Originally published in September 2018

For me, there are three main areas of focus regarding this question.

First, is your web site laid out cleanly and with organization. Are the links clearly visible and do they make sense to your target client. I continually find web sites where I have trouble finding the “Contact Us” link or the hours and phone number. Do a trial run of your site with a friend and “idiot proof” it.

Second, how about products and services. Do you have too many to list easily? Are your basic services and options confusing with too many variations? I went to a restaurant recently that had us order from the little kiosk at the table and every meal had 6 different items we had to select with about 5 options for every choice. It took me 20 minutes to place my order. AND the font was so small I couldn’t read anything.

Third, how available are you. Do you answer inquiries immediately or the next business morning? Do you have a current email and phone number on your web site and business card? If you have a customer service person, is he or she polite and quick to solve issues? Can someone speak to you directly? What about an electronic calendar to schedule a session/meeting?

If you’ve never thought of any of these issues, you may be sending business away unknowingly. Scan through your website and see how you stack up.