In prehistoric times credibility was earned by having a brick and mortar address. Now people assess your credibility on the internet. They examine photos on Facebook posts, scan websites and read tweets.
You already know their real questions, the human questions we all subconsciously ask: Do I like this person? Are they like me? Can I trust them?
Start with a basic website
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Follow a few examples and put your own spin on the material. The more you publish consistently, long-term, the louder your voice will become. And with your voice, your credibility will grow.
There are countless website tutorials on YouTube to help you put together a WordPress webpage with your contact information and services. That is all you really need to get started. As your business grows, your website should expand with you. Remember to watch only recently published videos for the most up-to-date information.
Other companies such as wix.com, squarespace.com and weebly.com offer quick websites you can set up in minutes. Another option, set up an easy Facebook business page.
Long-term, you should buy your own domain name and build a site that you control.
Website organization
Your starting website should have 4 main pages. You can always expand the site as you grow but this will give your website a basic outline.
- Home: Express clearly what you do and what services and/or products you provide for your prospective client. Key question: What is in it for them?
- About: Share your background story, qualifications, and reasons for starting the business. Let your personality shine. Or, consider making the page all about your visitor.
- Blog: Share your insights and expertise on your niche. It is not just about writing articles anymore. You can post videos and podcasts as well.
- Contact: Make it easy for people to contact you via phone, email, social media, or a simple online contact form.
Consider adding a media page to highlight your awards, news events and recent publicity, if any.
Website design tips
Visuals are important. Use quality photos on the site that are copyright free. Bigstock is one of many sites that offers inexpensive photographs for sale.
Your list of active social media site icons should also be visible and accessible to visitors. Encourage potential clients to connect on social media.
To achieve high search engine rankings, websites must be designed with a mobile-first focus. Also note that Google recently started using the HTTPS security encryption as a ranking signal.
Focus on clients and colleagues
Remember, everything you publish is a permanent reflection of your brand. Appealing to your clients is important but your colleagues are a source of business as well.
Consider sharing material that might aid the industry as a whole. Collaboration enriches any community and your reputation as a leader will be enhanced.
Begin with your brand
Branding yourself through your website is a smart way to make your company memorable. It is your interactive business card. You want to make yourself distinct from other businesses.
Think beyond making money for a moment. Reflect on how you serve your clients. Contemplate what you want to convey about yourself, your company and your services. How do you benefit your clients long-term?
Stop, take a minute, and consider what you want to stand for. That’s an important question.
Build credibility
It just makes sense that people want to work with people who have meaning, purpose and intent.
The internet is an amazing vehicle for professional identity. Who you are, what you promote and how you are growing can all be addressed online. The creditability of your internet identity will shape the way clients and colleagues perceive you. Make the most of the tools on the internet to enhance your internet identity.
Learn more:
What Is Brand Marketing, and Do You Need It?
Mobile-first: What Your Property Manager Needs to Know
How to Find and Network with Real Estate Investors
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