If you run a small business, you have probably already realized having some kind of web presence is becoming ever-more vital. With laptops, tablets, netbooks and smartphones gaining more penetration, online searches are gaining increasing importance in how your customers find information on your business. Some people may even assume a business without a website is some kind of scam!
However, the idea of taking the time to maintain a comprehensive website, or adding on the expense of paying someone to do so, can be intimidating. If the task of setting up a website and filling it with content is off-putting to you, remember you do not have to have dozens of pages and thousands of words!
You might be perfectly fine with just these minimum content elements.
Who You Are
You don’t need a long detailed biography. You really only need a bit of information about the background of your company and staff. Little details, such as how long you have been in business and your company’s mission statement, will help readers decide whether or not you can meet their needs.
What You Do
Your services or products are one of the most vital pieces of content on your website. The exact amount of detail you wish to go into is, of course, up to you.
One option is to give a lot of information on two or three products or services and then simply list the other ones you can provide. Whether or not to include rates and prices is a contentious issue. After all, they may vary depending on exactly what the client or customer wants. Consider offering ‘sample’ packages with accompanying rates to give readers an indication of whether you fit their budget.
How to Contact You
One disadvantage of including the bare minimum of content on your website is readers will likely have additional queries. However, this also gives you the chance to communicate with them directly.
For this to happen, though, they need to be able to contact you! The contact details give out are your choice, but whether you detail your business’ address, telephone number, email or all of these, make sure you have at least one method of contacting you. Keep in mind the more ways to contact you, the better.
Optional Extras
One nice extra is to include a list of frequently asked questions. Not only can these establish you as an industry expert, they can also include reasons why someone might wish to use your business. For example, a business that sells mosquito repellant might give some information on mosquito diseases.
Your website does not necessarily need to be a comprehensive listing of every single component of your business. All that is really needed is the basic information that will allow your customers to get an idea of what you can offer and how they can find out more.
Michael Deaven contributed this guest post. Passionate about technology, he likes writing about everything from online marketing to web resources for information on mosquito diseases.
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