Analyse your business with a fine-tooth comb and create web pages that show you’re trustworthy, competent and legally compliant. Don’t lose out to competitors who are already taking the extra steps to win the confidence of their customers.
Let me tell you a story about illegal activity committed by unlicensed traders here in Erewash. It’s a local state of affairs but which applies everywhere, really.
Businesses in certain industries, such as construction, landscaping, building modification are required to remove and dispose of waste lawfully and with an Environment Agency Waste Carrier licence.
Only 20 minutes ago I saw an article, not for the first time, in an Erewash borough magazine naming, shaming and generally criticising the practice of dumping waste.
A trader who accepted payment for waste disposal but dumped the rubbish on private land pleaded guilty to fly-tipping and was fined.
This seems fair enough if you believe in the rule of law and the appropriate punishments, but the story doesn’t end there.
Article in Issue 35 of “EBC today” by Erewash Borough Council
The individual who paid the person to carry out the service was formally cautioned by the Erewash Neighbourhood Wardens after the dumped items were traced back to the property from which they came. The customer, in this case, failed to carry out the proper checks.
Whether the fly-tipper operated a website or not is uncertain, but it would be strongly advised that your business, in an attempt to distinguish itself from the lower leagues of environmental blight, makes a serious effort to demonstrate all your credentials, licences and legal compliance.
A waster carrier licence can be scanned and added to your website for all to see. This would cover you and go a long way to alleviating any doubt a prospect may have about engaging your services, especially when there are competitors operating on the same turf.
Of course, the example of a waste carrier license, in this case, is circumstantial. You should highlight and meet any legal obligations using your website as a sort of educational tool.
Putting your best foot forward in the context of a business website gives a potential new customer the convenience of self-service information, where they build up accurate ideas of who you are. A website is not for bragging, but for setting realistic expectations for the customer.
The least we can do is provide enough information that creates confidence. After all, who wants to become embroiled in the affairs of someone who runs their business so badly that the police may end up knocking on their door?
