A web presence is a fundamental part of business. It’s a virtual brick and mortar that provides customers and potential clients essential information for doing business with your company. By having this information available online, phone calls are cut down and employee time can be used for other projects. A good website with proper maintenance can only benefit your business.

Inaccurate website information could lead to missed sales and discouraged clients. However, keeping your website current and factual can seem like a significant or expensive undertaking. Better Business Bureau offers the following tips for basic website maintenance:

• Own your domain. Don’t allow others to purchase it for you as part of an agreement.

• Document key information, such as the security key and password, as well as what web editing software is being used. If the relationship is severed, you’ll want to have access to your website.

• Do not agree to “free trial” websites.

• Proofread. Check for spelling and grammatical errors in your website content.

• Keep it simple. Many hits may come from mobile devices, which do not easily load music, flashy animation, etc.

• Make sure all claims are accurate and true. For example, do not use the term “licensed” if there is not a license required for your field. Be able to back up any claim you use.

• Set your website as the homepage on your computer. This gives you the opportunity to check it daily.

Maintaining an effective website doesn’t have to be time consuming or intimidating. Build trust and credibility with a well-made virtual brick and mortar.

Original article on Dayton Daily News.