As of January 2023, there were 5.16 billion internet users worldwide, which is 64.4 percent of the global population. Therefore, it makes sense that your business would be online, even if it isn’t trying to reach a global customer base.
While millions upon millions of companies operate online, you’d be surprised at the number of small digital mistakes many of them make. But we don’t mean mistakes like not budgeting correctly, failing to implement a strong SEO strategy, or failing to work on ROI.
No, we mean small digital mistakes businesses make that may look like nothing but could have a big impact. Below, we’ve listed several of these mistakes that should send you straight to your website for a little check.
Opening times
From finding out if the local supermarket is open on a bank holiday to find out when the nearest retail centre offers late-night shopping, we’ve all jumped on Google to search opening times.
However, you’d be surprised at how many fail to update this correctly. This became evident during the 2020 lockdown where several businesses stated they were open when they weren’t. While this may seem like a small issue, if customers are relying on Google to find out when you’re open and closed, it makes sense to ensure the times are reflected correctly.
Otherwise, you may lose out on custom, or risk annoying potential customers who’ve made a journey only to find your doors closed.
Social media information
As you know, social media is key to any business operating in the digital sphere. However, while it’s a great place to share funny memes, creative content, and direct customers to your website, it contains other key areas that require attention.
With billions using social media, with Facebook having 2.96 billion active monthly users alone, it’s key that you get the information page right. From linking to the correct website to having the right email and phone number available to the right opening times, you’d be surprised how many people check your social media before your website.
For this reason, making sure everything is consistently updated is highly important.
Paid social media
Speaking of social media, while ensuring your organic social media is spot on, there’s also the world of paid ads.
When setting up a paid campaign, you’ll always have a key objective. Whether that’s to increase your following or to direct customers to your website – there will always be an end goal.
However, one thing many brands forget to do is change the messaging button, particularly on Facebook adverts. This is the button that users are encouraged to click, which directs them to where you want them to go. If the button isn’t aligned with the message it can cause customer confusion and have an adverse effect.
For example, if you want them to ‘visit website’ but you leave the ‘send message’ button on the ad, customers will think you’re asking them to send a message and not click, causing you a loss of potential customers.
Landing pages
This brings us on to the next point. If you’re pushing something online whether it’s on social media or via email, make sure there’s a dedicated landing page.
If you’re selling a product and direct customers to your home page or a generic product page, which features multiple other products, or your ad has promised them a free quote and they land on a generic contact form page, they’re likely to leave.
Customers like things to be simple and making the user experience as simple as possible is key. Therefore, when you’re pushing something via your channels, you should ensure there’s a dedicated place to send customers that provides exactly what you’ve been advertising.
More wrong information
This time we’re talking about wrong information on your website and not just your social media.
Have you ever tried to get in touch with a company, only to get a bounce back from the email on the website? Annoying isn’t it? This simple mistake could cost you a lot of business, especially if it’s the only method of contact. However, even if you have a phone number, customers may prefer to send an email, and once it’s bounced back, they may lose interest.
Even then, sometimes the number can be wrong.
Another area many websites fail here is linking to the wrong social platform onsite or linking to dead pages. This can be hugely detrimental, as many potential customers will use your social channels to get a feel for who you are, and if they can’t find it directly from your site, they won’t go searching for it.
Shipping info
Finally, this is one of the key elements all customers will want to know when shopping online.
Whether you offer online sales or not, make it clear from the get-go. If you do offer online sales, don’t make customers go digging for information around shipping costs and times, they’re likely to give up and go elsewhere.
Remember, in a world filled with millions of competitors which can all be found with a few additional clicks, make everything as simple as possible for customers and you’ll reap the rewards.
If you’re struggling with small but significant issues with your website or marketing, contact us today to see how we can help you.