So we are now in 2023.
Technology is creating driverless cars, VR Headsets and watches that you can make phone calls from but WHY are people still treating their websites like it is 2007?
That was the year that I entered the wonderful world of website designing and wow, how things have changed. Making a site now is so so different to back then, mainly as the mobile phone hadn't really taken off and neither had laptops or tablets.
So back then, the web designer would hand code a website, which would take much longer than today. The brief to the client was much simpler, as most business owners didn't realise the part it would or could play in creating a stream of new potential customers for themselves. For many it was a form of a status symbol. "Oh look at me with my website" but they would then forget all about it and move on to the next shiny toy!!
Then social media arrived. And how it changed everyone's perception of marketing. Gone were the days where you would have to pay an agency to do all of your marketing. All of a sudden everyone had access to being able to create and deliver content THEMSELVES to potentially millions of people.
So now, many business owners spend more time on social media than doing their actual jobs! All in the hope of attracting new clients.
Which is great. But what about the aforementioned websites? Are they at the forefront of business owners minds?
Not on your nelly!! Most don't even look at their websites from one year to the next. I know that because we manage over 400 websites and only a handful ever contact us with changes, mainly if they have changed their phone number!
But at the same time, these business people are on their phones and social media, morning, noon and night. But before people are going to contact the business after spotting them on social media, they invariably visit the website to do a bit of 'due diligence'.
What do you think happens when they arrive on the said site to be faced with completely different information than what they are posting all over social media?
The trust that they will subliminally have for that brand, is likely to ebb away.
So what is the solution?
Well firstly, you need to be able to access your website yourself. Its YOUR website. Its YOUR brand, so you HAVE to at least have some kind of control. As your web designer for access to the admin area of the site.
Next, you need to learn how to make changes. Ask your web designer for help. Many will be only too please to pass on information, as long as you keep on paying them the hosting fee. Some may not be able to give you access, depending on how it was built but it's worth asking the question.
Alternatively, watch some YouTube videos. There's so many great tutorials, for free, on there that will teach you all the basics.
Or if that isn't your bag, then come and see me and you can learn from me and my team on how to have complete control of your website.
Next. Strip the site back to basics.
Is your business offering the same as it was when the site was built? What are you posting on social media? Content that could and should be on your website?
Clean it all up. Even start with just a landing page (homepage) with the key information. What you offer, how it can help people, some nice reviews and of course your contact details.
Thereafter, if necessary, add pages as and when you have the content. If you are managing it yourself, you can just login and add bits and pieces at a time. No stress!!
Obviously every business is in a different situation. Some may have a highly ranked website so that may have to be handled differently, but if thsi isnt the situation, then just take a deep breath and attack it one step at a time.
It's nearly 2024, so start the new year with a fresh website approach and smash it!!
You know where to come if you need any guidance or advice.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACADEMY
Northern Office
21, Old Hall Street,
Liverpool L3 9BS
Southern Office
Chiswick Works,
100 Bollo Lane, Chiswick, London, W4 5LX.