You’ve worked hard to build your business. Whether you’re a plumber, landscaper, or accountant, you know that staying competitive means keeping up with what your customers need. But here’s the thing—your customers aren’t just walking into your office or calling your phone anymore. They’re searching for you online, often from their mobile devices or by using voice assistants like Alexa or Siri. If your website isn’t set up to handle that, you’re leaving money on the table.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
The Mobile Revolution
More than half of all online searches happen on smartphones and tablets. Think about it—how often do you pull out your phone to look up a nearby restaurant or a local service? Your customers are doing the same thing. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, it could look messy, load slowly, or be downright frustrating to navigate. And when that happens, people leave.
A mobile-friendly website means it looks good and works well on smaller screens. Buttons are easy to click, text is simple to read, and pages load quickly. This isn’t just about keeping up appearances; it’s about making sure customers can find what they need—your contact information, services, or booking options—without hassle.
Voice Search: The New Frontier
Voice search is another game-changer. Instead of typing, people are now asking questions aloud. “Who’s the best landscaper near me?” or “Where can I find an emergency plumber?” If your website isn’t optimized for these types of searches, you’re invisible to these potential customers.
Here’s the trick with voice search: it’s conversational. Instead of focusing on short keywords like “landscaper Portland,” you need to think in terms of questions and phrases your customers might say out loud. For example, “Who can trim my hedges this weekend?” or “What are the best accounting services for small businesses?”
Making It Work for Your Business
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but how do I make this happen?” Good news: you don’t need a tech degree to get started.
- Talk to a Web Pro: If your website is outdated, it’s time to bring in an expert who can create a mobile-first design. Look for someone who understands your business and can explain things without a bunch of tech jargon.
- Update Your Content: Make sure your site answers common questions your customers have. Think about the phrases they’d use in a conversation and include those in your content.
- Focus on Local SEO: Add your city or service area to your website text. Voice search often includes “near me” or location-based queries, so this can help people find you more easily.
The Bottom Line
Your customers are already using mobile devices and voice assistants to find businesses like yours. If your website isn’t ready for that, they’ll find someone else who is. Don’t let outdated technology stand in the way of your success. Contact Us if you have questions or would like to schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation. Take a step today to make your website work as hard as you do.
