FAQs
If I haven’t answered your question, please feel free to email sue@sjemarketing.co.uk or message me 07800 818447
Websites
Social Media & Networking
Q: Which is best, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Linkedin?
A: I use Facebook mostly, then Linkedin and Twitter. If your business is image-led, then Facebook and Instagram are for you. However, whatever platform you wish to use, post regularly (at least 3 times per week) with engaging content. It’s also good to schedule posts to maximise your audience, as they are all busy platforms and your message will quickly drop down and off the page. Don’t forget to use #Hashtags where appropriate. The more followers or connections you have the larger your audience. Remember, if you’re on the move, some platforms are easier to use, since they were designed to be mobile, however Linkedin is best used via your laptop or computer as there are some things you can’t do when mobile.
Advertise or not?
Q: Is advertising worthwhile?
A: Sadly, advertising has not been successful for either of my businesses. I’ve tried both printed and radio advertising. It will help to raise your profile, but may not give you more business. Advertising tends to work better if you do it on a long-term basis, which can cost a lot! If you’re website and social media is working well for you, why pay for adverts?
These Q and As will be added to periodically. If you have a question not answered here, please feel free to email sue@sjemarketing.co.uk or call
A: There are several reasons why.
- SEO (search engine optimisation) probably hasn’t been carried out on your website. We can quickly find out if it has.
- Your website content, including keywords, need to be relevant, easy to read and consistent, otherwise search engines won’t understand what you offer.
- Even a recently created website needs to be updated regularly. Plugins and problems need to be kept on top of or this could affect your ranking.
No! Many web designers don’t offer SEO services. Even if they don’t, we can help. Good content and SEO, alongside effective website design, are all vital to achieve good online awareness of your business.
A: Yes it is possible, although you will have to pay for a domaine name (web url) and hosting (both yearly). Also, further options will be limited. You will need to upgrade for your own custom domaine name, linking to social media and more!
However, unless you are creative, good with words and WordPress or Wix savy, it’s worthwhile to hire a professional.
The quick answer is yes, it’s better to hire a professional. Unless you are creative, good with words and know how to set up SEO, ask for professional help.
It’s not as easy as you may think to create an effective website, that achieves page one of search engines. It’s worth the investment. However, some web designers are not good content writers, or SEO experts, so it’s a good idea to find an expert.
A: In my opinion, if you don’t yet have a website, get that sorted first. Your website is your shop window – if you don’t have one you will struggle to get clients. However, it can take a few weeks to show up online, so the sooner you start the better.
Next, get some business cards printed. You never know who you might meet.
While waiting for your website, get going on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. It all helps awareness.
A: Yes it does matter, however if you choose the right web designer and content/SEO provider, you will be fine. One aspect to achieving good ranking, is using the right keywords in the right places. Without the right wording you won’t get the right message across and you will struggle to be found online.
A: If you’re starting from scratch, and you’re confident you can create an effective website, WordPress is the best every time. Wix can be easier to use, and cheaper, however WordPress is much more flexible and can incorporate just about everything you need.
Both Wix and WordPress can be done free (payment for url and hosting required), but the free versions are both very limited. You do have the option to upgrade to add SEO and social media. Here’s a link to WP beginner, which has a very good article that explains the pros and cons of Wix and WordPress.