Easy Updates for Any Website Owner

Two years ago, I moved from Boston, MA to the northernmost tip of Vermont. The most striking change wasn't the traffic (there is none), or the skyline views (I traded skyscrapers for noble firs), but the digital presence of so many of the businesses here.

Most businesses have an active presence on Facebook, but their own websites are outdated, impossible to use, or don't exist. And yet the businesses are thriving! But the local audience that knows where to find business info is just that - local only. Businesses without a website and basic optimization are missing out on the critical tourism audience that flocks to the lakes and mountains during the spring, summer, and fall.

Now, there is some charm to being hard to find. The thrill of discovering that a location on the map holds amazing food, or a cozy ambience just off the trail, keeps word-of-mouth marketing alive, but I have to wonder.

How could the business scene evolve and grow with just a few updates for local business owners?

So here's my list of easy optimizations for small-town businesses with little time or technical know-how to expand their digital footprint and bring in more business.

Create a website

If you don't have a website, Wix, Squarespace, or even AI can easily help you create a digital store to bring business to your door.

If you don't want to go through the hassle, contact us here at Gorgon Marketing to assist!

Every website should include the following information:

• Homepage with business name, address, and hours of operation

• Pictures of what you do and where you do it

• Contact page or section with a form or phone number

If you have reviews, testimonials, or information about previous projects, these are icing on the cake for potential customers!

Connect the website to Google Maps

Google and all search engines want to connect you to potential customers. Find your business's listing on Google Maps and make sure you own the location. You can create a Google Business account to take control of your listing, and then add your website to your listing.

Take pictures

People like pictures! Add some personality to your business and add images. If you serve food, feature food pictures in good natural lighting. If you provide a service, take a few pictures of finished jobs you are proud of. If you are in an office, spruce up your desk and take a few pictures. They add context for potential customers and set expectations.

If your business is hard to find, go outside and add pictures of the outside to help get people inside.

Once you have photos, upload them to your website. We recommend adding pictures to the Homepage, and Services or Product pages. You can also add photos to your Google Business listing.

Publish the basic info about your business on the website

Most small business owners hem and haw over the details, and wait waaay too long to hit the "publish" button. Don't sweat the small stuff. So long as your business name, location, and hours are complete, send it. Include a way for a website visitor to call with questions, and work out the rest of the details from there.

To techies like me, this seems easy, but I know this can be a LOT for any business owner to undertake alone. If that sounds like you, reach out! We offer small business agreements to help move you forward within a budget that works for you, and within the hours you have to spare.