The third job of a business website has 2 parts Making CONTACT possible and CAPTURE THE USER’S INFORMATION. This is about enabling a two way conversation and includes making it easy for them to contact you and vice versa.
This post will address CONTACT information.
Make it easy for potential clients to contact you!
Your end user should never have to work to contact you. In most cases they simply wont. I also recommend giving them at least two methods. Obviously this doesn’t work in all cases, but the more ways they can contact you (or order/purchase/buy from you), the greater the likelihood that they will.
Be sure they can find your contact information on every page. Honestly, when you go to a site and have to work to find a phone number, aren’t you thinking that they don’t want you to contact them? Also, I find myself thinking that if its this difficult to contact them when I want to buy, how difficult will it be wondering if it will be if there is a problem.
So, what information do they need to contact you? It doesn’t matter if you aren’t going to be available. For example, don’t give an email or contact form if you won’t reply.
Every business website needs to have a PHONE NUMBER, and I recommend its on every page. Many times people will go to a website JUST to get the phone number. Make it easy for them. And put it where they will see it.
Every business website needs to have a CONTACT PAGE. It should also be easy to find and have the following:
- Your phone number
- A contact form with as few fields as possible. The more fields, the less likely it will be used. An email link is not a good idea. It is insecure for you and a one way dialogue- they have your information but you don’t have theirs. If they legitimately want to contact you, they will give you their email or phone number.
- If you have a retail business, be sure they
- can find you through a map, preferably with the ability to expand and get directions, and
- know your hours of operation (also true for a business if your do not keep regular business hours or days of operation).
In my next post, I will discuss Capturing Web Visitors information.
Richterworks Web creates business websites which convert web visitors into buyers by connecting with them and showing them why YOU are the best solution to their need.
Call us at 847-577-0491 or Contact us to find out how we can make your website work for you.