If you own or work for a business, you probably know that new problems are arising every day that past generations didn’t have to deal with. For example, due to the internet, many businesses now have to compete on a global scale and not just locally. But, thankfully, there are some easy ways to set your business apart.
1. Build a cohesive brand
This probably sounds daunting, but that’s why a design-focused company (such as us, Atomic Scribe) is a great partner to have. A business needs a brand to be recognizable, even on a small scale. There needs to be uniformity across a web site and social media so that customers and consumers know who you are and what you do.
In today’s world, you need to stand out. That doesn’t necessarily mean the boldest and biggest. It just means a brand that people know when, for example, you email them. An identity where they automatically think, “Oh, yes, my dentist,” and don’t have to search their mind for how they know you. This also puts you top-of-the-mind for the next time they need to work with someone in your field. So make sure that you have a cohesive brand, and that it hits all points (in person, online, social media).
2. Translate into other languages
As stated previously, the internet has really changed the game for most businesses, for better and worse. Today, your site and brand is capable of reaching people all over the world, which means your audience is no longer only English-speaking consumers.
Most people want to read web sites and buy in their own language. So what should you do to reach these people? Translate your web site. It’s a one-time cost, and you can keep the translation forever. The translation can also be used for social media, print, and more. Best of all, the text will help you show up in search engines all over the world in different languages.
However, be careful. A straight translation from Google Translate may be semi-accurate, but you need to have a human check the translation to make sure it reads like a person and not a robot. Don’t be like the Norway Winter Olympic team that accidentally ordered 15,000 eggs due to a Google Translate error.
“According to a study conducted by Common Sense Advisory, 75 percent of participating consumers stated they prefer to buy products in their native language, and 60 percent claimed they rarely or never bought from English-only web sites.”
“According to a study conducted by Common Sense Advisory, 75 percent of participating consumers stated they prefer to buy products in their native language, and 60 percent claimed they rarely or never bought from English-only web sites.”
3. Blog content
Visitors do not want to be on web sites that are stale. That’s why branding and web design is so important. But many businesses don’t realize that blog content is a big component to a consumer’s judgement of whether to trust a business or not.
For example, take a look at Patagonia’s official blog. They upload brand-related, unique content frequently, post the published articles to their social feeds, and the blog is easy to find via their homepage. This shows to consumers that they are a thriving business and that they are knowledgable about their industry and audience.
On the other side, imagine an outdated website that looks straight out of 1995. There is only a homepage and contact page, with no blog content to be found. Do you think visitors would believe this business is still operating? Or that, if they are, they are modern and forward-thinking? Is there any reason to deduce that the business is knowledgable about their sector? The answers to those questions are likely “no”.
Growth Potential
Image is important, but it needs to be part of a package that makes your business accessible to as many people as possible. You can do that by:
- Honing a cohesive brand
- Making your in-person presence, web site, and social media part of a singular narrative
- Translating your content to reach people who don’t natively speak English
- Using your expertise about your business to create blog content
At Atomic Scribe, we can help you with all of that. Contact us today to find out how we can be a perfect fit for your business needs.