So your website is up and running but not bringing in as much business as you had hoped. You are already thinking of doing some redesigns not long after spending time and money on the website. Before you tear down anything, here are some simple steps that could slowly build traffic into your website and generate some of that response that you are hoping for.
For starters, you need to envision your website as a branch of your business. This branch can be as simple or elaborate as you choose for it to be.
On the most basic, your website should be that branch where existing and potential customers can come in to get information about you, your products and services and make an enquiry. On an advanced level, this branch could be an online shop where stuff is selected, paid for then delivered without physical interaction, or a place where you offer consultancy or educational services to website users who pay to access the relevant material.
Once you are thinking of your website as a branch of your business, and you have clearly identified how much the website can do for you, then you can take steps to exploit the potential of the website.
Whenever someone needs information about your organisation, products or services, don't email it, ask them to check out your website; that's what its for.
If you are not able to edit content on your website, make sure your contacts or a feedback form exist on the website. Further, create an account with one of the social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. These allow you to easily inform your website audience on new projects you've done, new products on offer, etc. With links on your website to your page on the various social media, you have a chance to keep your (potential) clients informed on whats happening.
Remember, if your website has the same old content, week after week, month after month, website visitors will not be interested to keep coming into the website. The more the website visitors, the higher the chance of turning them into customers.
If you are able to update your website, then do just that. Let your customers know whats happening in your organisation or in your sector. Some information about your sector that will seem very basic to you, may be very valuable to your customers and sharing it for free will make you shine. You could also use social media but be smart about it, have a little information on your Facebook page, for example, where they'll need to read more on your website. This way, you are directing more traffic into your website rather than away from it.
In summary, give website visitors many reasons to visit your website often and stay there longer. The more they hang around in this branch, the easier you can convert them to customers.