It’s obvious that every website contact page should feature the business’s phone number and email address. But wait, there’s more!

One thing Google look for when deciding how to rank web pages in search engines is what they call NAP, which stands for name, address and phone number. If these three are the same for a business across the web then Google take’s it as a good sign that the business is well established and reputable. So make sure you feature these three and keep any business directories listing your business well up to date whenever any of these details change.

Phone number

Some people think landline numbers appear more professional than mobile numbers, so if you’re a sole-trader or freelancer it’s always a good idea to set up a local landline number. This also helps to reinforce a ‘local’ impression if your business phone number is using your local area code.

If you like, you can redirect all calls from your local landline number to your mobile for when you’re out and about using a service like Telecoms World. They provide landline redirection for £5/month, though you’ll have to pay more if you want to make calls from your landline number using your mobile phone.

Alternatively, you could set up a free VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) local phone number using a service like Sipgate. You can then receive calls using a VOIP app like GS Wave on your mobile phone. Yes, even the registration of the local phone number is completely free with this service, though again, you’ll need to add credit to make calls or send texts from that number, but it’s reasonable.

Email address

This is another obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning that it always looks more professional when the domain of an email address (the bit after the @) is the same as your business address. If you’ve made do with a personal Gmail, Hotmail etc email address for your business dealings, do ask your web developer if they can help set you up with a professional looking email address.

Business address

You may not be the kind of business that provides services on site, but listing your address is a powerful way to boost your rankings in Google search results near you. If you don’t have multiple offices nationally or internationally then listing your location helps search engines understand where your business operates. They will in turn give your website a bit of a boost for searches involving your local area. For example, a web designer who lists their Bristol address will rank higher in a search for “web designer in Bristol” than another web designer who doesn’t list an address, everything else being equal.

Contact form

Make it easy for people. People like the convenience of being able to ping a message to you without having to leave your contact page. Featuring a contact form also allows you to specify what information people provide by using custom input fields. For instance, see the “Are you happy to give us a little more detail at this stage?” question on this website’s contact form.

Google Map

Every local business should be listed on Google Maps. It’s the easiest way to leapfrog local competition in search results.

Now here’s where it gets really interesting: when you embed a Google Map of your maps listing on your website, Google tracks every time someone loads the embedded map. They record every page load of your listing as a vote of popularity for the listing, so embedding a map of your Maps business listing on your contact page is a great way to boost the visibility of your Maps listing in search results. Of course it also helps potential customers understand where you’re located. That’s a win-win.

Directions

If you do provide services or invite clients to meetings at your business location, text-based directions are always helpful.

What’s more, just like every other tip in this post, directions to your business can also help your website rank better in local search results. For instance, you can include on your contact page directions in various ways that mention local areas or neighbouring landmarks like:

“We’re based in the Easton ward, two streets away from Bristol Post office. You can find us at the end of Beeley Avenue and St. George’s multi-storey car park is a two minute walk away.”

If you know Bristol you’ll recognise I made all that up – it’s geographical nonsense!

Social media

When people land on your contact page they’re there because they want to take the next step. What better place to nudge them to follow you on your social media channels than your contact page?

If you’re active on several social networks you may want to include linked icons for these and feature an embedded feed of just one or two of the most visual social media channels you have, for instance Instagram and Twitter.

That’s it! What would you add?