3 Things the Best Local Websites Always Include

3 Things Your Local Website Needs

According to our 2022 survey, Moms Online and Looking for You, moms are spending more time online than ever before.  That increased online time includes how they're researching local businesses like yours.

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, 90% of moms say that online reviews influence their decisions when it comes to evaluating local businesses for their kids and families.

With crazy schedules and lingering pandemic concerns, many 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. 

Solid social proof can make all the difference to a mom who's on the fence about committing to register their child or make an appointment with your business. 

INCLUDE VIDEOS

Many local businesses have traditionally relied on in-person events and activities to drive new customers such as tables at local festivals or visits to schools. 

With many of those events on hold or modified over the past two years, 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 savvy online researchers and shoppers, but they're also busy.  Including social proof, videos and online purchasing give you a leg up against your competition. 

And they ensure your website and online presence are poised to provide the best possible chance to convert those families into your newest customers.