I’m working on launching an all-new website and there are times that it’s really felt like work. š
There have even been times when I’ve felt sympathy for those medieval builders who spent their lives (and more!) constructing the cathedrals of Europe. The Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí started his cathedral-sized basilica, Sagrada Família, in 1882, and work still continues in Barcelona to this day.
While I hope developing my website won’t go on for quite that long, I do believe it’s been worth every minute of my time.
Here’s why: My website is a crucial welcome mat for my brand. It needs to give the right impression and let potential customers know how I can serve them at the highest level.
In other words, first impressions count.
This week, I’ll share what you need to know to make sure you deliver the right first impression that leaves your clients (and your potential clients!) clamoring for more.
Make sure to leave me a comment! I’d love to hear about any products or brands that you think make a great first impression.
Excellent adviceā¦and exactly what Iām working on as I develop my website and first product. Thanks!
Thank-you Pam, I am so glad to hear someone in the digital marketing world say this. In theera of ābuild it while you flyā I have purchased a lot of products from good people with great content, who should be embarrassed about how poorly they present their material, how confusing it can be for their customers, and how unprofessional they look. All of the gurus who are telling people you can sell it and then make it are probably doing well because no one ever went broke telling perople what they want to hear ā but they are doing the industry aa a whole a disservice.
Michael, great perspective! I really think the biggest competitive advantage you can have today is to put out quality materials and really take care of your customers in the process. Sometimes youāll hear someone tout how much money they made in 4 days with a product they just threw together, and I think, āhow can that be serving anybody?ā To be around for the long-term and to have a brand that grows in impact and income, it may take a bit longer to get it all built and going, but in the long run youāll be so much better off. Thanks for your post ā Iām very passionate about this topic!
Great message! Will keep it in mind for our clients in our video/audio production business and have already tried out some of the things in your marketing road map which is marvelous.
On a personal level, just did my pre-launch video for my book which probably hits none of your points. Is it okay to do something you feel good about but may not be the wisest thing to do strategy-wise? hereās the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R81MHYFWrOY&feature=youtu.be
Hey Elaine, First of all, one of the gifts of owning your own business is that YOU get to make the decisions. Sometimes itās a passion project, sometimes you just want to take care of someone, sometimes itās just a creative itch you need to scratch. My rule of thumb is I limit my spending to 10% (15% at the most) of my net profits on things that fall into this category (ābecause I just want toā¦ā). This ensures you get the creative outlet or get to take care of folks in the way you want but that it doesnāt break the bank in the process. That said, your video is fun and has a great message. To your point, itās probably not going to lead to book sales perse, it will do some brand awareness and building for you for when it does. If youāre publishing through Amazon, you can also put it up for sale now (for pre-order) before the book is done and if you do this, you could just change the end of the video so folks can actually go and pre-order. Either way, itās fun and I love that you did it. Great question, too, I appreciate it! š
Hey Pam!
Wow! What an awesome post! Thank you!!
Also the timing couldnāt have been more perfect! Bravo!
I am in the process of designing a new home teeth whitening line & was in the middle of what all would be included in our packages. I couldnāt agree with you more re: your thoughts on this. I loved the different thought process of considering the client had invited you into their home. All my new customers always get a personalized ārealā thank you note with their orders & I plan on continuing that. Looking at it with your perspective, I was thinking, maybe that should be sent a few days afterwards??. . . . . just as you would send a āthank you noteā to someone who had you a guest into their home? Iām also working on other cool āextrasā to include as well. If you have any ideas, I am always āall earsā + Smiles!!
I look forward to tuning into more of your blog!! Hope you have an awesome rest of the weekend!
Take care & StaySm:)in!
Mason
Mason! I love the idea of sending the t-y you a few days later (as long as cost makes sense). If you can get it as hand written as possible, all the better! APpreciate your noteā¦and even your āall ears and smilesā pun. š
I enjoy your live training videos. There are so many reasons ā all of them done well! When it may be the 2nd time, I get a cup of coffee ā you have a gift for interacting with the viewer. Thanks!
Compute-A-Color is a math learning system that offers self-discovery and self-correction; a coveted way to learn. When and if you have time, it is easiest to watch my web: http://www.compute-a-color.com. Visual/Sensory aspects.
I hope to be in contact; I am at a critical business point; thanks for offering an email address. All for now.
Ann M. Preus (Originator/Owner, Compute-A-Color, Inc.)
60 Seymour, Minneapolis, MN 55414 612-378-2448
(email above)
Well, I did already send my comment. Thanks very much for
valuable counsel; I hope to stay in contact.
Sincerely, Ann M. Preus Originator/Founder, Compute-A-Color, Inc. 60 Seymour Mpls. MN 55414 612-378-2448
Hey Pam ā LOVED your deep knowledge of the psychology of that āinteractionā with customersā¦ Caring for them, genuinely ā via making product/content presentation attractive and simple. Love it.
Thanks so much for sharing that depth of experience. I like watching you share, coz I āgetā the truth (and simplicity) of what you have learned.
Big hugs,
Alicia