Mobile Website

Business owners are questioning the need for a mobile website.

Easy to say every website can benefit from a mobile website, but if you have a large site, or limited budget you will be weighing the “if” and “when”.  While there are many solutions selling “free” mobile websites – businesses need to control and maintain their internet presence.  “Free” still means something is out of your control.   Know the tradeoff, before using free products and confusing your target visitors with websites you may abandon in time.

These websites (below) each created a simple mobile website mirroring their existing site.  A simple solution and cost effective.  For my auto repair shops a mobile website is a must.  People stranded roadside need to get to your contact info quickly.  You can encourage them to bookmark your website – no more hunting directions at the last minute, everything is at hand.

Animal hospitals’ clients emotions run high when in need of their vet, or a new vet.  Having the website be mobile friendly, means one less bounce if the full site takes too long to load.  Think about what your business needs.  If you have a large website – begin to plan to be sure to be mobile friendly.  Your existing website will probably need some changes in order to use styling sheets which can create the mobile website output, without maintaining a separate mobile site.  You want to engage all visitors on the platform of their choice.

Mobile Website

With the release of the iPhone5, once again, mobile websites are spotlighted.  The huge sales of mobile phones remind us of another opportunity for business advertisement.

The beauty of many Smartphones and iPhones is the way you can view most full websites.   But when your mobile phone plans don’t allow unlimited data use the user will be glad to have the option of viewing a mobile website.  My own mobile website is a brief touchstone.

A mobile website is designed to keep everything small – no large graphics; but more importantly  to get your contact information immediately in front of the visitor with phone numbers clickable, maps directly linked to Google.  Using the tools to help the client to connect with your business easily.

If your business has emergency issues – auto related, medical, dental, etc. – a mobile website can reach yet more people on their phones quicker.

As your business grows online a mobile website is another piece of the plan.

Google Reviews

Many of you know Google reviews changed once Google+ became a push-for Google.  There is no longer a name associated with the review until the reviewer goes back to his/her old reviews and updates.  Still they have been working for the business owner.

You may have also noticed the “star rating” – up to four stars, but you don’t see any rating for your business.  Until recently Google only displayed a rating when you had more than 30 reviews, then giving a rating.

New rules: Google now will only show a 4 star rating when you have 30 or more reviews within a 12 month period.

Good to know the rules!

Legitimate Reviews

With so much focus on reputation management AKA online reviews, businesses are tempted to have employees or friends post reviews.

I spoke with a marketing company recently offering in their package to “post reviews for you”.

The reasons for not engaging in this practice begin with ethics.  If you’re still considering it to give your website an edge up it’s important to know most likely this will come back to haunt you.

People are not fooled.  A business with all 5 star reviews makes you read further.  I have several clients who have legitmate (under 10 reviews) – 5 star reviews.  In reading them it is very obvious these are not fake. If a company has 100+ 5 star reviews – and you begin reading, fake reviews typically show themselves in verbiage.  If viewers are suspicious they can report this to Google.

Read more about how to spot a fake review.

Most review websites have sophisticated software in place to flag suspicious reviews.  With Google it’s even easier as they track your IP address if you use Google search, any site with Google ads, etc.  They note all this information.  Google is excellent at putting pieces together, and if you get banned by Google – who controls search results – where do you think your website will land in these results?

Playing by the rules benefits everyone – and speaks well of your business from that first step.

Directory Listings in Error

Many of my clients are emailing with concern when they receive a message like this:

You have claimed your listing on Google, but I noticed your business information is incorrect on a number of sites online. Click here to get a free report detailing how your business info appears on Yahoo!, MapQuest, Yelp and 30 more sites.

Most of you have, or will receive the message from one or more sources.  Many companies are offering to correct your listings.

 These are sent even if most of the information accurate.  There are so many variables, perhaps a directory changed and now allows you to post photos, or expand your listing.  You may have been in business a long time, moved, or used tracking numbers you no longer use, there are a lot of factors which can make one listing be incorrect.  Directory listings have evolved. If you haven’t updated in 2 years, you’ll see dramatic changes with new opportunities to expand your listing.

Website Design Colors

When it comes to designing your website color is the first decision. If you have a logo you have already established a branding, perhaps.  You can still work a new color theme around your logo for a new look.

Here a simple easy to understand article on color use for your website.  You may change the colors of your walls at home, too!

Here we added splashes of vibrant color, for effect without overpowering the visitor’s eyes.
veterinarian website

Web Design

Contemplating a website?  Most websites begin with copy, graphics and photographs.  Later you may add slide shows, a bit of Flash, video, audio, a blog and more.

Your page copy will be one of the more challenging aspects.  The idea is to be unique in an Internet full of competitors.  How do you write something which hasn’t already been written?  Use your own voice.  Think about how you run your business: quality of your product/service, training, retraining, even community involvement – all of these speak to the ethics of your business.

Write as you would talk to a potential client.  If you are animated – let your words reflect that online.  Do you use meaningful quote in speaking?  Give credit – include your source.

Read your competitors’ websites.  Find things you don’t like on websites – then mull over how you would turn that into a positive.

Once you begin your copy – you’ll find it isn’t so daunting.

Website Design

Online Reviews

People can now talk about your business in a variety of public forums.  Most of us welcome this.  It does have its downside – that one unhappy customer.  The one you tried exhaustingly to satisfy.  If you’ve been in business long enough – it either already has happened, or will happen.

Manage your online reputation by ackowledging those who have reviewed your business. This is an extension of how you appreciate your clients.  AND that one unhappy client.

Etiquette is simple – thank those positive reviewers for taking time to post and engage the unhappy one – calmly.   Avoid tit for tat.  You can admit a mistake, if that happened, and apologize.  If you have an offering to make amends, do so.

Your response doesn’t have to be extensive.  Potential clients will read how you responded.  Consumers know there are some people who are very hard to please, but a step toward addressing any negative review goes a long way.   More is telling in HOW you handle the unhappy client; and can speak well to potential clients.

Don’t avoid a bad review.

Why Have a Website?

Businesses choose to have an online presence for multiple reasons.

Connecting with new clients is typically a motivating reason for moving online.

Tired of paying phone book directories which seem to be archaic means a business has to be somewhere in order to compete.

Some of my clients wanted an online brochure.  Presenting your past workmanship is a breeze, with the ability to show more content than hauling portfolios to prospective clients.

A wesbite can serve to give basic information from your phone number to hours of operation for a past client who lost your phone number.  It’s a time saver for businesses answering phone calls to give this basic info – everyone is happy.  A website is your 24/7 contact point.

Here is the one which the Internet has taught us: a website adds legitimacy to any business.  When considering doing hiring a company their website is just the place to research them before picking up the phone. While they have built the website and control the message – it’s a beginning.

I recently needed a product which was “difficult” to find.  The online community  buzzed with resources to find this item.  A simple Google search on the company name and I found they are located 3 miles from me.  Despite the location not being a typical retail store, they do sell at this facility.  A huge time saver for me.

Not having a website is no longer an option.

http://www.brendasimon.com/website-design.html