When Will Rogers said, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," the internet didn't exist. First impressions, whether in person, on the phone, or in today's digital world are a constant factor that matters for an electronic systems contractor or ultimately anyone in business.

Before you meet a potential client for the first time, you groom and dress yourself to reflect the type of AV company from which customers will trust for quality installations. How much time have you spent grooming your website’s home page? When was the last time you updated it? Let’s discuss 3 best practices that will impact potential customers who visit your website.

1) Start at home

Got a second? Only if you’re lucky. According to research from University of Missouri, it takes less than a second for a visitor to your website to form an opinion of your brand. If your home page took an honest look at itself in the mirror, (and it could speak) would it say, “I’m looking good!”? Style matters too. An outdated look is a contrary for a technology integrator whose very fabric is to be all things leading edge. There are far too many integrator websites that don’t have the basics such as an easily identifiable company name and logo, location, and images and copy that resonate and represent the type of work provided.

2) Be Local

Yellow Pages sent you listings for your metropolitan area for a reason… when someone is looking for a business or service provider the desire is to find someone local. Houzz and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have finder services by city, state, and country to make it easy to narrow one’s search. When someone visits your website, do they know where you are located and what areas you serve? Does Google know where you are located? If you’re thinking, “I don’t need my location listed because I’m not a retailer and I don’t have a showroom,” think again. Search Engine Optimization will help get those strangers to visit your website and even referrals who Google you. It’s free to get your business listed with Google My Business.

3) Be Social

Can your visitors follow you? Linking your website to social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ provides an avenue for potential clients and industry partners to learn about your completed technology projects, events, and industry news. Facebook reported 802 million daily active users on average in March 2014. A home or commercial technology firm’s website linked to its social media also gains organic search benefits because Google increases the website’s domain authority score making it easier to get found online.
Need help implementing the steps above? One Firefly can help your business build credibility and brand differentiation to referrals and trade partners with an engaging website and dynamic, credibility-earning content.