A new client approached me about doing a writing project for him. As I began our project, I discovered I needed some additional background information, so I searched for his business on the Web. I was surprised to find that although he had a registered domain, his business did not have a Web site.
A few days later, I was talking with a colleague who specializes in marketing. I asked him about his Web site. He said he hadn’t had time to put one up, and didn’t feel he had the need for one.
I believe these two business people, as good as they are, are missing an opportunity that could be costing them money. Every business needs a Web site.
A decade ago, you would not have opened a business without buying a yellow-pages ad. Today, you might (rightfully) question its value. Telephone-book ads are expensive, inflexible, and do not give you a lot of real estate to describe yourself and your business.
A Web site, on the other hand, is inexpensive, flexible, and gives you virtually unlimited room to describe and market yourself and your business.
When I first put up my Web site a number of years ago, my 86-year-old mother said, “That’s nice … but what does it do for you?”
I told her my Web site allowed potential clients to see samples of my work, download my resume, and get an understanding of what I could do for them. It allowed them to get to know me, if only a little. And it afforded me the opportunity to gain new clients who might be searching the Web for someone to do writing and editing services for them.
If you haven’t yet put up a Web site, please consider it. At the very least, let it:
- Introduce you to your potential clients,
- Explain your services,
- Publicize your accomplishments,
- Provide helpful information to visitors, and
- Tell people how they can contact you.
It’s true that few people will choose an accountant, lawyer, chiropractor, medical doctor, or any other professional just because of what they find on the individual’s Web site. But it is also true that having information about you available can help an individual make a decision in your favor.
A case in point: Last year my mother needed some medical services. The telephone book listed a number of individuals, but I wanted to take her to someone with a specialized background. I searched the Web; I finally found one doctor who had the kind of background we needed. After I did some more background checking (to check on licensing and complaints), we made an appointment.
Did the other doctors have the necessary qualifications? Some did, probably. But I did not have time to interview all of them. I
A word of caution: When you put up a Web site, make it look professional. No misspelled words or bad grammar. Always remember that your Web site is a visitor’s first impression of you. Make it a good one.
Until next time,
Linda Segall
Segall Enterprises
Writing and Editing Services
www.SegallEnterprises.com