These days, anyone from tech-illiterate octogenarians to literal children can create a website. Programs such as Wix and Squarespace hold your hand through the entire process, allowing you to make a website in just a few steps.
But notice we said “make a website.” Not “make a good website.”
As we’ve discussed before, a lot goes into your small business website. From the homepage to the FAQs, your customers are expecting a certain standard. And if your website doesn’t meet it, your customers won’t stay “your” customers for long.
While plenty of attention is (rightly) paid to the flashier parts of your website – homepage, product pages, etc. – there are two crucial parts that often get overlooked and undervalued: Contact Us and About Us. Here’s what you need to know to make these two sections of your website shine.
What Should Your Contact Us Section Include?
Your Contact Us page exists to direct customers to the appropriate person or department they need. It’s a way for them to get in touch with you regarding their questions or comments. And it’s a lot more than just listing your phone number or an email address.
Do you have different departments? Include the direct line to each so people aren’t stuck listening to a menu. Is your service department open 24/7 but your sales department 9-5? Make sure the hours are listed so people know what to expect. Do you have a brick-and-mortar location? Include a map so it’s easy for your customers to find you.
Ideally, you want to give people as many options as possible to get in touch. Some people want to talk to a real live person; others would rather communicate via online chat. Some might want to connect with you by email; others might want a physical address they can send snail mail, too. (Yes, these people still exist.)
Make sure you’ve included social media links to your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. (Want to create the fancy buttons you see on many pages? Here’s a quick tutorial.)
Many sites also choose to include a form on their Contact Us page. This allows them to quickly capture a potential customer’s information and understand their needs so they can tailor their response before they ever have the customer on the line.
A quick note on forms: Ask only for the information you absolutely need. No one wants to spend five minutes detailing their entire life story just to leave a comment or ask a question. Mischa Communications’ contact form, for instance, only asks for a name, optional company name, phone number and email.
What Should Your About Us Section Include?
Your About Us section exists to tell your story. This is the chance for potential customers to get to know who you are, what you do and why you do it. And what you include depends largely on your brand, products and services.
Are you a B2B tech company offering award-winning software solutions? This is the place to document your experience and awards. Are you a small-time confectioner selling hand-pulled taffy made in the kitchen where your grandmother first taught you to cook? This is the place to talk about your memories, values and history.
Your About Us section should match the same general tone as the rest of your website and marketing materials. Don’t be overly “fluffy” if your tone is normally cool and collected and don’t be stark and minimalistic if your tone is usually fluffy.
Who Are You and How Do We Get in Touch?
The Contact Us and About Us sections of your website might not get a lot of traffic, but the people who need them will definitely notice if you don’t include them. Give these pages the same attention that you give the flashier, higher-value pages, and your customers will thank you for it!
Curious about our story or looking to get in touch? Check out our Contact Us page!