Straight out of the Scout manual… Be Prepared. It may be the motto for the Boy Scouts, however it’s a motto to adopt if you want to engage with your web visitors and generate new business. Here are 5 tips you can prepare right now so the next website contact you get won’t me a missed opportunity.
1. Use email. I recall a client who didn’t use email. They had a list of reasons: it’s impersonal, they had a new computer and hadn’t hooked it up, they didn’t have time to respond to emails. If you have a website and no way for people to contact you via email, then you are losing potential business.
2. Have a recognizable email address. Here’s an immaginary example– you have a business called 3 Bears Porridge Inc. You use 2 different email addresses: info@3bearsinc.com and 3bearsinc@gmail.com. Either of these are acceptable and recognizable by new business. If you felt tempted to use bittybear@gmail.com, just be aware that when you go too personal the email address may not be recognized as originating from your business. Yes, if they recognize your incoming emails, they are more likely to respond to them!
3. Know how you’ll respond. When you get an email from new business you’ll need to know how you’ll respond. Will it be with a phone call or by a follow up email? Knowing what you’ll do means you’re that closer to doing it! If you’re like my client who doesn’t have time for email, have a plan in place for a return phone call or an assistant who can answer your emails.
4. Mark your territory. Just as your email address should be recognizable, so should any materials you offer for download on your website. I wish I could just give you one example of this however it seems to be a running trend, thus I a dozen examples. So here’s the rule: When you create any handout for your website, anything people will download and print, brand it with your business name, address, phone number, and any other means that will help they find you and do business with you!
5. Give them something to hold onto. No one leaves the party with out a party bag! Whether it’s by phone or email, give any warm prospect something to keep them engaged in doing business with you. Ask:
May I sent you a sample?
May I have your permission to add you to my mailing list?
Please watch your email for a special offer.
I have an appllication form I’d like to email you.
Would you like a coupon for…?
See… any of these questions will slow down the process to keep the engagement going.
