Brick-and-mortar Smbs: 7 Reasons Why Your Website Is Not Attracting Customers

Brick-and-mortar small to medium sized businesses are facing a lot of changes in this economy

. Cutting costs and increasing revenue is the bottom line, what every business needs to perfect in order to succeed. When talking about Internet marketing, most small business owners think that investing a few hundred dollars in a sub-par website is enough to put them one step above their competition. You guessed it right - they're wrong.

Having a basic website is not enough in these Internet days, where more and more people are searching for businesses, and buying products online. Here are top 5 reasons why your website is not bringing you potential customers:

1. Sub-par Website

The goal here isn't having a fancy, flashy $20,000 website. However, having a basic website that is a simple WordPress page is not acceptable either. Your website represents your company online, just like your employees represent you in the offline, everyday world. Investing a decent amount of money in your website is a good choice that will pay itself.

2. No Credibility Badges

When a visitor lands on your site, what do they see? If they see a bunch of different information, but no credibility badges, chances are they will hit the infamous "Back" button. In order for your potential customers to trust you, your website and your company, you need to put up some credibility budges. Some of them are Better Business Bureau (or BBB), your local Chamber of Commerce, VeriSign Secure badge etc.

3. No Visible Phone Number And Address

If your website has no prominent phone number potential customers can call to as questions or order, that looks a little bit fishy. 1-800 numbers work, too - but try to put your local phone number. Also put your business address on a clear, visible place on the site so your potential customers can walk or drive to your business.

4. Not Enough Content on the Site

Lots of quality, helpful content builds credibility on the site and can make your business appear as an authority on the subject. This should be your goal, because it's very important if you want your business to succeed. Invest some money in professional, but personable copy on your site, a few guides that will help your potential customers better understand your products, your company and what your mission is.

5. No Pictures Of Employees, Company, Products etc.

Many websites don't have this, but those that do find that putting a few pictures of your team, your employees, your company headquarters and products can make that phone start ringing. Putting up pictures or videos will make you stand out from your competition, make you more personable and likable, and people will feel comfortable trusting you with their business.

6. No Customer Testimonials

Customer testimonials are very important, and can impact your visitor's decision to become a paying client. But make sure you feature REAL testimonials - fake ones are easily spotted and can actually hurt your business.

7. Website Is Too Slow

If your website takes too long to load, you are most probably losing potential customers. Online, people have short attention span and no patience whatsoever. If your site takes more than a couple of seconds to load, they will turn to your competition whose site takes less than one second to load. Talk to your hosting provider and together decide which hosting plan is best for you and your business.

by: Boris Kovalsky

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