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Your Website Is Working 24/7—Is It Making the Right First Impression?

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:57:10 GMT

Your website is often the first place potential customers learn about your business.

Make sure it's working as hard as you are.

Imagine hiring an employee who never sleeps, never takes a vacation, answers questions around the clock, and is often the first person your customers meet. Sounds like the perfect employee, doesn't it?

The reality is, you already have one—your website.

Whether you're a contractor, manufacturer, retailer, nonprofit organization, or professional service provider, your website works every hour of every day. Potential customers visit your site to learn about your business, compare your services, read reviews, and decide whether they should contact you. In many cases, they've already formed an opinion about your company before they ever pick up the phone.

That's why your website isn't just an online brochure—it's one of your most valuable business assets.

A modern, professional website builds credibility, generates leads, and supports your sales efforts. An outdated or confusing website can do just the opposite.

First Impressions Matter

Research consistently shows that visitors form an opinion about a website within seconds. If your site looks outdated, loads slowly, or is difficult to navigate, many visitors will leave before learning anything about your business.

Your website should immediately answer three questions:

Who are you?
What do you do?
Why should I choose you?

If visitors have to search for those answers, there's a good chance they'll move on to a competitor.

Your Homepage Should Tell Your Story

Think of your homepage as your business's front door.When someone walks into your office, you would greet them, explain what your company does, and make them feel welcome. Your homepage should do exactly the same thing.

Include:

A clear headline explaining your business
A brief overview of your products or services
Strong calls-to-action
Professional photography
Customer testimonials
Easy-to-find contact information

Avoid clutter and unnecessary distractions. Simplicity often creates a better user experience.

Mobile-Friendly Isn't Optional

More than half of all website traffic now comes from mobile devices. If visitors have to zoom in, scroll sideways, or struggle to click buttons on their phones, they're likely to leave. A responsive website automatically adjusts to different screen sizes, making it easy to browse whether someone is using a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Your customers expect that experience.

Speed Matters More Than You Think

We've all clicked on a website that seemed to take forever to load.

How long did you wait? Most people won't wait very long.

Slow websites frustrate visitors and can negatively impact your search engine rankings.

Improve speed by:

Compressing images
Removing unnecessary plugins
Using reliable website hosting
Keeping software updated
Limiting oversized videos and animations

Even small improvements in load time can make a significant difference.

Make It Easy to Contact You

One of the most common website mistakes is hiding contact information. Your phone number, email address, and contact form should be easy to find on every page.

If you have a physical location, include:

Address
Map
Business hours
Directions

The easier you make it for customers to contact you, the more likely they are to do so.

Build Trust Through Your Website

People do business with companies they trust. Your website should demonstrate credibility through:

Customer testimonials
Project photos
Case studies
Certifications
Awards
Community involvement
Years of experience
Team introductions

These elements reassure visitors that they're working with a reputable business.

Don't Forget About Search Engines

A beautiful website won't help your business if no one can find it. Basic search engine optimization (SEO) helps improve your visibility online.

Simple ways to improve SEO include:

Writing unique page titles
Adding meta descriptions
Using relevant keywords naturally
Optimizing images with descriptive alt text
Publishing fresh content through blogs
Maintaining an updated Google Business Profile

SEO isn't about tricking search engines—it's about helping customers find the information they're looking for.

Keep Your Content Fresh

One of the easiest ways to tell if a website has been neglected is outdated content. Old announcements, expired promotions, or years-old blog posts can make a business appear inactive.

Schedule regular website reviews to:

Update photos
Refresh service information
Add recent projects
Publish new articles
Highlight company news
Share community involvement

Fresh content also signals to search engines that your website remains active.

Think Beyond Design

An attractive website is important, but appearance alone won't generate business.

Your website should encourage visitors to take action.

Ask yourself:

Can visitors request a quote?

Is there a clear contact form?

Can they schedule an appointment?

Is your phone number easy to find?

Are calls-to-action placed throughout the site?

Every page should guide visitors toward the next step.

Your Website Is Never Finished

Imagine hiring an employee who never sleeps, never takes a vacation, answers questions around the clock, and is often the first person your customers meet. Sounds like the perfect employee, doesn't it? The reality is, you already have one—your website. Whether you're a contractor, manufacturer, retailer, nonprofit organization, or professional service provider, your website works every hour of every day. Potential customers visit your site to learn about your business, compare your services, read reviews, and decide whether they should contact you. In many cases, they've already formed an opinion about your company before they ever pick up the phone. That's why your website isn't just an online brochure—it's one of your most valuable business assets. A modern, professional website builds credibility, generates leads, and supports your sales efforts. An outdated or confusing website can do just the opposite.

First Impressions Matter

Research consistently shows that visitors form an opinion about a website within seconds. If your site looks outdated, loads slowly, or is difficult to navigate, many visitors will leave before learning anything about your business.

Your website should immediately answer three questions:

Who are you?
What do you do?
Why should I choose you?

If visitors have to search for those answers, there's a good chance they'll move on to a competitor.

Your Homepage Should Tell Your Story

Think of your homepage as your business's front door.

When someone walks into your office, you would greet them, explain what your company does, and make them feel welcome. Your homepage should do exactly the same thing.

Include:

A clear headline explaining your business

A brief overview of your products or services

Strong calls-to-action

Professional photography

Customer testimonials

Easy-to-find contact information

Avoid clutter and unnecessary distractions. Simplicity often creates a better user experience.

Mobile-Friendly Isn't Optional

More than half of all website traffic now comes from mobile devices. If visitors have to zoom in, scroll sideways, or struggle to click buttons on their phones, they're likely to leave. A responsive website automatically adjusts to different screen sizes, making it easy to browse whether someone is using a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Your customers expect that experience.

Speed Matters More Than You Think

We've all clicked on a website that seemed to take forever to load. How long did you wait?

Most people won't wait very long. Slow websites frustrate visitors and can negatively impact your search engine rankings.

Improve speed by:

Compressing images
Removing unnecessary plugins
Using reliable website hosting
Keeping software updated
Limiting oversized videos and animations

Even small improvements in load time can make a significant difference.

Make It Easy to Contact You

One of the most common website mistakes is hiding contact information.

Your phone number, email address, and contact form should be easy to find on every page.

If you have a physical location, include:

Address
Map
Business hours
Directions

The easier you make it for customers to contact you, the more likely they are to do so.

Build Trust Through Your Website

People do business with companies they trust. Your website should demonstrate credibility through:

Customer testimonials
Project photos
Case studies
Certifications
Awards
Community involvement
Years of experience
Team introductions

These elements reassure visitors that they're working with a reputable business.

Don't Forget About Search Engines

A beautiful website won't help your business if no one can find it. Basic search engine optimization (SEO) helps improve your visibility online. Simple ways to improve SEO include:

Writing unique page titles
Adding meta descriptions
Using relevant keywords naturally
Optimizing images with descriptive alt text
Publishing fresh content through blogs
Maintaining an updated Google Business Profile

SEO isn't about tricking search engines—it's about helping customers find the information they're looking for.

Keep Your Content Fresh

One of the easiest ways to tell if a website has been neglected is outdated content. Old announcements, expired promotions, or years-old blog posts can make a business appear inactive. Schedule regular website reviews to:

Update photos
Refresh service information
Add recent projects
Publish new articles
Highlight company news
Share community involvement

Fresh content also signals to search engines that your website remains active.

Think Beyond Design

An attractive website is important, but appearance alone won't generate business. Your website should encourage visitors to take action. Ask yourself:

Can visitors request a quote?
Is there a clear contact form?
Can they schedule an appointment?
Is your phone number easy to find?
Are calls-to-action placed throughout the site?

Every page should guide visitors toward the next step.

Your Website Is Never Finished

Many businesses launch a website and don't touch it again for several years. Successful websites evolve.

As your business grows, your website should grow with it. Review your website regularly and ask:

Does it accurately reflect our business today?
Are our services current?
Are photos recent?
Is our messaging clear?
Are we providing value to visitors?

Treat your website as a living marketing tool—not a one-time project.

Quick Takeaways

Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. Clear messaging builds confidence.

Mobile-friendly design is essential. Fast-loading pages improve user experience. Fresh content supports SEO.

Strong calls-to-action generate more leads. Your website should evolve as your business grows.

⭐ LSC Pro Tip

Ask someone who isn't familiar with your business to spend five minutes on your website. Then ask them these three questions:

What does our company do?
What makes us different?
What should you do next?

If they struggle to answer any of those questions, your website may need clearer messaging.

Jeri's Marketing Minute™

One of the first things I review when working with a new client is their website. In many cases, the business itself has grown and evolved, but the website hasn't kept pace. Your website should accurately reflect who you are today—not who you were five years ago. Small updates made consistently can keep your site fresh, relevant, and working hard for your business every day.

Quick Takeaways:

Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business.
Clear messaging builds confidence.
Mobile-friendly design is essential.
Fast-loading pages improve user experience.
Fresh content supports SEO.
Strong calls-to-action generate more leads.
Your website should evolve as your business grows.

Jeri's Marketing Minute™

One of the first things I review when working with a new client is their website. In many cases, the business itself has grown and evolved, but the website hasn't kept pace. Your website should accurately reflect who you are today—not who you were five years ago. Small updates made consistently can keep your site fresh, relevant, and working hard for your business every day.

Why Every Small Business Needs a Marketing Plan (Even If It's Only One Page)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:33:39 GMT

Simple planning can make a big difference in your business growth.

Many small business owners wear multiple hats. You're managing operations, serving customers, handling finances, supporting employees, and trying to find time to market your business. It's no surprise that marketing often becomes reactive instead of strategic. The good news is that a marketing plan doesn't have to be lengthy or complicated to be effective. In fact, one of the most valuable tools a small business can have is a simple, one-page marketing plan that clearly defines where the business is today, where it wants to go, and how it plans to get there.

A marketing plan isn't just a document—it’s a roadmap that helps you make smarter decisions, invest your marketing dollars wisely, and stay focused on activities that move your business forward. Whether you own a construction company, retail store, professional service firm, manufacturing business, nonprofit organization, or family-owned company, having a marketing plan creates clarity and confidence.

What Is a Marketing Plan?

A marketing plan is a guide that outlines how your business will attract new customers, strengthen relationships with existing customers, and communicate your value to the marketplace.

It doesn't need to be 50 pages long.

For many businesses, a one-page marketing plan answers six important questions:

What are our business goals?
Who are our ideal customers?
What makes us different?
How will customers find us?
What marketing activities will we focus on?
How will we measure success?

When these questions are answered, every marketing decision becomes easier.

Why Businesses Without a Marketing Plan Struggle

Many businesses rely almost entirely on referrals or repeat customers. While those are valuable, they shouldn't be your only source of new business.

Without a plan, marketing often looks like this:

Posting on social media only when someone remembers
Running advertisements without a clear objective
Updating the website once every few years
Sending emails only when there's a sale
Sponsoring events without measuring the return
Trying every new marketing trend without a strategy

These activities may create visibility, but they don't always produce meaningful results. A marketing plan brings purpose and consistency to every effort.

The Benefits of Having a Marketing Plan

1. It Provides Direction

Instead of wondering what to post this week or where to spend your advertising budget, you'll have a roadmap.

Your marketing becomes intentional rather than reactive.

2. It Helps You Spend Money More Wisely

Marketing budgets are valuable resources.

A marketing plan helps prioritize investments that align with your goals instead of chasing the latest trend or platform.

Whether you're investing in a new website, Google Ads, social media, email marketing, or community sponsorships, your decisions should support an overall strategy.

3. It Creates Consistency

Successful brands communicate consistently.

That means your website, social media, advertising, email newsletters, signage, and printed materials all reinforce the same message.

Consistency builds trust, and trust builds business.

4. It Helps You Measure Results

One of the biggest advantages of having a marketing plan is knowing whether your efforts are working.

Track meaningful metrics such as:

Website traffic
Phone calls
Online inquiries
Quote requests
Event attendance
Email open rates
Google Business Profile interactions
Customer reviews
Sales growth

When you measure results, you can confidently adjust your strategy over time.

Five Questions Every Marketing Plan Should Answer

Who Are You Trying to Reach?

One of the most common mistakes businesses make is trying to market to everyone. Instead, identify your ideal customer.

Consider:
Industry
Location
Age
Business size
Job title
Challenges
Buying habits

The more clearly you understand your audience, the more effective your marketing becomes.

2. What Makes Your Business Different?

Ask yourself: Why should someone choose your business instead of your competitors?

Your answer might include:

Outstanding customer service
Years of experience
Specialized expertise
Family ownership
Fast response times
Industry certifications
Local relationships
Innovative solutions

Your unique value should appear throughout your marketing.

3. Where Will Customers Find You?

Today's customers research before they buy. Your online presence should include:

A professional website
An optimized Google Business Profile
Active social media accounts
Positive online reviews
Helpful blog articles
Email communications

Think about where your customers spend their time and meet them there.

4. What Are Your Marketing Priorities?

Trying to do everything often leads to accomplishing very little. Instead, choose three to five priorities for the year.

For example:

Redesign the website
Improve local SEO
Publish two blog articles each month
Send a monthly email newsletter
Increase Google reviews
Attend community events
Strengthen social media engagement

Small, consistent improvements add up over time.

5. How Will You Measure Success?

Success looks different for every business. Your goals may include:

Increasing website traffic by 20%
Generating 25 qualified leads each month
Growing your email subscriber list
Improving search rankings
Increasing event attendance
Boosting online reviews
Increasing sales

Choose metrics that support your business objectives.

Real-World Example

Imagine a locally owned excavation company that depends heavily on referrals. Instead of relying solely on word-of-mouth, they create a one-page marketing plan focused on:

Updating their website with recent projects
Publishing one educational article each month
Sharing weekly jobsite photos on social media
Asking satisfied customers for Google reviews
Sending a quarterly customer newsletter
Sponsoring local community events

None of these activities require a large marketing department.

Together, they create consistent visibility, strengthen credibility, and generate new business opportunities throughout the year.

Getting Started Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

Many business owners delay creating a marketing plan because they believe it has to be perfect.

It doesn't. Start by writing down:

Three business goals
Three marketing priorities
Three ways you'll measure success

That's enough to begin. As your business grows, your marketing plan can grow with it.

Remember, the best marketing plan isn't the longest one—it's the one you'll actually use.

Quick Takeaways

Every business benefits from having a marketing plan. A one-page plan is often enough to create clarity and focus.

Marketing should be intentional, not reactive. Consistency builds trust and long-term growth.

Measure your results so you can make informed decisions. Small improvements made consistently create meaningful business success.

LSC Pro Tip

Don't try to tackle every marketing channel at once. Choose a few high-impact activities—such as improving your website, maintaining your Google Business Profile, and sending a monthly email newsletter—and execute them consistently. A focused strategy almost always outperforms a scattered one.

LSC's Marketing Minute™

One of the biggest lessons I've learned over more than 30 years in marketing and communications is that successful businesses rarely grow by accident. They grow because they have a plan, stay consistent, and remain focused on serving their customers well. Your marketing plan doesn't have to be complicated. It simply needs to give your business direction. Even a single page can become one of the most valuable tools you use throughout the year.

Ready to Build a Marketing Plan That Works?

Whether you're launching a new business, refreshing your brand, or looking for a clearer marketing strategy, Lamerton Strategic Communications can help. Together, we'll create a practical roadmap tailored to your goals—one that strengthens your brand, connects with your audience, and supports sustainable business growth. Because great marketing doesn't happen by chance—it happens by strategy.

Lamerton Strategic Communications Proudly Sponsors the Laurel Chamber of Commerce Chief Joseph Uphill Run

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:53:23 GMT

Supporting a Beloved Laurel Tradition That Brings Our Community Together

Supporting Community, Connection, and Tradition

At Lamerton Strategic Communications, we believe that strong businesses are built by investing in the communities they serve. That's why we were proud to sponsor the Laurel Chamber of Commerce's Chief Joseph Uphill Run held on July 4, 2026 , in Laurel, Montana.

The Chief Joseph Uphill Run has become a beloved Independence Day tradition, bringing together runners, walkers, families, volunteers, and local businesses for a fun and challenging event that celebrates both community spirit and healthy living. Participants tackled the iconic uphill course while enjoying the camaraderie and excitement that have made this race a favorite Fourth of July event for many years.

As a locally owned business based in Laurel, Lamerton Strategic Communications is committed to supporting organizations and events that strengthen our community. Sponsoring the Chief Joseph Uphill Run was an opportunity to give back while celebrating the dedication of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce, the many volunteers who make the event possible, and every participant who crossed the finish line.

"We are proud to support events that bring people together and showcase the incredible spirit of our community," said Jeri Lamerton, Founder and Principal of Lamerton Strategic Communications. "The Chief Joseph Uphill Run is more than just a race—it's a tradition that reflects the energy, determination, and pride of Laurel. We are honored to be part of it."

Community involvement has always been an important part of Lamerton Strategic Communications' mission. Whether partnering with local nonprofits, chambers of commerce, community organizations, or businesses, we believe meaningful relationships and active engagement create stronger communities and stronger businesses.

We extend our congratulations to all of the runners and walkers who participated this year and offer our sincere appreciation to the Laurel Chamber of Commerce, event organizers, sponsors, and volunteers for another outstanding event.

We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that make Laurel such a wonderful place to live, work, and do business.

About Lamerton Strategic Communications

Lamerton Strategic Communications is a Montana-based strategic marketing, communications, and public relations firm serving clients throughout the United States. The company specializes in strategic communications, public relations, branding, digital marketing, website development, social media management, content creation, email marketing, event promotion, and marketing strategy for businesses, nonprofits, associations, and industrial organizations. Through trusted partnerships and customized marketing solutions, Lamerton Strategic Communications helps organizations strengthen their brands, engage their audiences, and achieve measurable results.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

Klbriegge@gmail.com (Kaytlyn Briegge) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:44:18 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list
Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly
Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself
When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively
Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

Klbriegge@gmail.com (Kaytlyn Briegge) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:44:17 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality
When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication
Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO
Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site
Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free
Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand
A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

Klbriegge@gmail.com (Kaytlyn Briegge) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:44:17 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience
You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post
Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images
Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting
Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.