First and most importantly, if you don't have a website, get one. Now.
Websites can be either a traditional set of web pages that tell people about your business, or you can use a blog as your website, as long as you have one. Some organizations even use their Facebook page as their website, which is also fine. As long as you have a place online where people can learn about what you do.
Take a look at your website from your customers' perspective -- all of your customers, including those you provide products and/or services to, your potential customers, your board members, your staff, etc. Your site should tell the story of your organization as concisely as possible in the first few seconds of viewing.
The top of your home page is the most important real estate, because visitors will make the decision to learn more, to click through, or to shut it down before they will decide to scroll for more information.
If you use social media, add links to connect with you above the scroll on the home page (or use the WIBIYA toolbar like we do at http://www.professionaledge.com/ so those links are always available from anywhere on your site).
Update your content all the time. Why would people want or need to come back if there is never new information?
And finally, be sure your website tells the graphic image that you want told about your organization. Be sure the look matches your current brand, image, and goals and take a new look at it every year to be sure it is still the right image.
Take a minute right now to look at your website. What does it say about your organization?
___
Kerry Brooks is Co-owner of ProfessionalEdge Associates, offering a wide range of marketing and support services to businesses that want to increase their success, but aren't in a position to add to their staff.
