Author: ALRG Communications

In this day in age, it goes without saying that your small business needs a website. What is equally as important, is having a website that serves all the things your customers need. Below is a list of must-haves for your small business website needs in order to succeed.

Contact Page

Having a contact page is a must and it should be prominently displayed somewhere on your site. There is nothing worst for to a customer to go on a website, looking for contact information, and can not find any way to get in contact with a business. Having your contact information visibly displayed is a great way to get new leads, have disgruntled customers contact you directly (instead of them voicing their concerns all over social media) and it helps build credibility.

If you don’t have an email address with your business website name, you can use an email hosting platform like Google Apps or a free platform like Zoho Mail.

Up-to-Date Information

Following in the same lines of contact information. When is the last time you updated your website? Is your location still the same, what about hours of operation, telephone number , “about us” page, or even the mission statement. Have accurate information on your account is  beyond a “nice to have”. Take at least 30 minutes once a month to check your website for any updates, spelling errors, and even update your menu. Looking at your website from a customer’s perspective will allow you to see all the little things that can be overlooked when you are busy trying to get things does. For the customer, the difference from purchasing again, is all about the little things. Make sure the updated changes are reflected on your social pages as well.

Graphics

Imagery and vivid graphics that convey your business brand or highlights your products and services, need to be displayed on your website. If you are using stock images, go for ones that are eye catching and represent your business and the most succinct way. Hire a photographer to capture some of the great products your offer or keep your portfolio uploading with new projects. If you don’t have any changes in products or new projects, consider changing some of your images to keep your online viewers intrigued and engaged, especially if your website views are low.

While there are many topics and avenues you can take to dive into websites, having a contact page, up-to-date information, and graphics that speak life to your brand and business are definitely must-haves for your website.

Need help with website updates? Email ALRG Communications to get started today!

Twitter has been making some serious headlines from the recent, Twitter security link to the changing of newsfeeds and algrorithims. Although Twitter has become a hot topic for some of the less than glamorous or pleasing aspects of the social platform.

However, Twitter is still very much so a top contender for many businesses who are looking to reach a bigger audience. Twitter allows you to instantly spread the word out about your business, product, service, idea or project. But if you want to have an effective promotion on Twitter, you need to use strategies that will ensure you have as many followers as possible. Here are some Twitter promotion rules that can help you take your small business to the next level.

Be You

As much as Twitter is for showcasing your brand image, it needs to reflect your values. For example, if you own a small restaurant, you can post photos of yourself cooking in the kitchen or looking for ingredients in the woods. Just do anything that can bring Twitter users closer to your business. You should also include your employees in these photos so that the customers know all the people behind your brand.

Don’t Sell – Converse

The best way to mount an effective marketing campaign on Twitter is not to send out sales pitch at all times but to converse with your followers. As long as you follow the right promotion rules, they will get interested in your business and products without frequently bombarding them with boring sales pitch.

Talk in Real Words

While it is always tempting to include that great copy written sales line in your promotion, Twitter isn’t the place to re-apply it. Tweet without such lingo, in the tone you would use when conversing with your friends. For example, you can use the words “cool” or “awesome” when talking to your followers about your products. Using a casual tone will attract the attention of customers more than when you use a boring sales line.

Don’t Auto-Tweet

Twitter is not a bulletin board, so auto-posting from your Facebook page is not recommended. Nobody will think you are listening if your feeds are filled with Facebook links. You need to participate in the conversation by sending out your own tweets, reading other tweets and responding to them.

Use scheduling feature for all the important things

Apps, like Hootsuite, come with a feature called scheduling that will enable you to schedule important Tweets well in advance. Use them to schedule promotions and events that you may forget.

Tweet About Others

The best way to rub shoulders with the Twitter elite is to follow them and regularly tweet about them. By retweeting their posts and articles, you will be earning their trust and at the same time impressing your followers. Remember your customers are very valuable so don’t fail to respond to every Tweet they send you, however unpleasant it may be.

Be Helpful

While you should tweet about your promotion or business, make sure your tweets aren’t direct ads. Your tweets need to offer something helpful, whether it’s entertainment or just information. Give people a reason to follow you.

Remember the more effort and time you put into your Twitter marketing, the more rewarding it will be. Provided you follow the aforementioned tips, Twitter can be a great promotion tool for a small business.