audience to our websites.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many proactive, visionary customers who could immediately recognise the importance of a website to bolster their online presence.
On the flip side, I’ve also met others who needed quite a deal of convincing – so, I’m happy to share my thoughts on why you can’t ignore this valuable sales tool.
Lauren’s Top 5 Reasons for having a Website:
Number 1: It introduces you to the world
A website allows you to stick out your hand and say “hi” to anyone who comes by.
It allows you talk in depth about your business, how you started….where you’re going. What your aspirations are and even your company’s ethics or philosophies.
It lets you feature your products and staff and spell out why you are different to the business up the road. And even if you’re NOT different to the business up the road – you’ve suddenly got a great advantage if you have a website and they don’t.
On average, 139,334 new websites go online every day seeking to influence the 2.5 billion internet users. That’s a lot of “hello’s”!
That’s a community you NEED to be a part of.
Number 2: Gives a professional edge
We’ve all done it.
You hear about a cool product, or maybe a new restaurant or bar and you want to learn more, but the second you do a Google search you find nothing….nada….zip.
Or, just as bad, you discover nothing more than a one-line listing in an online business directory.
I don’t know about you, but I need a LOT more than a street address and a phone number to generate some enthusiasm.
Content is king, so having engaging copy and quality photography (that is well presented) is going to go a long way to impressing online visitors.
We’re a visual society these days and your website needs to be able to grab that attention.
Number 3: Invaluable sales tool
Not that long ago, when a business shut its doors for the day – that was it.
Today, it’s a whole new ballgame thanks to the internet. I don’t know about you but my credit card gets a workout after hours (shhhh, our secret!). I generally start perusing my favourite boutique Instagram and Facebook pages and then BAM, before I know it I’m punching my digits into the online shopping cart.
Your website is another salesperson working around the clock showcasing your products or services.
Without a website, your business goes home when you do.
Number 4: Providing customer support
Customer service is the key to any successful business, but fielding queries throughout the day can take your attention away from growing and improving your business.
Having a designated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on your website allows customers to have their queries answered quickly and in the privacy of their home – hopefully, it allows them to glean the information they need to make a purchasing decision or visit in-store. Oh, not to mention you start building a rapport with your audience.
Number 5: Keeping your customers up to date
Customers are hungry for information, so make sure you provide it.
A website allows you to keep the world up to date with new or improved products you’ve introduced, as well as what’s on the horizon.
Having a regular blog allows them to get your perspective of what’s happening in the industry……and, as a professional, it’s inevitable that you would have a wealth of industry knowledge and insights that you can share with interested parties.
The blog and website are also a great opportunity to promote events or offers as well as post photos of what’s happening at your business.
It’s a non-intrusive method to let your customers see the personality of you and your staff, because many customers would prefer to deal with a ‘friend’ than a faceless stranger.
So, there are just a few ideas behind why I think a website is so important to your business.
Do you agree?
Oh, and F.Y.I., the Kardashians have a website (or ten)……but, I guess you probably knew that already!
See you next week,
Lauren xoxo
