The worst thing you can encounter in a day is a frustrated client who just wasted their time and gas driving around to find your business. And those are just the people who were persistent enough to keep trying! How many customers have you lost because they gave up trying to locate your business?
True story
While on vacation last month, we did a web search to find nearby places that offered horseback riding. We scanned through the web page of one local business and called to set up reservations for a trail ride. As we headed out, we set our GPS to the address listed on their web page.
After a lengthy drive through winding countryside, we arrived at a ranch with horse stables and farm life all about. We knocked on the door, but there was no answer. We called the number from the web page again and were told that trail rides take place at the state park about 10 miles away! The address on their site was simply a mailing address and of no use to their customer base.
Your customers know
The first thing you should do is some detective work. Ask customers if they had any difficulties in finding you. Go out and look at your building and signs from various roads and intersections. Landscapes change, highways get re-routed and people get confused so do this frequently. If a giant drugstore goes up on the corner and blocks your sign from the highway, pay attention and adjust your visibility or the driving directions you give to customers.
Listen carefully to what your customers tell you. Note landmarks or special signs to make it easy when offering directions. Look for common mistakes that customers make and highlight those in your driving directions so others can be aware. If you have delivery drivers, ask them if they have ever had difficulty in getting to your location. Is there a faster route they can take when it’s rush hour? Any tips you can offer would be greatly appreciated by everyone doing business with you.
Make it simple
The best way to help your customers find your location is to add a map to your contact page as well as listing your physical address and a phone number. A dedicated page for driving directions (especially when your customers come from all directions) can be very helpful as well. Be sure to link that page to your contact page or add it to your navigation.
Also make sure your web site is mobile friendly. No one likes to squint and scroll around to look up information on their phone. Make the phone number on your page clickable so they can tap and dial it from their smartphone. With these easy changes to your web site, your customers should have no trouble finding your business now.
