A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

Not many people really read much of the content on a web site - at least not initially. Online, most people "read" the graphics, images, photos and headlines that appear on or near the top of the page (the portion of the page that's visible without scrolling down). These items usually provide enough information to guide a visitor's next move. If they feel that the images portray what they're looking for, they will continue on in the site, if not or if there are no pictures, they're likely to click off the site.

Take a look at your own site and make sure it "reads" well with the images you're using. Does your site tell a story and inform potential clients - who may know nothing about your business - about who you are and what you do? If not, it may be time to consider updating photos and even the layout of your site to make sure it conveys the message you want.

To Facebook or Not To Facebook

I don't Facebook or Tweet. There, I said it. This often shocks most people, especially considering that I am a web professional. They assume that I must use the latest networking sites to "keep in touch" and "stay connected". I do stay connected to my clients - by phone, email and *gasp* face-to-face meetings. In fact, I spend the majority of my time on the computer for work, so by the time I'm done working on my computer, I'm done being on my computer.

I do have clients that use their Facebook and Twitter pages to promote their businesses and market themselves; I just don't feel it's necessary for me at this time. You don't have to feel left behind in the online world because you don't use online social networking sites to let everyone know that you just ate a banana. Remember, just because it exists doesn't mean it's right for everyone.

A Little "Please" and "Thank You" Go A Long Way

It's so easy these days to fire off quick communications via email, texting and instant messaging, that brevity and speed sometimes come at the expense of manners.

Yes, it's faster, and in the case of texting, maybe cheaper to send off a curt "do this now" message, than a full "I would appreciate it if you could get to this at your earliest convenience"; however, the demanding tone of a short message can be damaging to business relationships with employees, colleagues and vendors in the long run. Constantly knocking off one line demands can make you seem cold, unapproachable and rude, even if you aren't.

Stress levels are high in today's business environment and written commands sent without even a simple introduction only make a pressure-filled atmosphere more unbearable. Taking the time to add a "Good Morning" to each email sent and using "please" and "thank you" will only help improve your image with co-workers and staff as an easy person to work with.

My 2 year old knows he must use "please" and "thank you" in order to get what he wants - why should grown business professionals be any different?