Each week as @Smallbizlady, I conduct interviews with small business experts on my weekly Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. This post is excerpted from my #SmallBizChat interview with @ramonray. Ramon Ray is technology evangelist at smallbiztechnology.com; a former tech consultant; hands on tech expert; frequent speaker including Inc. 500 and SmallBizTrends; a frequent writer of more than 7,000+ blog posts; and is frequently quoted in the media – including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and beyond.
Smallbizlady: Why are websites so important in this age of social media?
Ramon Ray: YES. Websites are still the main gateway through which most consumers (business and individuals) explore and get information about a company
Smallbizlady: Should every business have a website?
Ramon Ray: YES. I think that every business should have a website, but some businesses a website is more important than others. Local restaurants, clothing stores and insurance salespersons, for example, do much of their business through person to person referrals, so a website is less important than a company who receives 10% + of their sales leads or actual sales online.
Smallbizlady: How long to do have to make an impression on a new visitor to your website?
Ramon Ray: It’s seconds…just like in real life…people will NOT stay for minutes if they don’t like your website.
Smallbizlady: Can you explain what a tagline is and why it’s important to a website?
Ramon Ray: A tagline what appears on your header and it is what you want people to know about your business the second they arrive at your website. It’s even more important if your URL for your website is not reflective of what you do.
Smallbizlady: Should everyone be using a Wordpress platform for their website so they are not help captive by a web developer?
Ramon Ray: For those who frequently want to update their website with CONTENT a “wordpress-type” platform is best and easiest; but for more complex websites sometimes a bit of complexity is needed – hence web developer is the best way to go.
Smallbizlady: What are some ways a business can improve their websites?
Ramon Ray: Some businesses have web sites that are merely digital brochures, while these are “ok” they should consider adding tools to their web site, as relevant to their business, that enables their web site to be proactive. For example, FAQ’s, discussion boards, white papers, live chat, “call me now” buttons, and other tools can all help.
Smallbizlady: What about blogs vs websites?
Ramon Ray: While every business should have a website every business should also have a blog which can add life and content to their web site. This is critical.
Smallbizlady: There are many companies that have template services for creating web sites. How do they stack up against a professional web designer?
Ramon Ray: Template services are great if you are on a very tight budget and want something designed fast. However, nothing beats the one on one and professional advice of a professional designer. The challenge is that they are often expensive, sometimes not charging less than $3,000 – $5,000 just to accept an engagement.
Smallbizlady: How can one integrated social media with websites?
Ramon Ray: Use your website as a foundation to host lengthy articles, videos, blog posts and others things. Use social media to foster discussion and drive traffic to the elements on your web site. Also have social media specific content, which is for your social media site only.
Smallbizlady: How often should websites be refreshed?
Ramon Ray: I think on an annual basis you should look at how to refresh your site. On a quarterly basis you should look at your site and your competition to see what they are doing that you should or should not do.
Smallbizlady: Should businesses make their websites compatible for mobile devices such as cell phones or the iPad?
Ramon Ray: Larger companies who have large and a diverse audience must do this. But smaller businesses can take their time and first see who their audience is. If you are a flower shop, for example, and your customers want to order from their phones, you should consider developing a mobile website.
If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9pm ET follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter. How to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/S797e
For more tips on starting or growing your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog at www.succeedasyourownboss.com
Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady is one of America’s leading small business experts. As a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach, she develops audio, video and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. As CEO of MFE Consulting LLC, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. She has been featured on NBC Nightly News, the Tavis Smiley Radio Show, in the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur and Black Enterprise Magazine. She hosts #SmallBizChat weekly on Twitter for emerging entrepreneurs and publishes a resource blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Melinda is also the author of the national bestseller Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works. (Adams Media 2010)
This interview had some great information. i look forward to reading more interviews you have.
“People will NOT stay for minutes if they don’t like your website.” This is very true. Our most successful payment gateway clients are the ones who put a lot of thought into their web design.
Nice Interview,I learned so many things from here . I Think blog is very important for every business. Because it will update your customer time to time time and helps is Website ranking for SEO point of view.