So you got the kid across the street to create your website for you. It was cheap and at least your business now has it’s own website. It shows! But let’s not get into that today. What I really want to discuss is the fact that many websites invite you to contact them, but like that youthful appearance you had 10 years ago.. it goes missing.

The past week I’ve been busy researching vacation villas and automobile rental for our upcoming trip to the Caribbean. I’ve contacted several companies through the email address or contact form on their website without any responses. Why bother putting up an email address or “Contact Us” text if you have no intentions of answering my concerns? Is this website of yours being used to generate business or is it there so you can tell your friends and business associates that you have a website. Let me guess.. having this website makes you “cool”!

Here’s the reality of my unanswered emails - I MOVED ON! Right now I’m about to book with your competition. The fella who knows that I needed a response so I could give him my business. You must realize that the same way I found your website, I also found your competition.

If you don’t have the time or resources to answer each email as they come in, set it up so at least I get an autoresponder message saying that you received my email… that it’s important and when I can expect a response from you. WAIT! The important part is.. you must actually follow up! We can all understand that your business keeps you busy (it’s a sign that you’re doing something good to attract all these customers, that’s keeping you busy) so we don’t mind waiting for a response.

Don’t leave potential customers hanging.