First Impressions Count Online Too!

We’ve all heard about how important first impressions are, whether its meeting someone socially, at the local gym or in a business environment. The way you present yourself has a big impact on what people think of you. For example, you would expect to see a bank manager in a suit and tie or a Personal Trainer that looks fit! We all have expectations of different industries too and this should be reflected in what you do online.

I had a meeting with someone this week that I met at a Hertfordshire networking group, who mentioned how many web development companies there are that don’t have a great website. This got me to start thinking about the way that companies come across online and how websites should be used to re-enforce the personality of a business. It’s a much colder environment than meeting a representative from that business and so it’s really important to try and get across quickly what it is that you do and what kind of company you are.

Things to consider are:

Does your branding fit in with the industry that you are in?

Is it immediately obvious what you do when someone comes to your website?

Is the language that you use easy to understand and jargon free?

Does your website look too corporate or stuffy for what you do?

Is it easy to find your contact information? I always think that companies that make it difficult to get in touch aren’t going to have the best customer service?

Is it easy to navigate around the website?

Are you a local business and is that explicit?

You see, if you come across as professional online then people will perceive that you are a professional company. So the design elements need to be reflective of your business, but this needs to follow through into the words that you use and the information that you display. For example if you service just the Hertfordshire area, is it clear on your website? You would be amazed at the number of businesses that don’t make it obvious.

The downside with the online world is that unlike in real life, you very rarely get a second chance and so if someone has a bad experience on your website then they are unlikely to come back for more. Unless someone has met or spoken to you in person and built up a relationship then there is no sense of loyalty there.

So ask your friends, family and Hertfordshire based business associates to take a look at your website to see what they think. Ask them for their brutally honest advice and if there is a recurring theme, then you might want to rethink the way that you represent your business online.