5-POINT CHECKLIST TO HAVING SOLID ONLINE PRESENCE
If you’re starting a new business or want to build your reputation, the most economical and quickest way is online. This is where you will build a solid presence for your product or service:
Domain
Do you have control over your domain and can you use the name across the main social media platforms you are using? If someone has bought the domain for you (i.e. website builder) be sure you are the only person that has the log-in details that give you full control. This will mean even if you lose contact or they go out of business, your name and brand stays intact.
Website
Ensure you have the basic pages right at the start:
Home
About us
Services/products
Contact – including links to your social media platforms and also plenty of opportunities for people to contact you any which way.
The ‘search’ button is more important than ever
Case studies, testimonials and potentially a blog can be added later when you're ready.
Then ensure your mobile site is just as good as your desktop version,
Social Media
Be sure to be consistent, relevant and topical and include an image or a link with every post across your platforms. Engagement is more important than number of followers. Be sociable!
If blogging, keep your posts consistent too with a low word count (less than 500) and plenty of images.
Branding
More than just a logo, your brand is the first impression your business makes. It’s like walking into a room and coming across as knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful – before you say a word. So, before putting this out there, gain some insight into how people will perceive you by asking friends, colleagues, associates – even your social media following on what they think of your brand.
Email is still king – it’s how your customers expect you to communicate with them.
Always use your professional email address – the one with @yourbusinessname - and a compact signature that links to your social media, blog and website.
If you have any questions about any of these, please drop me a line with your question here.