Displaying information for special promo-tions that have expired or old contact infor-mation will frustrate customers. This may also result in a conclusion that you manage your business the same way you manage your online existence: Ineffectively. Removing this outdated information will keep visitors intrigued and prevent them from getting confused. During this process, it is also important to check any links you have on your website to ensure they are still working properly. For example, if you link to a topical news-paper article about a new stain remover, be sure to periodically check the link to ensure the article is still active and accurate. External links are great resources for your consumers, but they are not in your control; make sure the resources are not having technical difficulties and that the article is still available for consumption. A large majority of websites have out-dated or incorrect information on display. This can ultimately lead to customer dis-satisfaction and misperception, resulting in a loss of business. Therefore, be sure that deleting old infor-mation is part of your website spring clean-ing in order to make room for more current and relevant information. 2. Add interactive multimedia content Content for professional websites is key, especially when it comes to user experi-ence and SEO. With the ability to take on different forms, there are many content possibilities for business owners. Use the platform to update your consum-ers on new promotions, industry research or news, as well as new services or prod-ucts you provide. Promoting your latest special offers online is a great marketing technique, and that mes-saging, as well as the services and products you provide, should be updated regularly. Fresh material does not always have to be in words; in fact, a majority of new con-tent ideas come from adding visuals such as photos or multimedia presentations. For instance, before and after photos are great ways to specifically show your con-sumers what kind of results they can expect when in business with you. Your website is an informational resource for customers and clients, so choose color schemes and fonts relevant to your business. ence, explore new options with fonts, text and colors for the new season that will make you stand out against the competition. You want visitors to remember your web-site, not have it blend in. When choosing new colors, be sure to pick ones that will not distract from the main point of your website: Delivering information to cur-rent customers and prospective clients. Although bright and neon colors may appear eye-catching, the high contrast can make reading on a computer screen, tablet or smartphone difficult. Because of this, it is important to keep text and background colors easy to read and not overly busy or bright. Colors that complement each other well keeps the reader focused on what the site has to offer. 4. Edit with a critical eye Just as with text and background colors, the same rule applies to font selection. It may look attractive to put your entire website in a curly script font, but you should ask yourself, “Is it legible and will visitors take the time to read all of the verbiage?” No matter how sophisticated something can seem, it will have a negative impact on your business’ reputation if visitors can -not read or comprehend the information accurately. Another tip is to include information about your employees and staffs. In the cleaning and maintenance indus-try, customers are opening their homes or offices and trusting strangers to help with their cleaning needs. Displaying employee photos or short biographies online can help customers feel more comfortable and secure once a con-tracted custodial professional reaches their home or place of business. Additionally, when search engines gen-erate results pages, they are attracted to updated and fresh content when deciding where to place a particular site on the list. Newer information improves the chances of obtaining a higher ranking on the list, which leads to more visibility, higher traffic and increased business. 3. Stay fresh with a redesign Now that you have enhanced and improved the content of your online pres-Remaining Orderly As cleaning and maintenance profession-als, you understand the importance of getting things put away and organized for effective results. This spring cleaning season, put your business website on the top of your list of things to focus on. By following these quick and intuitive tips, your business will see increased consumer satisfaction and SEO to help drive business and sales all year long. CM As a manager for 1&1 Internet Inc., Kelly Meeneghan is an industry specialist providing expert advice on how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can grow their business online through websites and online marketing methods. 1&1, a global leader among web hosts, provides com-panies with the tools necessary to get online and be successful. For more information visit www.1and1. com or learn about how you can drive success for your business at http://Success.1and1.com. www.cmmonline.com 37
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