Aim Small, Aim Big!
The tiny guys are easy prey in this ever-expanding tech-jungle that is the Internet. Competing with companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, or Amazon may be quite challenging. It can be difficult for small enterprises to compete with industry giants. So, how can you stand out and stay alive? Be yourself on your website—that's the secret to being small yet large!
I will use art to demonstrate my idea. Let your imagination take you to Joe's Ice Cream Parlor, where you can satisfy your craving for a strawberry milkshake. Joe smiles and asks, "How are you doing, Sam?" as soon as you step foot in the door. Are you in the mood for my signature strawberry shake? Sinking into the barstool, you remark, "That'd be great!" "How are the wife and kids doing?" Joe inquires. You inquire on the status of Joe's business.
The milkshake is poured into a tall, curved soda glass by Joe. He then inserts a straw and garnishes it with not one, but two cherries.
The picture isn't that excellent, is it? It's the epitome of diminutive! It's like going back in time to when mom-and-pop shops were the norm. Going to Joe's is about more than just getting a delicious milk shake; it's about the whole experience. Building and maintaining a relationship with that customer is greatly facilitated by the value that Joe offers to that milkshake.
How can we tap into the "you" and harness its potential for our business?
shop entrance
The moment you step foot in Joe's Ice Cream Shop, the story begins. The throwback style, the jukebox tunes, and the actual whip cream on top of his milkshakes. Is your website capable of halting traffic? Customers will go elsewhere if they aren't captivated inside the first few seconds. Color, eye-catching images, and conversational language all work together to pique visitors' interest and establish a mood.
RULE OF thumb: The homepage is the gateway to your website. Tell them what you do, who you are, and why they should care about you right at the beginning of the page!
Let me tell you about your USP.
How amiable are you? Can I afford to hire you? Do you have a 24/7 availability?
What makes you unique? Do you provide everything?
Bounty, the speedier picker upper...—those memorable lines will never leave your mind. Here at Burger King, we cater to your every whim. Rest assured, Hertz, we are making more of an effort.... Ad slogans like this explain to potential clients exactly what you do and why you're the best right from the bat.
WHO MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?
Everyone can see Joe's "soda for the day" listed prominently on the menu.
Just like that, you need to let people know about all the cool stuff your site can do. Make a "special of the day" menu-style home page that advertises your site's free reports, tools, goods, and more to potential clients.
Put a prominent notice on your homepage if you provide a free trial or a money-back guarantee.
WORDS: Inserting personality into your site text is a great way to make visitors feel welcome, much like Joe's discussion did when you were shopping. Copy for your website should not give the impression that you are a pushy car salesman or an ostentatious vice president of sales. Instead, take a more personal and honest approach while writing.
Nothing worse than plagiarizing your resume or just listing your services as website copy. Instead, explain your offering in your own terms, highlighting the benefits, savings, ease, and convenience it will bring to your customers. Ask yourself, "Why should I buy from this company versus the one down the street?" from the perspective of a consumer. The content of your website will be shaped by the responses to THAT question.
In response to George's recommendation that you sample Joe's Milk Shakes, you should use other words. You were completely convinced after hearing those words! An honest review is the best way to gain people's confidence and credibility. If you don't have a well-known brand and the credibility that comes with it, you'll have to convince the buyer that you or your goods deliver as promised.
User reviews accomplish this. And nothing beats genuine, positive word-of-mouth from satisfied consumers when it comes to attracting new ones.
Visuals Speak Louder Than Words:
No matter what, Joe always managed to put you at ease at his shop. Similarly, if you want your customers to feel more comfortable interacting with you, consider including a photo of yourself on your website. Customers are more inclined to do business with you if they have a positive impression of you.
Here are some suggestions to consider if you are lacking a positive self-portrait. Get one shot at JC Penny, Glamour Shots, or Sears. Think of getting a shot of yourself "in action" instead of those "horrible" formal shots. Having a photo of yourself interacting with pupils is a great visual aid to use in a classroom. To get an AMAZING headshot, you may even "cut" yourself out of a decent casual image, erase the backdrop, and create a shadow! To view my photo, visit http://www.kcustom.com/aboutus.htm on the about us page. Because I despise having my picture taken, I take HORRIBLE formal pictures. While on my honeymoon in Key West, I took this photo. So that's why I seem so joyful!
Put a widget picture on your website if that's what you sell. Customers prefer to handle products physically while they shop. Use your imagination and the images you gathered to bring this experience back to life. Promptly state, "the seat is made with leather so soft you'll sink right into it" rather to describing it as having a "solid leather construction"!
SHOW RESPONSE AND FRIENDLINESS WHEN COMMUNICATING WITH CUSTOMERS
How long has it been since you last went to the checkout counter and had to wait? The sales associate was standing there, conversing with her coworker. After you attempt to clear your throat and look her in the eyes, she approaches you and finally says, "Can I help you?" When consumers email a company and wait for a response, it can make them feel like this.
Timely responses are expected when sending emails. Send a note to inform the person that their query was received and when they can anticipate a response if you are unable to respond immediately.
Recall the "waiting at the counter" situation: doesn't the clerk's "I'll be right with you" statement make you feel better? "You are important to me, I noticed you, and I will help you as soon as I can" is what it conveys to the consumer.
PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICE: Joe's secret to success at the Ice Cream Shop wasn't merely his amazing milk shakes, but the value he brought by topping them off with an additional cherry. Keep 8 promises and pay 9 back. How do you have a positive impact on your company? Extra touches are a way to openly offer yourself.
The Packaging Is Everything:
Paper cups with plastic lids just don't cut it when it comes to milkshakes. You don't mind paying the extra $1 for the milkshake at Joe's because you know you're getting a good one. Come up with appealing and practical ways to package your services for your clientele. Refrain from overcharging your customers. Clients may find the idea of paying $150 per hour to be quite intimidating at times. Imagine, for example, making a bundle that includes a fixed amount of products or services for a fixed price. You might provide three different bundles: basic, deluxe, and GOLD. There is no "fear" in a customer's purchase when they have all the information they need.
I don't know about you, but getting human live help when I call a customer service number is the most impressive thing to me! Please be the person who hears me out and empathizes with my struggles. I would like not use the phone's menu system and select selections 1, 2, or 3.
A voiceover from Joe's Ice Cream Shop announces, "Welcome to Joe's Ice Cream Shop, this is Joe!" That is really a great way to start things off! People can tell the change in your voice when you answer with a smile.
Embrace your uniqueness - The change it makes is unbelievable!
In my experience, being "myself" has been the key to the success of my business. And every day, when I design and develop websites for entrepreneurs, I assist them in incorporating a part of their personality into it. Establishing a personal brand is crucial. Evaluate your own company. Consider things from a new angle.
What impression do you provide to others? Is your website more like a shrieking, over-hyped advertisement or a business brochure, or does it "feel" like a welcoming, comfortable spot to conduct business? Putting a personal spin on your service, communications, and website is the key to competing with the BIG GAME. Be modest and make a big splash!
