Part 3: Making Your Small Website Stand Out

Jan 2
20:03

2024

Lynne Schlumpf

Lynne Schlumpf

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In this third installment of our series, we delve deeper into the intricacies of website optimization and customer service. We'll discuss how to enhance your website's loading speed, improve customer interaction, and provide valuable content.

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Enhancing Website Loading Speed

Before we proceed,Part 3: Making Your Small Website Stand Out Articles let's revisit the topic of website optimization. To ensure your website loads quickly, it's crucial to specify the dimensions of your graphics in your code. Additionally, creating alternate text (the alt tag) for your images can be beneficial for those who prefer not to wait for your page to load.

Prioritizing Customer Service

Quick Response to Inquiries and Complaints

Good customer service is paramount in any business, and your website is no exception. Responding promptly when people request information or report issues is essential. Aim to check your email at least three times a day. Many of your website visitors may be working from home, retired, or housebound, and they expect a swift response to their queries or complaints.

While auto-responders can provide an immediate response, they can sometimes be more irritating than reassuring. People generally prefer human interaction, as evidenced by the widespread dislike of voicemail and answering machines. Auto-responders are most effective when a visitor wants detailed information immediately. If possible, ask for their phone number so you can provide live answers.

When responding to emails, ensure your replies are polite, prompt, and helpful. If you're unsure about their query, ask for clarification before responding. Excellent customer service can set you apart from your competitors.

Handling Complaints

If a visitor reports an issue with a product or service you've sold, offer them various solutions. Most people prefer resolving issues over the phone rather than returning a product. Providing a generous guarantee, such as 90 days, can also enhance customer satisfaction.

Providing Valuable Content

Avoiding Useless Content

Nothing is more disappointing than visiting a website expecting valuable content, only to find it filled with meaningless sales talk or irrelevant information. This often happens when a company doesn't understand how to sell online or fails to plan their content carefully.

Creating Useful Content

Your website should provide useful information to your target audience. If you're selling a product, consider offering free information about its history and usage. If you're providing a service, provide relevant background information for potential customers.

Before designing your website, plan out its structure and content. Include elements discussed in this series. Offering something free, like valuable information, can make visitors more comfortable about making a purchase. Websites that only sell products without providing any value are generally unappealing.

Successful Content Strategies

For instance, a couple who loved peacocks created a website filled with information about raising them. Initially a hobby, their website now sells more peacocks than they can breed. The CEO even wrote a book about peacocks, which is now sold on the website.

Another example is a government contractor who shared his knowledge about securing government contracts on his website. His site now sells a wealth of information and was recently acquired by another company.

These examples highlight the importance of providing useful content that keeps visitors coming back. Your website should revolve around your expertise on a particular subject. Learn everything you can about the topic and share your knowledge. Websites that only sell information are a thing of the past. To attract visitors, you need to share some of your expertise.