Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1257023
BY NONA RAYBERN PUBLIC RELATIONS & MEDIA MANAGER MBAKS Y ou're old-school. You've used print ads and word of mouth for years. So why do you suddenly need a website? Because it's 2020—the way we did business in the past just isn't grabbing the clientele you need. People Rely on Search Engines The first thing people do when they need to find a business is research. Most people use search engines like Google, with the average person conducting three to four searches per day. Having a website not only gives you a direct line of communication to existing customers, it helps new ones discover your business. Ever heard the phrase "SEO?" Search engine optimization is basically how high your website shows up on a search engine's results page when someone searches for businesses like yours. If you don't have a website, your direct competitors will show up instead. include contact information, a list of services, and photos of your best projects or products. A service map helps prospective clients see if you're available in their area. To take it up a notch, highlight what makes your business special. That could be a designation like Certified Green Professional (CGP) or a Remodeling Excellence (REX) Award. It could also be a high average rating on Yelp or Angie's List. These details help website visitors decide whether to hire you. Once you've organized your site content, follow your style and branding rules. Keep things simple and uncluttered, especially around your logo. Adaptation is a cornerstone in any business in today's ever-changing, technologically driven market. Having a website not only builds your reputation, it improves your bottom line. Building a Website is Much Easier There are handy website builders out there that even novices can use. For an easy drag-and-drop approach, try Squarespace. For something a little more advanced and blogging-friendly, give WordPress a shot. With more than 50% of people using mobile devices to search the web, mobile-friendly web design is critical. Thankfully, most website builders have easy mobile compatibility tests now, so be sure to use them. Start Simple An effective small business website requires just a few necessities. At minimum, The Importance of Having a Website for Your Business At minimum, your website should include contact information, a list of services, and photos of your best projects. 19 SUMMER 2020 | master BUILDER MEMBERSHIP VALUE