10 questions to ask yourself about your website

Your website is at the frontline of all your digital marketing efforts. It’s your very own 24/7 salesman, and more people than ever are using it as the first call of action when trying to find information about your service.

You may not have the ability to completely redesign your website, but there are a few basic questions you should be asking yourself to make sure you’re maximising it.

1. Can customers find it easily?

Ensure your page can be easily navigated to, and your web address is used in your email signatures and on your business cards.

2. Do you have LABC branding and links?

Show your customers that you are part of a national network and not just a standalone team.

3. Do you have a link to the Planning Portal?

If customers can make building control applications through the Planning Portal website, make sure you include a link to their website as it could help the process for them.

4. Do you have links to the LABC homeowners' page and customer facing videos?

Linking to our homeowners' page can help them understand more about building regulations and the job that building control does. A great video you can use is on that page too. Or this one on the Home&Build website: http://www.homeandbuild.co.uk/resources/video/a-guide-to-local-authority... (for a version with your council branding and logo, contact craig.edwards@labcpublishing.co.uk - please note there is a cost.)

5. Do you have any testimonials on the site?

Show people exactly why your customers like working with you!

6. Do you have a list of partner agents and builders?

You don’t have to specifically recommend anyone, but you can list who you like to work with.

7. Do you have case studies of successful projects?

If you can show prospective customers the full range of projects you work on, they will be more inclined to work with you. This is particularly important for commercial schemes where specialised skills are required.

8. Are you publishing your fees?

Remember you don’t need to and you could be making life too easy for your competitors.

9. Do you have a map of your area?

Boundaries can be confusing for customers, so show them exactly which areas you work in (especially if you’re part of a partnership with multiple authorities).

10. Do you have photos of your team and their contact details?

Having photos on your site make the team more relatable and friendly, and having direct numbers for each of them (if you can) will only make life easier for customers!

Further information

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