Guest Posting: Online Presence is the New “Storefront”, by Gina Smith
Gina Smith writes freelance articles for magazines, online outlets and publications on behalf of a number of companies, including Spanning.com. Smith covers the latest topics in the business, golf, tourism, technology and entertainment industries.
Online Presence is the New “Storefront”
The majority of people and businesses now go online first when they want to search for a product or service. Your website is now your “storefront”. As a professional service provider, how can you ensure your online presence is not only appealing, but sells both you and what you do? Here are a few easy tips to help boost your online charisma.
Make your website appealing
Hire a professional to develop copy and design a website which stands out. Often, your website will be the first impression people have of you and your service. Is your website organized, designed well and easy to navigate? Or, is it cluttered, unappealing and just “there” so you have a presence. Think about your own consumer behavior. When you shop, do you choose stores, which are clean, well stocked and orderly, or ones which are disorganized and disheveled? Remember, your website is also your storefront.
Ask customers to connect with you through Social Media
Social Media is an excellent online PR booster. Peer impressions make an incredible impact. Connect with your customers and interact with them. If you are a freelance speaker, encourage your audience to connect with you as well. Perhaps even break the ice by jokingly saying something like, “OK, I’m going to strike a pose right now so anyone who wants to post a Facebook update about being here can take my picture…” Social Media is also a great avenue to ask questions and gather feedback about your services.
Continually check and monitor reviews
It doesn’t hurt to search your name or company every so often to see what is being posted online. If it is positive, help spread it! Link the positive comments to your website and interact with those posting them. If you discover negative content, address it immediately. Try to find the source and make every effort to reach out and explore opportunities to facilitate a positive experience.
Gather testimonials
Don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials. They can be simple, short (1-3 lines) statements from your customers about the quality of your work, their experience with you and recommending others to utilize your service. Obtain written permission to post these on your website, and across all of your Social Media platforms.
Technology has fostered an online culture which makes it imperative to implement Internet strategies that complement your traditional marketing and public relations efforts. While it can be overwhelming and time consuming, effective implementation of an overall online PR plan can prove very profitable in the long run!
3 Comments so far
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Thank you for this, it is a good article and appreciated. I’d go one step further and encourage reciprocal links. If you are reading this and would like to arrange reciprocal links with me then please surf on over to my web site: http://www.houlston.freeserve.co.uk and contact me via my details at: Electric guitar lessons St Albans page. After all, it’s links that make the web go round.
Stay Tuned and In Touch,
Bob #==(o )
By Bob Houlston on 10.21.12 5:34 am
I can’t agree more with the importance of making your website organized and appealing. The look of your website may well be the first impression a person gets of your business. A poorly designed website will make potential customers question how legitimate your business is.
By Matt T on 10.24.12 2:12 am
When I first started as an amateur blogger I had a very poorly designed site and saw barely any traffic or engagement so I hired a professional developer.
I launched this new site in tandem with my new book release and incorporated my blog just this week. In the past 4 days I have already seen more traffic and people engaging in my site then I did with the old site.
So based on my own personal experience I also would echo designing an appealing website is key!
Thanks for the post!
By Julianne Kissack on 10.25.12 12:45 pm
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