Oftentimes, you’ll hear professionals refer to your website as an extension of your business (or organization) that is accessible 24/7. And it’s true! Your website is doing more than pushing your brand recognition to its visitors. It is selling your products, it is educating users about your services, it’s even an “open door” to communicating with potential customers and clients when you aren’t there. Your website is truly a live branch of your business, and in addition to it working for you, it can also save you time. Here are some of our favorite website integrations to help create some order amongst the organized chaos of running your own business.

1. Contact Forms

Forms are a no-brainer when it comes to setting up your website. Most times, you will see a contact form set up to allow users to reach you during off hours or for general outreach and inquiries. However, forms can do so much more! 

Segment your forms into topics by linking them with a spreadsheet or connecting to a Client Relationship Manager (CRM) like Dubsado or Honeybook. Not only will this save time in getting the message to the right person on your team – it will be organized digitally – ensuring every message is reviewed.

Use a form anywhere you would like your email to be for a call to action. Not only will this hide your email from trolling bots, but it will help slim down the junk mail. When someone takes the time to fill out your form, you know there is somewhat of a qualified lead associated with the user.

2. Email Sign Ups

An easy way to reach a mass amount of people interested in your topic is through email. This communication method has been around for a long time, and it has proven its worth through an everchanging digital landscape. (Learn how to utilize email marketing here.)

Yes, you can turn your sign up form into a QR code or upload lists from events, but a simple, evergreen way of gathering leads is integrating the sign up on your website. Have a designated landing page with information about your emails (including frequency, topics, etc.) and a simple field box for their email address. (Many email providers will have an API code option you are able to inject into your webpage.)

3. FAQs

Frequently asked questions are those questions that come up in numerous conversations. Save some time and create an FAQ web page, or integrate the FAQs into your individual products/services where the questions arise. Not only will this allow your user to be self-sufficient, it will also save you time in answering these questions on social media, email, and SMS by sending a link that encompasses the entire group of inquiries.

If your budget allows, chatbots are a great feature that will allow assistance to users with issues using artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. When a question is asked that uses keywords you indicate, the answers can be sent in a personalized manner to make your customer feel catered to.

4. Scheduling Features

One of the largest time-saving features your website can offer is scheduling capabilities. Yes, this could mean scheduling content on your blog to post at a future date. But how you can really see the benefit of scheduling is through calendar applications. Software like Calendly is cost-effective and gives users the ability to get onto your schedule without having to track you down on a phone call or wait for a multi-thread email. It is straightforward, and will gather the information you need to have a productive conversation or meeting.

5. Work with the pros

Outsourcing the skillset you don’t possess internally can ultimately save you time (and money) in the long run. Working with a professional will not only be less stressful and one less task on your to-do list, but it streamlines the process to get things done efficiently and correctly. Professionals who work in website development know the ins and outs of what is available in a site to make sure it best serves you and your business’s goals. They also are knowledgeable about updates, trends, and more happening within the tech space. Partnering with a professional to develop and maintain your website can be one of the best investments you can make as a successful business owner in today’s entrepreneurial environment.

Having a website for your business is a must-have asset for growth. Not only is it your digital advocate of sharing what you do in a searchable setting, it is a 24/7 accessible communications tool between you and your customers (and potential customers). Make your website work for you and save you time by utilizing forms, promoting your email communication, presenting FAQs to users, utilizing scheduling features, and working with a pro.