Worried you might seem unprofessional to others? Our biggest fear as small business owners is that our business doesn’t look legitimate/professional or is perceived the wrong way online. This might hamper their trust and ultimately impact your business. Fortunately, there are ways to elevate your brand’s online image. Let’s dive into aspects that can enhance or detract from your business’s professionalism!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only share about companies that I truly believe in and use myself! For my details on affiliate links, please visit my terms of use.

Signs You May Appear Unprofessional

1. Poor Website Design/Branding

A dated website can be an instant turn-off. With consumers comparing and contrasting numerous businesses online, a fresh and modern design can make all the difference. Strong branding doesn’t just capture attention; it communicates your value proposition, differentiates you from competitors, and establishes credibility. Need a facelift for your website? Check out the transformation I achieved for Natural Holistic Harmony to see the potential. I offer custom website design & website templates (payment plans starting at $249) if you’re ready to take your website to the next level!

2. Using a Personal Email Account

Anyone can create a generic email account, so it can be hard for people to trust businesses that didn’t take the next step of getting a business domain email. Having a professional business email will help build trust and show you’re legitimate. It shows you take your business seriously, and are willing to invest to be a professional in your field. I’m guilty of not investing in businesses that use a personal account because it seems fishy to me! It’s not a big business expense and makes a huge difference.

I always recommend Google Workspace as you get a professional Gmail account and access to all of Google’s tools, for as little as $6/month USD. All plans include the business essentials that I use every day such as Google Docs, Forms, Sheets, Drive and more!

An example of a good business email: hello@createwithdanielle.com

It shouldn’t be createwithdanielle@gmail.com – this is a personal account.

3. Lack of Structured Onboarding Process

Contracts aren’t just about legality; they’re about setting clear expectations and building trust. If a business skips this step, it can raise eyebrows. On the flip side, a well-structured onboarding process facilitated by a great CRM system can elevate the client experience. Platforms like Willowspace, have been instrumental for me in streamlining operations and enhancing client satisfaction.

Contracts & Privacy Policy: Contracts are SO important, and there are times where I didn’t receive a contract prior to working with a business and was told it was not needed – but it’s always needed if you are providing services to clients. I didn’t end up booking with them due to this.

I got my contract & privacy policy/terms for my website on The Contract Shop, and highly recommend it! Christina offers great legal templates for anything in your business without breaking the bank – from contracts, privacy policies, terms & conditions, affiliate program terms and more. It’s always best to get legal documents done custom to your business by a lawyer, but this is a great alternative if you’re a new business and not ready to invest thousands on this yet. Having a legal contract and privacy policy on your website helps build trust with your consumers, showing them you’re open to business transparency.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer; this is just my personal opinion/recommendation. I always recommend looking at their website and information to see if it’s right for your business type before making your purchase. 

4. Using a Free Subdomain

A custom domain isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about legitimacy. Domains that end with website builders’ names can appear amateurish. Consider investing in a dedicated domain from trusted providers like GoDaddy or Google Domains.

An example of a custom domain: createwithdanielle.com

It shouldn’t be createwithdanielle.wixsite.com or ending with your website platform’s name.

5. Lack of Clear Brand Messaging

Many small businesses overlook this: It’s what happens BEFORE the sale, that makes the sale. Consumers first explore their many options, eliminate brands that didn’t attract them or leave a good first impression, and go through many other stages before making a final decision. By having a clear brand and message, you will attract & build a good connection with the right audience. If you’re not sure whom you want to attract and why, it will be hard for your audience to resonate with your brand.

Your message should be clear the moment they land anywhere, whether it’s your website or social media platform. They should know who you serve, what you do & how you can help them.

In Conclusion

Where you invest in your business can significantly shape its trajectory. Prioritizing a polished and professional online presence can not only attract the right audience but also foster lasting relationships with them. Here’s to building a brand that resonates and endures!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only share about companies that I truly believe in and use myself! For my details on affiliate links, please visit my terms of use.