It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. Business’ are in intense competition every day; to see who has the nicest website, the best address or who can roll out the next service feature. For small businesses, it can be hard to keep up with changing trends and new standards. So, below you’ll find some easy ways to boost the professional standards of your business.
By Sean MacEntee (https://flic.kr/p/qi1eYu) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Website
Every reputable website is encrypted. This means that the data the site collects and uses are sent securely. Even if data is stolen when it’s encrypted, the thief won’t be able to use it. To show that a site is encrypted, you’ll see an image of a padlock and “https://” in green next to the URL. Some web browsers will even warn you if a site is unencrypted.
To encrypt a website, you need to purchase or generate a unique SSL certificate and assign it to the site. Certificates can be bought through most domain/web hosts, like GoDaddy and NameCheap. Depending on the certificate you buy, the way the website shows that it is encrypted will change.
It is also good to use a payment gateway if you take bank details. Payment gateways will process and store payment details for you, reducing risk. And they will give you a logo or image to put on your site to show off your security.
It’s obvious, but a website also needs to look nice. Web design has come a long way over the last 5 years, which has made a lot of sites look horribly old. Using website builders like Squarespace and Wix, you can drag and drop a great website together in an evening.
Address And Premises
If you need an address that customers can see and use, it’s better for it to be a business address. To make this easier, forwarding services have been set up. You put their address, with your business name, on your site. And anything sent to the address is passed on to you. For an example of an affordable mail forwarding service – yourvirtualofficelondon.co.uk.
If you have a shop front or offices that people visit, it has to look good. An untidy shop floor, with old decor and dusty shelves, will put customers right off. Use websites like Instagram to inspire your renovations!
Image credits: Pexels
Phone Number
Your phone number can say a lot about your business. People find it hard to trust mobile numbers or private landline numbers. You can purchase local and national numbers, through services that act like mobile contracts. A lot of these services allow you to use their numbers on a mobile phone, as well. So you don’t need to sacrifice convenience.
SMS numbers are also available, which can send directly to a computer system for automated services, or to a mobile phone to be replied to by a human. These are great for booking services and be used to send out waves of texts.
Give your business some sparkle, with these easy steps. It only takes a couple of days to get these systems setup, and you’ll notice the difference straight away. Remember to do some research, and try to find the best product for you.
