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Do people still read websites?

September 15, 2017Lori Rohrbach

If you’re reading this, then obviously the answer is ‘yes.’ But why did you choose this blog post? Where are you reading it? And what will you do as a result? These are the questions that authors of today’s websites contend with.

Gone are the electronic brochures, the flashy brand websites, and the simplified online versions of our favorite periodicals. Today’s websites are not merely vehicles for content, and today’s users are seeking more than information. They are shopping, planning, dating, and learning. Every click becomes a significant step forward in their social arrangement. And time is precious.

To compete for your audience’s attention in today’s market, you need to do more than give them content. You need to give them a choice. You need to answer a question, solve a problem. You need to help them take the next step.

If your headline doesn’t grab them like a Taylor Swift lyric, they’re probably not going to stick around for the chorus (let alone buy the album). And if it takes more than two or three sentences to make your point, they’ll likely opt for something less complicated.

So keep it simple. Be direct. And give them some place to go. Today’s users want to “do something” while online, and they like to feel in charge. So give them various kinds of content, offer multiple voices, and let them explore. What appeals to a reader on a two-hour train commute may be different than what interests them during the commercial break of their favorite online show.

And don’t forget to keep it fresh. We can’t all find the time to tweet hourly. But presenting content that is relevant to the current climate and taking a unique perspective will help you stand out. Don’t forget that what seemed like the biggest news today will likely be played out by tomorrow.

 

Author: Ashlee Goodman

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Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

 

Whether telecommuting is old hat or something you’ve been forced into as part of the COVID-19 shutdown, here are a few tips to make the experience run smoothly for both employers and employees.

 

Managing expectations

Successful work-from-home strategies always begin with clearly communicated expectations. Make sure your employees have any necessary equipment, tools and resources.  Will they need to track their time? Participate in regularly scheduled meetings? Be available at certain times of day? For employees, know what you’re accountable for and clearly communicate any challenges you’re having.

 

Constant communication

Keep the lines of communication open and be accessible. Check in with employees regularly through apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts and Skype, or even an old-fashioned email or phone call. Be genuinely interested in how they’re doing but don’t overdo it. Foster a feeling of trust by not micromanaging.

 

Nine to five…ish

While having a daily schedule is ideal, it may not always be practical right now. Make sure your people know when you need them to be available and try to offer flexibility at other times. They may be juggling school schedules as well as work schedules and working at “off-shift” times may be necessary. Be mindful of employees in different time zones as well.

 

For employees, try to work when you’re at your best, and not when you’re exhausted by kindergarten playtime and fourth grade math. Make sure people know if you will be unavailable at certain times.

 

Taking a break

Getting up and moving clears the head and helps with creativity and problem-solving. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a break for lunch, make time to get away from your desk throughout the day.

 

Signing off

Working from home does not mean being available 24/7. Set an actual end to the workday if possible. Don’t send and respond to messages at all hours. Sign out of messaging apps and close work programs. Understand and respect these boundaries.

 

Location, location, location

When setting up a home office, think about where you will have the fewest distractions – for yourself and for those who may be seeing you and your background on a video conferencing platform. Try to avoid busy spots that may include semi-clad people walking behind you, barking dogs and kids vying for your attention.

 

Conferencing and calls

Be clear about whether you expect people to turn on their cameras during meetings. If so, be clear about how they should be dressed. During calls, mute your phone when you’re not talking to avoid background noise. Headphones can also help with call quality. When speaking, pause frequently so others can participate in the conversation.

 

Social engagement

It’s ok for managers and employees to have some down time together, which may help ward off feelings of isolation. Keep up your normal level of interaction, perhaps with a virtual coffee break or happy hour. Managers should set the tone for how casual to be. Let employees choose what they would like to share, and never pry into areas that were off-limits before.

 

 

Author: Erin Alderfer

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