A new website offers your vending business a fresh look and opportunity for growth. With the new year approaching, now is a great time to look at boosting your online presence in 2024!
So how do you know if you need a new website? This blog will give busy vending operators like you some key things to consider.
The Case for a New Website
First Impressions
When competing for breakroom service contracts, it’s vital to look fresh. Your site needs to instantly convey that your business is current and trustworthy. This means a modern design, crisp graphics, up to date information, and appealing photos. A fresh website can captivate visitors researching your business online. This first impression should put you ahead of your competition and leave a lasting, positive impression.
User Enhanced
A new website can mean more engaged visitors who spend a longer time discovering your offerings. Think about how users might move around your current site. Is the navigation simple? Does your site load quickly? Is the design responsive? How easy is it to view on a mobile device? A user-friendly site keeps visitors shopping. They check out the services you offer and explore more. This increases your chance of conversion.
SEO Optimized
New SEO practices can boost your website’s visibility in search engines. It is important your site include keywords for the major services you offer and the local cities you operate in. The more in tune your website is with the way customers shop, the better your organic search results will be. This means more organic traffic to your website and more leads.
New Website Security
Cybersecurity is an ongoing concern for many businesses operating online. Be confident your website’s security credentials are up to date. Modern websites can integrate better security measures. This ensures not only the safety of your company’s site but also any data saved from users.
Aligned Messaging
A new website can bring together your company’s updated brand and messaging. If these have evolved over time, a new site will ensure shoppers are seeing the most accurate reflection of your current business. Your website should showcase your brand and your messaging should back it up, telling your story. A new site can let your look and communication best reflect your business today.
Conversions
A good website is designed to easily convert visitors to customers. It can do that in many ways, including strategic placement of call-to-action buttons and forms. These engage the user and easily guide them into your sales funnel. Simple measures like these can boost sales and leads.
New Website Advantages Are a Click Away
Now you know what should be in a new website for vending companies. It includes a combination of front-facing enhancements and back-end improvements. If you think your site could use a refresh in 2024, we specialize in making the process easy for busy operators. That’s because VendCentral has spent decades helping vending operators succeed with digital sales and marketing. Contact VendCentral today to discuss a new website that will get visitors’ attention and grow leads.
read moreWhen it’s time for your vending company to create a new website there’s a lot to consider. After all, this is where facility managers and human resource managers learn about your company. The new website needs to showcase your brand identity and offer everything your current customers and prospects want to learn.
To get you started, here are some of our new vending website MUSTS.
Start With Services & Products
A clear message about what your vending company offers must be front and center. That means links for each service. In fact, each service should have at least one dedicated webpage. Focus on showing the service with great-looking custom pictures. Plus, include short descriptions that tell why the service is a benefit.
Enhance the User Experience
For business-to-business (B2B) websites like yours, it’s important to optimize the customer experience. Ensure information is up-to-date, links work, and most importantly, everything loads quickly. Nothing frustrates potential clients more than a website that takes several seconds to load (or never does).
It is also critical your new website displays well on a mobile device. Statista reports that 16% of B2B website traffic was from mobile in 2022. The number is growing, suggesting that mobile devices will be used more in the future. Don’t miss a sale because you’re counting on a desktop user! Ensure your website is mobile-optimized.
A New Vending Website Needs Custom Content
Your vending website needs to show who you are as a company. That means personalization. Be open to including photos of your team, warehouse, and the breakrooms you service. Having more than stock photos on your website will help decision-makers relate to your business. A great place to personalize is an About Us page, which can tell your company’s story.
On your new website, don’t forget to create a space for blogs. Writing a blog is a great way to highlight your vending business’ personality, showcase the breakroom services you offer, and help your search engine optimization (SEO).
Generate Leads With a New Vending Website
Your website acts as a sales tool 24/7. Ensure it’s seen by focusing on services and custom content that is full of SEO keywords. That way prospects in your area find your refreshment services company.
Need to know more about what makes a good vending website? Ask VendCentral, the convenience services industry’s digital marketing experts. We offer different levels of marketing support to match your need. Learn more about how one of our vending marketing programs can drive sales by contacting us at info@vendcentral.com or (866) 699-8363.
read moreA new vending website can set your breakroom business up for sales success in a digital world that is crowded with competitors. Your website is a salesperson that works 24/7 and its sales pitch needs to be great. If your current vending website is not relevant, easy to read, and showcasing the best of your vending services, then it’s time for a whole new look.
Beyond that, there are three tell-tale signs that it’s time for a new website. They relate to performance indicators that impact how prospects will find your website and how long they’ll stay engaged. Read on for three questions to ask yourself to assess if your current website is performing at its best.
Is it easy to navigate?
A beautiful, well-designed website is a must. Not just the homepage either. 47% of users visit a vending website’s products or services page first, according to Zippia research. Therefore, it’s critical to ensure easy-to-access navigation with logical headings. The most important of these is the Contact Us page. Why? Because it’s crucial that potential customers can easily reach out to your business. Zippia also reports that 44% of users leave a site without contact information. Don’t let this happen to you.
While high-quality images are essential, large image files can slow a website down. This frustrates users and leads nearly 40% of people to stop engaging, says Webfx. In fact, lead conversion drops up to 20% for each second your site takes to load. Take a look at whether your website’s pages are optimized. They should provide a high-quality user experience with fast load speeds.
Is it ranking high on search engines?
Is your website traffic low? According to Fit Small Business, this is a problem for one in five businesses. A possible reason for low traffic is poor search engine optimization (SEO). Poor SEO affects your website’s rankings when breakroom decision-makers search for the services you provide. Check your search engine ranking by typing in a city in your service area along with the type of services you offer; like vending, office coffee, or micro-markets. Does your vending website appear? If you aren’t a top result, you’re SEO could be the problem.
A new vending website with proper SEO can move your business up the ranks. This is good news. It ensures your vending company will be seen by new customers looking for breakroom services in your area.
Is it mobile-responsive?
More people are using mobile devices to access the internet than ever. A Google Marketing Forum compared mobile vs. desktop viewing and found that shoppers access websites through their mobile devices much more often than through their desktop. Despite this, converting a customer via their mobile device is less than half as likely. Why do far fewer people take the extra step to contact a company through their mobile devices? Because many websites don’t load properly on mobile devices and it’s more difficult to keep a potential customer engaged. Zippia says up to 80% of consumers will leave a site that doesn’t display correctly on their mobile device. And, 57% won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile website either.
Check out your current website on a mobile device. Does it provide the type of user experience that will turn visitors into leads? If not, it might be time for a new vending website that is mobile-responsive.
What to do if it’s time…
If your current vending website’s look and performance are not helping your sales, explore your options. Investigate a simple refresh of your existing site and compare it to starting from scratch. VendCentral can advise you on the best route to take for a website that attracts leads and helps drive sales for your business. For more information, reach out to info@vendcentral.com or (866) 699-8363.
read moreIt is vital to include different types of videos on your website. Having them will engage your audience and help draw in potential clients looking for vending services or breakroom refreshment solutions. They can view the videos to get to know you and your company better, which results in more sales.
What kind of video content is best for a vending or micro market operator? As experts in online vending marketing, VendCentral has found three types to be most effective at audience engagement. First is the introduction video, which tells a potential client all about you. The second is the install, whether it’s a micro market or specific new breakroom equipment. The third and final is a video that shares an organized, well-run warehouse.
Read on for an in-depth look at the three types of video. Then use them to engage your potential customers and stand out from your competition.
Introduction Videos
A great introduction video belongs on your home page. It features the owner, manager, or team members of your vending, micro market, or office coffee service company and tells your story. It should explain how the business started and what type of convenience services it offers. The point is to create a valuable, personal connection.
New Vending Equipment or Micro Market
When a new piece of vending equipment arrives, get your phone out and take a short video! Showcasing the latest vending and OCS technology will help you gain an edge. That way, potential customers will see how you are staying ahead.
Installing a new micro market or office pantry is also a great time to take a video. It can show off your new products, equipment, fixtures, shelving, and kiosks. Plus your experienced service technicians will shine. This will give potential clients a better idea of what your company offers. They will also be able to visualize a micro market at their office.
Videos Focused on Your Warehouse and Team
Let your current and potential customers go behind the scenes with a video of your warehouse. This is your chance to reveal an efficient, well-organized space. Show off any automated inventory management solutions or technology you use to fulfill orders. Talk about how it makes vending or micro market orders and delivery of products as error-free as possible. Include the warehouse team and route drivers in the video loading bins or vans. This will allow others to see first-hand the care and attention your team provides.
Partner with Experts in Marketing Videos
Videos can boost engagement. Work on recording these three types with just a smartphone and posting them online. Start with a video talking about your company. Then record a new installation. Third, showcase your warehouse and team. It’s a great way to let potential clients get to know you, so they choose you for all their breakroom service needs.
VendCentral can help you with everything you need – from video production to website development to social media. Our goal is to help you grow your company’s online presence. We can manage your website growth strategy, publish your videos on your website, and optimize your social media with engaging posts that spotlight your videos. Contact us to learn more!
read moreLanding pages support and enhance your vending website. How? By diving deeper into the services you offer. The content on landing pages is targeted towards specific audiences and filled with SEO-boosting keywords. These pages are super useful for social media posts and emails too.
Understanding the benefits will help you maximize their power. Then, you can grow your vending website with pages that are designed to showcase your specific strengths and attract and convert leads. Here’s where to start:
Use Landing Pages for Targeted Messaging
Your vending website’s homepage gives a high-level view of your business and what it offers. In contrast, landing pages are more detailed and specific. For example, the benefits of installing a micro-market would make a great landing page. It’s focused on one topic, has a strong keyword for SEO, and is helpful to targeted clients.
The precise content helps convert viewers to clients by addressing specific questions and showing expertise around a particular topic. They also provide your sales team in the field with detailed support materials when they need them. Plus, regularly adding new pages lets your website stay fresh and relevant.
Landing Pages are Rich in Keywords
Adding landing pages to your website can also improve SEO. Since these pages are more detailed, they are an ideal place to focus on the industry keywords often used in organic searches. This increases the chances of prospects finding your business when they are looking for vending services. Bonus tip: use a combination of keywords and local SEO to attract the right audience.
Share Pages Via Social Media and Email
Landing pages are a must in any marketing plan. They can be shared in the social media posts and email campaigns you create for certain audiences. When readers click, they arrive at a page filled with useful information specific to their needs. This increases the likelihood of converting them into a client.
Make your Website a Better Sales Tool
In closing, landing pages offer many benefits to your business online. They are a way to promote specific services, cater to targeted audiences, boost SEO, and convert leads. In addition, they keep your website up-to-date and appealing to readers. That makes these web pages a valuable part of your website growth plan.
For help with your vending website and comprehensive marketing services, contact VendCentral. We specialize in digital sales and marketing for clients in the refreshment services industry.
read moreThere is nothing more necessary than building SEO for your refreshment service website. Why? Because in today’s highly competitive digital market, you need to be front and center online. Good SEO will put you there.
Implementing working SEO strategies will improve your search engine rankings (the S and E in SEO). It will drive traffic to your vending website for FREE! Plus, it boosts brand visibility for your vending company. All that makes it easier for you to meet your business goals.
Understanding SEO
There are many levels to SEO, from the domain name you choose to how you index your pages. Utilizing a hosting company or even a digital marketing agency can really help with this. But there’s more that you have direct control over. Optimizing this is how you can build organic SEO.
Consider Website Design and Keywords
The design of your website affects SEO. So, it is important to set up a logical structure. Each page should have links to the other pages. These are called backlinks and help search engines find new pages. It also helps you rank higher for the words that are linked, a.k.a. keywords.
Speaking of keywords, getting these right is critical. To begin, think of your target customer. What will they type in a search engine to find the breakroom refreshment services you offer? Are there other search terms they use? What else do you offer? This is how you can begin to create your keywords. And don’t be afraid to try some keyword planning tools for those related words that are not obvious.
Ensure a Seamless User Experience
Another boost to SEO is to remember that search engines prioritize websites that offer a good user experience. So, how do you do that? First, ensure your backlinks work and the site loads quickly. Nothing frustrates users more than broken links or a page that times out. Your site must also be mobile-friendly since more and more people, even business-to-business prospects, are searching on their smartphones.
Second, the information on your site needs to be useful. The user should spend time on your site, reading and clicking on links. This will be key to better SEO AND getting qualified leads for your sales team.
Remember that Content is King
The most vital aspect of building SEO is content. Generating the right subject matter can make your site valuable to customers, give search engines your keywords, and attract prospect attention. Website content includes blogs, at least monthly, and new website pages that mention a few of your keywords. There is no need to stuff the text full of the keywords. In fact, this will lower your SEO score. Just ensure you mention the most important keywords, and relevant services, a few times.
Create content beyond your website as well. Social media posts are great for getting attention and user engagement. Ensure they link back to your website. Don’t forget about email newsletters, email ads, and online promotions. These might link to an existing website page or a newly created landing page. The links, keywords, and traffic will optimize your site for the search engines.
Unlock the Power of SEO
Now that you understand ways to make your SEO better, it’s time to optimize (the O in SEO). Enhance your website to be logical and user-friendly. Verify your keywords and add content that is useful and relevant. That is how you’ll build strong SEO and feed the bottom line of our vending business.
Need some SEO help? VendCentral has the digital marketing expertise to get your site ranking better. Check out our marketing plans or call us today at (866) 699-8363.
read moreIn today’s world, your vending website is the face of your small business. It leaves a lasting impact on potential customers. To ensure they are engaged and motivated to reach out to your brand, it is a must to avoid common website turnoffs.
Vending Website Turnoffs Customers Want You to Know
As digital marketing experts, we know you need a strong online presence, and what can happen without one. That is why we’ve made this list of the top website turnoffs to avoid. Let’s explore these pitfalls and learn how to change your vending website into a lead and revenue-generating machine!
1. “Look at Me” Content
Customers are not interested in overwhelming self-promotion. This includes long lists of features and all the services you could offer them. Instead, to have a good vending website, aim to educate with concise content. Focus on the needs of your potential vending customers and how you can help.
2. Blurry Branding
It’s good to be clear. And that includes your branding. It should be visible, consistent, and concise. When building a brand, strive to be known for one thing that sets your vending business apart. This will help build credibility and instill confidence in potential clients.
3. No Credibility
When promoting yourself, it is important to prove what you say is true. That is why you must add elements to your vending website that boost your credibility. One way to do this is with customer testimonials. These comments about your service go a long way in showing that you do what you say you do. Another way to gain credibility is by listing awards and achievements. This can help foster trust with new customers.
4. Clumsy Contact Options
Avoid complex or broken Contact Us forms on your website. Instead, make it very easy for visitors to reach out online. Put phone numbers and your email address on every page too. And ensure the information is current. That way it is simple for potential customers to contact you in whatever way they choose. Seamless communication is a great way to boost confidence in your business.
5. Poor Vending Website SEO Structure
Don’t miss out on being seen. This is how you gain customers. So it is vital to optimize your vending website for search engines. Not including proper search engine optimization (SEO) could mean your website is not visible in search results.
6. Using Only Stock Photography
Consider investing in personal content, like images. It is worth the cost as it better reflects the core of your business. On the other hand, stock photos may not be accurate. This can have a negative impact on your credibility with customers. Instead, why not showcase your unique brand identity via authentic images?
7. Typos in Vending Website Text
It’s vital to ensure your website content is free from spelling errors. Why? Because it shows you are professional. Plus, website visitors will like your attention to detail. Both things are important to breakroom service decision-makers.
8. Confusing Vending Website Navigation
Make sure that your website’s pages are easy to move through. Simple, clear menus and working links are key. This way visitors are sure to have a positive experience while using your vending website.
9. Not Showing Your Work
Demonstrate your expertise with case studies and portfolios to build credibility and instill confidence in potential clients. A fun way to do this is by posting before and after photos of breakroom installs.
10. Vending Website Not Optimized For Mobile
Lastly, embrace a responsive website design. This means a site that shows up well on a mobile device. Why? Because there is a growing mobile audience searching for services via phone and tablet. Plus, it will improve your SEO rankings.
Swap Vending Website Turnoffs for Digital Know-How
Transform your website into a lead and revenue-building powerhouse by avoiding these turnoffs. Consider VendCentral your go-to source! We can optimize your online presence and impress visitors. Together, we can ensure your vending business stands out in the digital world. To get started, contact us at (866) 699-8363 or visit us online. We can’t wait to hear from you!
read moreA growth strategy is important after your vending website is built. It will help maximize your website’s performance and attract valuable leads. Your vending website is your strongest marketing tool and online investment. Maintaining it is key to its long-term success. But what should your website’s growth strategy look like? Read our 3 steps-to-success specifically for vending websites.
1. Grow Your Web Content
Regularly adding content to your vending website has a more positive impact on marketing and sales than a redesign every few years. Therefore, you will want to add new web pages and update existing ones routinely. Consider what content will support your sales goals. Plus, what type of content will enhance your SEO. For example, let’s say you create a web page for a new service offering. Anyone who searches for that type of service should see your website suggested. The same is true if you feature trendy new products or showcase a specific coffee brewer. Get on a schedule where you regularly evaluate, update, and add content to your website.
2. Blogs are Key to a Growth Strategy
Writing blog posts is a vital way to stay current. Blogs allow you to communicate frequently with customers on a variety of topics. Blogs also show you’re an authority on top vending industry trends. Finally, blog articles go a long way toward enhancing your website’s SEO. For instance, when you write about services or products, those keywords are associated with your vending website. Therefore, your website will show up in search results more often and attract more breakroom leads.
Here’s a bonus tip: Once you publish a blog on your website, share it on social media. It
doesn’t have to be a long post; a short sentence with hashtags will do. Your social media post gives your blog more exposure and opportunity for views. Don’t forget to add an image, which increases the chance it will be noticed.
3. Keep Your Website Clean
Every website needs housekeeping now and again. Check that your address, phone number, and email are correct. Also review all the links and menu options. You want to ensure those links go where they should. It is vital for an overall positive customer experience. After all, your website’s performance can affect how potential customers feel about you. A statistic from econsultancy reports that 80% of consumers are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience. So, don’t let a broken link stop your vending company from getting a qualified lead.
Another website section to check is service areas. If you have expanded into new cities or counties, be sure they are mentioned on your site. Ditto for product and equipment additions. You’ll want the most current information available for your existing and potential customers.
A Website Growth Strategy Opens More Doors to Success
Use our tips as a guide and create a website growth strategy of your own. It will help you keep your vending website performing at its best. Add content, write blogs, and check your online information. It will ensure your vending website remains a powerful sales tool available to customers 24/7.
If you need help with your vending website or are looking for powerful online sales and marketing tools, contact VendCentral. We specialize in digital marketing for the breakroom services industry. From a growth strategy to a marketing plan, we can maximize sales for your vending business. Reach out to info@vendcentral.com or (866) 699-8363 to get started.
read morePodcasts have seen tremendous growth. Forbes reports that in 2021, there were 116 million people listening to podcasts monthly. That number shows signs of going even higher in 2022.
Can vending operators use podcasts to boost business? Yes! Read on to learn more about using podcasts in your vending marketing.
Why people listen
There are many reasons podcasts are increasing in popularity. One reason is screen fatigue. Starting in 2020 (Covid19), people began spending more hours on screens. This includes working remotely, streaming content before and after work, as well as scrolling through social media. It’s nice to have a break. Yet, people still want to be tuned in to what’s happening and be entertained. That is where podcasts come in.
As an audio-only medium, podcasts are the perfect choice for making the most of leisure or errand time. More than half (52%) of listeners are tuning into podcasts while doing things at home, according to The Infinite Dial 2017. Another quarter is listening to podcasts on the go, from commuting via car to walking around on foot. The versatility of when and where people can listen to podcasts is part of what makes them so attractive. Plus, there is a podcast on nearly every subject. You can listen to one to boost professional development, be entertained, or explore a hobby. This variety in topics adds to podcasts’ overall appeal.
What to podcast
So how does a vending company break into the world of podcasts? A great way to start is by taking the digital content you already have and repurposing it for a podcast audience. Use the pages of your own website for inspiration. You could expand upon your origin story, company mission, and/or vision for the future in a podcast (all from your About Us page).
Another podcast idea is to discuss what’s new and trending in breakroom services. You might start by interviewing your employees. For example, what is it like to be a route driver in 2022? How have workplaces in your area changed in the past few years? Or, perhaps you would rather discuss how breakroom service technology is changing. You could report on the new services and hardware available along with how it benefits your vending customers and their employees. The sky is the limit on vending podcast topics. Try innovative food and beverage products, shifts in the way today’s workers are snacking, or anything that informs and educates listeners.
Get help from a host
When creating a podcast, a good host is invaluable. They can help guide the listener through the episode, add a level of professionalism to the finished product, and help you get your podcast published. Our talented friend, Cecil LeDesma, is an expert podcaster and can help you explore and create podcasts about a variety of topics that you or your business feel passionate about.
Podcasts are outside the box
Podcasts are not going away. Buzzsprout reports projections that listeners will exceed 160 million by 2024. This is a big reason for you to consider a podcast to market your vending business. It can help boost your brand and solidify your place as an expert. Most of all, it will reach an audience that could be potential clients.
There’s help along the way. VendCentral has been assisting breakroom service providers with vending marketing for decades. We can help you navigate the online marketing world to create strong business leads. Call (866) 699-8363 or email today.
read moreA healthy website is a cornerstone of business success. More consumers are opting to shop online rather than in-store, so a robust digital presence is more essential than ever before. In fact, it takes a user about 0.05 seconds to decide if they’re going to continue exploring your website or jump ship. That means if your site is outdated, unattractive, or tough to navigate, you’ve just lost a potential customer in less than one second.
Just like regularly maintaining your health is necessary for a thriving body, continual updates and enhancements are key to an optimized website. Your site is a living, breathing mechanism that need to be reviewed, updated, and maintained regularly.
If your website has been collecting dust, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to take a deeper look and reassess the health of your company website.
The Importance of a Healthy Website
Your business website is your brand’s piece of digital real estate on the internet. You wouldn’t walk into a dilapidated storefront expecting five-star service, would you? The same thing applies to online shoppers. If your website is poorly designed, consumers will surely look elsewhere.
While 38% of people will immediately stop engaging with a site if the content or layout is unappealing, 88% of consumers are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience. That’s a significant number! If your website crashes, hasn’t been redesigned since 2009, or is stuffed with irrelevant information, it will cost you valuable leads.
A website health check is a valuable way to identify how to optimize your online presence, generate leads, and boost revenues.
Your Complete Website Health Checklist
When conducting a health check of your website, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is my website user-centric?
A high-performing website is all about the user experience (UX). To be successful, your site must be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and provide immediate value to the customer. It’s important to keep in mind that every visitor who comes to your website has a problem to solve. Whether they want to buy a new sweater or find a new vending machine for their office break room, they have a problem. Your website’s goal is to help them solve that problem as quickly as possible.
A site that is visually appealing and clearly laid out will intuitively guide a visitor from one step to the next.
2. Does it have clear branding and effectively represent who I am as a company?
Your site is a digital representation of your brand. When a user lands on your website, they should immediately know what products or services you offer, what pain points you solve, and what your brand’s personality is like. Branding can effectively be conveyed through engaging copy, color palettes, and imagery.
3. Is it updated and fresh?
Websites that are outdated or include irrelevant information will negatively impact your marketing efforts. Ensure that your company site highlights your latest products and services and highlights pertinent information.
4. Is it mobile responsive?
Consumers engage with their smartphones for an average of 2 hours and 55 minutes on a daily basis. If your website isn’t mobile friendly, you could be losing potential customers. Your site needs to quickly load, be easy to scan on a smartphone, and provide a seamless experience across all devices.
5. Is it optimized to ensure your website ranks high on search?
Search Engine Optimization is crucial when it comes to your website because it makes it more visible, and that means more traffic and more opportunities to convert prospects into customers. It’s also a valuable tool for brand awareness, building relationships with prospects, and positioning yourself as an authoritative and trustworthy expert in your industry.
6. Is it accessible to all users and ADA compliant?
To be successful, a website must be inclusive. This means that its content is accessible to all users, regardless of physical or situational disabilities. It isn’t just good business practice; web accessibility legislation is continuing to evolve. Making your site more compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) could reduce your exposure to hefty fines.
The Reality
Your website can make or break your business. Regular site health checks, now and throughout the year, ensure that your website is user-friendly, updated, and inclusive.
To learn how VendCentral’s marketing solutions can benefit your website, contact us today by calling (866) 699-8363.
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