Featured Client Beneficial Article Tips Logos altstrategies.com    
  Beneficial Article
The Importance of Keeping Content Up-To-Date
By Lauren Kennedy Media Relations Manager
         
 

No matter what type of business you own, it is imperative that you provide up-to-date information for your current and potential clients. There is nothing worse for a customer than calling a number that has been disconnected, or trying to get in touch with someone that has since left the company. Your clients rely on you to provide them with accurate information on every level in order to ensure a trusting relationship.

Phone Numbers, Extensions, Voice- and E-mails
Always remember to keep these very important mediums updated, as they are the most used forms of communication. Whenever a change is made, whether it be a phone number or extension, make sure you get on it right away. It’s never good to lose a potential client because they emailed a former employee or called a wrong number. Additionally, make sure that you change your voice mail greeting once you return from vacation. You have probably heard the “I will be out of the office from January 1st until the 8th” message in August before. It’s keeping up with the minor details that can really go a long way.

Hours of Operation
Check that your current hours of operation are posted on your Web site, your office doors, Facebook page and brochures to avoid customers coming by when you are closed. If you are going to be closed on a specific day outside of a national holiday, you might want to update your Web site or send an email blast.

Methods of Payment
The economy changes, and so do merchants, cutting back on their expenses however possible. Every business owner knows that some methods of payment require higher transaction fees than others. As a result, some companies are forced to no longer accept any given form of payment. If that's your case, make sure it is reflected on your Web site, brochures, and front doors.

Who's Who
It's understood that things change and people move on, so remain current when listing your staff members. It is important to keep the team and staff you list on your Web site up-to-date as prospective clients are often looking to speak to a specific person.

The Missing Service
From a customer's perspective, it’s all too common to call and ask for a specific service, only to find out that the service is no longer offered. If you are removing a service, make sure your Web site, fliers, brochures and Facebook page are updated accordingly. Not only will it save you from frustrated customers, but it will limit unfavorable reviews as well.

Dates, Events and Calendars
It seems that now more than ever, businesses post events and promotions on their Web sites, distribute fliers on a large scale, and e-blast their customers. If your latest promotion ended last week, it's time to take the flier down and remove the offer from your Web site. In terms of event listings, people are interested in knowing about the events they can attend, not the one’s they’ve missed.

Don’t Steer Away From Facebook
The average Internet user spends more time on Facebook than Google. If they come across your page it is important to make a good impression. Make sure your Facebook page is updated with recent posts and new photos. Be active with your social media efforts, or people might start to think that you are no longer in business.

Keep an eye on your Web site, business cards, email signatures, Facebook page and brochures often to see that everything you list or offer still holds true. This is easy to control and monitor. It’s best if you are the first person to notice that something is inaccurate, instead of having a client tell you. Bottom line: check what's outdated, update it, and if it's irrelevant, discard it!