3 Things Every Local Biz Needs on Their Website

With so many local businesses closed or dealing with limited hours or capacities due to the pandemic, the online presence of your business is more important than ever. 

Instead of dropping by to check out your facility or stopping in at your location to learn more, parents are relying on what they find online.

Luckily there are a few things you can do to boost your chances of turning visitors into long-time customers.

ADD SOCIAL PROOF

Reviews and testimonials have always been important parts of your marketing strategy but today they're even more critical.  In fact, 89% of moms say that online reviews influence their decisions when it comes to evaluating local businesses for their kids and families.

Parents aren't hanging out at playdates or the school parking lot much these days to share recommendations or find our information about local businesses.  But they still want to know what other parents think. 

Include testimonials and reviews on your website anywhere and everywhere you can.  If you're now offering online options that are new to your business, be sure to include some testimonials about those as well. 

INCLUDE VIDEOS

Many local businesses rely on in-person events and activities to drive new customers such as tables at local festivals or visits to schools.  With all of those on hold, it's important for local businesses to replicate those in-person experiences online to keep bringing in new customers. 

Videos are a powerful way to demonstrate all that's happening in your business and generate excitement over your in-person and online options.  According to research by Facebook, videos hold people's attention more than five times longer than still images.

Think about how you normally wow families in-person and create a video to accomplish the same task. 

ALLOW VISITORS TO CLOSE THE DEAL

Adding the ability to complete the sale on your website applies to all local businesses, not just those that sell products at their locations.

If you're enrolling for in-person or online classes, camps or events, making sure that parents can learn about, register, and pay for those offerings all on your site will go a long way towards closing the deal and turning lookers into buyers.  

Parents are still looking for local products, services, and experiences for their kids even during a pandemic.  Make sure your website and online presence are poised to give you the best possible chance to convert those families into your newest customers.