wordmistress
29-01-10, 10:17 PM
Never before in history has it been so easy for the lay person to advertise so much about him/herself to so many people at the one time! Thanks to Twitter, Facebook et al, plus countless dating websites, employment sites and blogs, you can not only promote a business, but target millions-strong audiences to find yourself a job, a friend or a spouse!
There is one thing common to all of these things: you have to project yourself in the best light possible!
Whilst at first it may seem it's all about you, you, you, the truth is, even though you want the reader to know about YOU, you actually want to make it seem as though it's all for THEM. Your internet dating profile must naturally include your personal particulars - height, body shape, eye colour, hair colour, relationship status, dietary preferences and so on - but it also requires you to list the qualities you're looking for in a mate. AND, your profile's readers will want to know what's in it for them to contact you!
Matching your business with potential clients
Similarly, your business website should tell the reader all about your business, what products or services you offer, where you are, how long you've been in business and how to contact you. You also need to illustrate to these potential clients what they can expect from you. Consider adding the following to your website content:
About Us
Provides a somewhat personal touch and lets the reader know they're dealing with a person or group of people, not just a business.
Mission statement
Clearly defines your company's reason for being. It also sets out the company's future goals for expansion or growth and outlines the key values to which the business is committed.
Returns policy
Just having a returns policy provides your potential customer with peace of mind from the outset. It also clarifies the responsibility on the part of both the customer and your business in the event that a product is not wanted or not suitable.
A map to your location
It's never been easier to be found! Google Maps makes long-winded instructions delivered by phone, a thing of the past. Simple to incorporate into your site, your viewer can choose from Satellite View, Street View or Map View and can even print out clear instructions on how to get to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's are hugely helpful to website visitors, especially when you consider that the Internet keeps your business available 24/7, even if only online for part of each day or week. When you can't be contacted, FAQ's can spare your readers - and you - valuable time.
Personal information
It's certainly not vital that you provide a photograph of yourself or your personal information. However, knowing more about the person behind the business can be the deciding factor between your site and another that offers similar products or services. You don't have to list your hobbies, your favourite colour or whether you have pets ... save that for your personals profile. Just add a splash of insight into the person behind the business and it'll be very well received.
There is one thing common to all of these things: you have to project yourself in the best light possible!
Whilst at first it may seem it's all about you, you, you, the truth is, even though you want the reader to know about YOU, you actually want to make it seem as though it's all for THEM. Your internet dating profile must naturally include your personal particulars - height, body shape, eye colour, hair colour, relationship status, dietary preferences and so on - but it also requires you to list the qualities you're looking for in a mate. AND, your profile's readers will want to know what's in it for them to contact you!
Matching your business with potential clients
Similarly, your business website should tell the reader all about your business, what products or services you offer, where you are, how long you've been in business and how to contact you. You also need to illustrate to these potential clients what they can expect from you. Consider adding the following to your website content:
About Us
Provides a somewhat personal touch and lets the reader know they're dealing with a person or group of people, not just a business.
Mission statement
Clearly defines your company's reason for being. It also sets out the company's future goals for expansion or growth and outlines the key values to which the business is committed.
Returns policy
Just having a returns policy provides your potential customer with peace of mind from the outset. It also clarifies the responsibility on the part of both the customer and your business in the event that a product is not wanted or not suitable.
A map to your location
It's never been easier to be found! Google Maps makes long-winded instructions delivered by phone, a thing of the past. Simple to incorporate into your site, your viewer can choose from Satellite View, Street View or Map View and can even print out clear instructions on how to get to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's are hugely helpful to website visitors, especially when you consider that the Internet keeps your business available 24/7, even if only online for part of each day or week. When you can't be contacted, FAQ's can spare your readers - and you - valuable time.
Personal information
It's certainly not vital that you provide a photograph of yourself or your personal information. However, knowing more about the person behind the business can be the deciding factor between your site and another that offers similar products or services. You don't have to list your hobbies, your favourite colour or whether you have pets ... save that for your personals profile. Just add a splash of insight into the person behind the business and it'll be very well received.