300 Seconds: Website Basics
When potential customers visit your website, they’re searching for information. Sometimes it’s book or event information, or they might need more information about your store. Over the next few days, we’re going to spend our 5 minute marketing sessions ensuring that basic information is included on your websites.
Today’s website basic: Location.
I’m sure you have your store address listed on your page, but offering directional information can go a long way with first-time visitors. It can be as easy as saying, “Books & Whatnot is at 123 N. Main, on the northwest corner of Main and Elm.” Or maybe, “Look for the big red monkey on the roof!”
Some folks learn through pictures, so a map can be helpful. Many sites allow maps to be embedded from providers like GoogleMaps or Bing.
But for those who have never been able to grasp orienteering, written directions are a must. Think about major roads or highways that customers might use to arrive at your store, and guide them in. “Driving directions to our store from the north: …” or “Driving directions to our store from Hwy 1 S toward Doo-Dah: …” If you have mass transit, give directions from the nearest exit and include approximate fares.
Although these potential customers are more than likely readers, try to be concise with your directions.
You can’t control *when* an individual becomes a customer, but you can hold his/her hand along the way.
