Your web site could be your most valuable employee, but does this integral piece of your strategic online marketing plan have a job description? Do you know what duties you want your site to perform — and is it set up to do those things? You tell your human employees what you expect and give them the tools they need to succeed. Your web site deserves the same respect!
Your Most Productive Sales Rep
Do you want to sell your product or service online? Better have a shopping cart that works for your customer. And don't forget pages that describe your products or services in detail (and explain why your visitors can't live without them!). Potential customers also need a way to contact you with questions. Can they easily find your phone number or email or snail mail address?
Is your site set up to be your most productive sales rep?
Your Friendliest Customer Service Rep
Do you offer live chat? Is there a forum available where customers can ask questions or suggest improvements? Is your returns policy posted along with clear instructions about how to return an item or request a refund? Do you include "how to" video or written content if your product requires assembly or is complicated to use?
Is your site set up to provide the friendliest customer service?
Your Online Marketing Expert
Does your site have an easy to follow and logical navigation path? Can visitors find what they're looking for on your site? Do you use opt in forms to grow your prospect list? When visitors land on your site is it clear to them who you are, what you do — and what you want them to do? Do you have a way to monitor the traffic on your site to understand who your visitors are and what they do while they're on your site?
Is your site set up to spread the word and gather the data you expect from a marketing expert?
Take the time now to figure out what it is you want your web site to do and then make sure it's set up to make those things happen. Before you start updating your other job descriptions make sure your web site has one, too!
P.S. Now that you know what we mean it's time to answer the question: Does your web site have a job description?
P.P.S. Our strategic marketing consulting is designed to show you the strategies that help keep the customers you have while generating more and better leads. That process begins when we improve search engine ranking, devise the best social media campaigns and put other online marketing strategies to work for your business.
Deborah is a reformed tennis bum and inbound marketing strategist whose main professional purpose is to support local business owners, experts and entrepreneurs by helping them understand the impact and importance of online marketing. She is one happy camper when she can help clients be more visible on the Internet, increase their own customer base and become more profitable. How can she help you?