Have you ever met a new acquaintance and have the feeling
that the person already knows something about you? There is a good chance that
they have already “met” you online via Google, Facebook or your business
website. That means that you have already made that first impression and they
bring it to the moment when they actually meet you face-to-face.
What does your website say about you – and your
business?
So, if
potential clients stopped by your website for a sneak peek, what impression
would they have about you and your business? The organization of information
and the quality of the composition can sway opinions one way or another. For
instance:
- Is the tone of the writing friendly, yet professional? Does it reflect who you are and what you want your business to be?
- Is the message on each page clear, logically ordered and concise? Does it tell potential clients that you and your team are organized and communicate well?
- Is the composition following standard spelling, grammar and punctuation conventions? Will your clients feel that you will handle their account without cutting corners and with attention to the details?
- Is the language engaging, creative and interesting? Many a situation can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction with some creative thinking, a positive perspective and a sense of humor. Is it evident from the copy that problems and challenges are addressed with an open mind and possibilities?
Business evolves and so should your website
In the
beginning, you might have had a completely different vision or path for your
business and your website should evolve right along with the changes that occur
in operations or direction. If it doesn't, that sends another message – one you
wouldn't want potential clients to get. There is nothing worse than getting a
call for an out-of-date service listed on the website and having to explain
that it is no longer offered. Those calls are usually very short.
Think of it
this way: You wouldn't wear dirty, worn and tattered clothing to call on your
customers. You would take them off, clean them and repair the torn seams or
replace missing buttons. Some might even need to be discarded. Handle your
website the same way. Every once in a while take a look and see if pieces need
to be thrown out or repaired. Perhaps the entire site and organization needs to
be updated. Remember, it could be the first impression potential clients have
of you. Let the quality of composition help you make it a good one.
Elaine Whitesides
Owner/Writer Whitesides Words
