How to Write an Online Business Profile

An online business profile is a simple but powerful tool. Not only does it allow people to find your business on the Internet, it can also help them to decide whether they want to use your business or not. An online business profile attracts customers, potential employees and investors, and even the media, who can use your online profile to find out more about your business. Since it's such an important tool, it's important to learn how to write an online business profile that gives a positive first impression.



Steps
1. Figure out what the goal of your business profile is to get some direction in learning how to write an online business profile. Simple profiles on social networking sites or local directories should be geared toward showing off your products and telling people about your business in a positive, upbeat way. Profiles used for a specific purpose should be tailored to that purpose. For example, to find job applicants, highlight the benefits of working for the company. Profiles used to attract media attention and sales should highlight features that make the company stand out and its contributions to the community. If you are looking for investors or financing, make sure the profile contains financial information and a solid business plan.


2. Use keywords in the profile. Keywords are the words users will type in to search for a business like yours. It's important to include them, since they can help improve your ranking in search results, but they must be integrated into the profile in a way that flows and doesn't look spammy.


3. Think about things that make the company stand out from the competition. Community involvement, overcoming economic struggle, ties to celebrities or community leaders and expert skills of staff or owners are some examples that make a company special.


4. Compose the profile in a tone that jives with the industry your company is in. If you are selling hip new products, aim for an edgy tone. More traditional companies like law offices or financial institutions should go for a tone that conveys security and safety.


5. Write the company profile in plain English without excessive use of jargon, so that the media and customers unfamiliar with the company's services or products can understand it. If you create or sell products or services that are not well known, explain what they are and how they are used in layman's terms.


6. Include the company's full address and contact information. Make sure the address can be found and is included in online mapping systems like Mapquest and Google Maps. Email addresses should have a 'mailto' link so that users can click to send an email. Include a clickable URL to the company's main website, and any other links that can help users find out more information about the company.


7. Add high quality photographs when applicable. They should be professional shots that show off the company's accomplishments and products or offer a personal touch with pictures of staff and principles.