Google is on overload with information. Dah!!
Do a search on most topics and you will get millions of results. Standing out online is getting harder and harder and let’s face it, we rarely click past page 1 of Google… (yep, we are lazy and want it now)
Think about why you buy from your current suppliers. Were they referred or did you Google them? Either way, the first thing most of us do is look at their website.
And we know your website is your shop front. Just like those shoes in the window at Jimmy Choo, have seconds to grab your attention before you walk on by. (I use that example as I know it well LOL)
In reality, this is how it works:
- You Google a business and click on their website
- You are either impressed enough by what you see on the homepage in a few seconds to keep clicking or you click off and go to a competitor who looks much more interesting
- You either win or lose at that moment.
What can make a massive difference here?
Showing some personality. Show browsers that you are different. Show them who you are and what you are about. Share something about yourself.
Remember that old adage of ‘people do business with people they like’? It is very true so why do you want to blend in and follow what everyone else is doing on your digital channels? Blah and boring!!!
This should be reflected on your home page, your About us page (super important), your emails, and your voicemail… Any touch points where potential clients might see you and make a buying decision.
I am afraid to say that many businesses get this so wrong, especially in the professional services space. Yep, I am talking to the lawyers, accountants, and recruiters reading this.
I rarely see a website that screams personality and really shows who the owner or the business authentically is. If you look like everyone else, then there is nothing to differentiate yourself.
Here is an example of one that does for inspiration.
This is from my friends at Business Depot: https://businessdepot.com.au/
I am currently amping up the personality and very distinct points of difference on my new website.
And yes I do take my own advice.
Anyone that has met me knows that I am not backward in coming forward and I like to sparkle and stand out. I am certainly not the shy type. For years I have refused to have a boring voicemail message that goes like this… “You’ve reached Tanya Williams from Digital Conversations. I am not available to take your call right now so leave a message and I will call you back when I am available.” Yeh, that one that 95% of the business world has.
I get regular feedback and comments from clients about my quirky voicemail and out-of-office messages all the time. They love them! Why? because they reflect who I am as a person and they are far from boring and standard.
Your digital brand assets should reflect your personality. It is OK to have some fun in business. Show people who you are on your digital channels. I highly encourage my clients to do this. These are all marketing assets and touchpoints that are valuable real estate for your personal and business brand.
Here are a couple of examples you might find from me:
Out of Office message 1
TRIVIA TIME
Q1: where’s Tanya?
a. On holidays until Tuesday
b. Right behind you
c. In space
Q2: When will Tanya be back?
a. When Melrose Place gets remade
b. Infinity
c. Tuesday
Q3: Is Tanya sorry she missed your email?
a. So, so, sorry
b. Eh
c. Cocktails don’t lie
P.S Don’t you love an Out of Office message that isn’t boring?
Out of Office message 2
I am overseas and shock horror I left my laptop back in my office where it is enjoying a holiday all of its own. It is overworked and in much need of cocktails by the pool, much like its owner who may or may not be doing the same thing. I will leave it up to you to guess where I am (somewhere on the planet), what I am doing (highly possible I could be drinking bubbles and shoe shopping) and when I will be back (OK I will give you that one > 16th October). One thing I will not be doing is answering emails.
If it is super urgent you can tweet me using the hashtag #youareinterruptingmyholiday and I will probably ignore it as I am relying on wifi in an overseas country and I have no control over coverage I will get by the pool. Trust me I get my best ideas and inspiration when relaxed!
So, while I am on holiday, doing all of the above, you enjoy your time at work.
Tanya
Similarly, my voicemail is fun and quirky. I don’t do boring!
Digital assets that are commonly not utilised include email footer, summary page of your LinkedIn profile, voicemail, out-of-office messages, invoices, and business cards. Get creative and make all your digital assets count! But most importantly share your personality and have some fun with it.
If you want to talk more about adding some personality to your digital assets, connect with me here.
