In life, we often feel the need for change. Whether it's small changes in physical appearances, such as different hair color, or some major adjustments, such as a change in life habits, changes almost always bring good things with them.

Believe it or not, the same can be said of websites. Although they exist only in digital form, they are tools that are in contact with people. We perceive them as we perceive people - some are attractive to us, some seem boring, and some are difficult for us to cope with.

Small businesses often operate on razor-thin margins and the pandemic has made that dynamic even more challenging, most especially for the small business owner. Staying competitive is not only what will keep you afloat but allow you to achieve your goals on the path to success so it’s wise to think about what advantages you can give yourself to ensure a positive pivot after weathering the storm. 

That first impression can decide whether you’ll be able to convert a potential customer into an actual buyer.

Some research suggests that it only takes one-tenth of a second to form an opinion on someone or something. Depending on which study you look at, a first impression is formed between 7 to 15 seconds of meeting someone or encountering something new. 

Companies can use this information to create a great brand experience through custom packaging. 

There are many aspects to running a business that owners can love -- marketing, promotion, customer interactions, dealing with clients, and creating a productive climate for employees, just to name a few. But for many, dealing with the numbers -- day-to-day business expenses -- is not one of them. Here are some simple ways those that would rather leave the finances to someone else can cut their business expenses and have more time, energy, and cash to focus on what they truly love.

This occurs when you make substantial changes to your identity as a business in an effort to better appeal to customers and reflect who you are.

There are pros and cons to doing this, however, and it constitutes significant risk. You want to be sure you are not only doing it for the right reasons but going about it properly.

1.  Not Mobile Friendly

More than half of people use their phones to browse the internet. If your website doesn’t translate to mobile people are going to move on to one that does.

2.  Stay Away From The Light

Bright colors and flashing signs do more damage to your business than good. People don’t want their eyes to hurt trying to find out more about the products or services you offer. Sometimes less is more. 

With 750 million active users (as of July 2011 - source), Facebook has become a must for businesses to establish a presence.

In addition to being able to target specific demographics through Facebook advertising, more and more businesses are taking advantage of Facebook Pages.

Why is it important to retain traffic?  Simple:  The more users you have returning to your website, the more likely they are to utilize your products or services.

Sure, marketing your business is important, but don’t forget about the most important part of your business: your customers.  In a world where there is less and less human interaction with your customers sometimes it can be hard to remember that your customers are your business.  

Whether you are a business owner or executive or a salesperson or customer service representative you may find some benefit from these ideas.  I believe that the success of our great nation depends on the success of small business.  Without successful small business and entrepreneurs we will lose innovation and drive.  In order for small business to survive in the new global economy we must adapt and act quickly, but not hastily.