FAQs: Answers to common questions about marketing
If you have a question not answered here, please feel free to email sue@sjemarketing.co.uk or message me https://www.facebook.com/sjemarketing
Websites
Q: I want to do my own website, but is it better to hire a professional website designer?
The short answer is yes it’s better to hire a professional, unless you are creative and you’re good with words. Creating an eye-catching, effective website, that achieves page one of search engines isn’t easy. It’s worth the investment. However, some web designers are not good content writers, so you may need to find an expert in both fields.
Q: I have a website, but it’s not showing up online. Why?
A: A website, even if it has only recently been created, needs to be updated regularly. Examples are new products and/or services, testimonials or a new article on the blog. This helps to keep search engines interested and ‘crawl’ your website, keeping it high in search engine results (SEO). A brand new website may take a few weeks to be indexed by search engines. It will help if you link to it from social media posts.
Q: Will my website automatically have SEO applied?
A: Not necessarily. Don’t assume your Website Designer has applied good SEO. Ask this question at the start. Some do it as a standard part of their standard service, but many won’t. Good content writing (and SEO) are vital for your website to achieve page one of search engines.
Q: I’ve just started a new business. What’s the best way to get noticed online?
A: If you don’t yet have a website, organise that first. It can take a few weeks to be recognised online, so the sooner you start the better. Next is to get some basic business cards printed. You never know who you might meet. While waiting for your website, I also suggest creating a business page on Facebook. Although it’s not as good as a website, it’s a good start, then when you have a website you can integrate the two.
Q: Can I create a website for free?
A: Yes you can, but 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!
Q: I’m not good with words, does that matter?
A: Yes it does matter. Google searches rely upon using the right keywords in the right places. This can make a BIG difference to a search. For example, if your service is picture framing and you’re based in Brighton, if the keywords’ picture framing’ and ‘Brighton’ aren’t used in the search snippets and web page, your website will not come up on searches. So, you will miss out on enquiries.
Website Platforms
Q: Which is best, Wix or WordPress?
A: If you’re starting from scratch, Wix appears easier to use, however WordPress is very flexible. Both can be done free (payment for url and hosting required), but with (free) Wix you are 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.
Q: What other platforms are there?
A: There are lots of other options, including Etsy, which is good for art and craft businesses. Although it’s not a website as such, Facebook is an excellent platform to start with and will work well as part of your marketing ‘mix’.
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