Whilst undertaking some recent research for a client, we were astounded at how many websites we came across that had quote / contact forms where the information apparently disappeared into cyberspace!
We know of a couple of sites where you fill out the online quote form, and you receive an email saying thank you and we’ll get back to you really soon … only to not hear anything. Then when we’ve gone to follow up, 1 company advised that they’re not sure where those emails go and that we should use a different one, and another company no longer is in business. Granted both of these businesses are part of franchise chains … however, it makes it really difficult for us (and others) to give you business!
Now the company that doesn’t know where the emails from the website go – this has been a problem for a couple of years now, and every time we go to use their services (because they’re absolutely fantastic at what they do), we mention this to them … but yet nothing has changed.
We would have thought that the Head Office for this franchise would be eager to help their franchisees obtain as much work as possible …
Another thing we’ve noticed whilst doing some person research, is that when people change their URL, they don’t remember to change it everywhere … this also makes it hard for people to give business to you!
So how can this be easily rectified?
We would suggest keeping a list of all the sites where you’re promoting your business (eg business.com.au; LinkedIn; Yellow Pages, etc) and then (and if) you ever change your URL, you easily have a list of sites to go to and update. Of course, one of your (at least) bi-annual tasks should be to update your profile, so that potential customers can see the very latest work that you’re currently undertaking.
- How often do you check your website forms, and whether the emails are coming through?
- How do you keep control of where your site is being promoted?
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks Cathy,
Great advice, I’m going to make my list right now!
Excellent advice, Cathy. I’d be lost without my list, and I check my website forms once a month, which is probably overkill but it only takes a few minutes and at least I know they are working.
Hi Cathy,
That I wish many companies would do, I personally check my forms every fortnightly or sometimes weekly if I have no clients work to do. I also make a list of where my business is advertised either online or off-line. But overall EXCELLENT advise.
Easier said than done I’m afraid. Especially if you’ve been online a long time – as I have been. There’s no way I can remember all the places I’ve registered, however my domain has been active for many years and is live.
But the information above is great for those just starting out – good habits to develop.
Things to add to this are:
1. Have an autoresponder that follows up 2 days later, 1 week later, and perhaps about 4 weeks later. That way if the form fell into a crach somewhere clients will realise you haven’t seen their original message. It works for me – some form entries do disappear while most get through.
2. Start off with a domain for your business, i.e. don’t use your ISP email address. Use one of your own. You can change ISPs anytime but your email address remains static.
Thanks Kathy! I can definitely see how it would be difficult for those who have been online for a long time.
You mention an autoresponder in your post – is there one that you can recommend?
Thanks again
Cathy