Hosting an annual general meeting (AGM) is quite a challenge in our current COVID-19 situation.

Traditional in-person shareholder meetings are no longer feasible. What with restrictions on large-group meetings and travel. Not to mention investor concerns about social distancing and joining large gatherings.

Thankfully, technology today enables companies to hold virtual AGMs. So that requirements are still met, information is presented to shareholders and their questions answered.

Your website is the backbone of your company's online presence. It serves as an information hub where you can direct investors who want to know more about your business.

Much like consumers, investors go online to seek information about your company before they buy into it. That's why your website needs to clearly present details for investors to learn what your business is all about. As investors know more about your organisation, they will be able to make smarter investment decisions.

Your company is getting listed. Understandably, there’s a flurry of tasks to complete before your initial public offering (IPO).

But is your website all set for your IPO too?

Getting your website IPO ready is crucial in creating awareness about your business. It’s a game changer in converting prospects into investors.

When investors find your website, do they immediately know it's the right one they've been searching for?

Or would they need to sift through your web pages just to understand what your company is all about? (Uh-oh.)

That’s why it’s not only important for your website to be visually appealing. It should also be easy to navigate, providing information investors seek.

"If your business is not on the Internet, then your business will be out of business." - Bill Gates

That’s why you have a website, right? You understand this full well.

But how user-friendly is your site? Can your clients and investors find the information they need in three clicks?

There is no point in having a website that’s impressive and creative if your stakeholders and potential investors cannot use it. If they cannot navigate it to find important data they are searching for - what’s the use?

Shareholder value.

It’s the value stockholders enjoy as owners of a company’s shares. The company delivers this value to its shareholders based on its capability to sustain and grow profits over time.

For ASX-listed companies, the duty to maximize shareholder value rests on the shoulders of corporate directors and management. They must have the best interest of stakeholders in mind and be efficient decision makers to increase shareholder value.

It’s not enough to just have a website. These days, people are way more tech-savvy and choosy about sites they visit.

When clients and investors look into your website, what do they see? A stale site with outdated information on your company? Or a website offering fresh and engaging content about your business?

Your website is one of the most effective communication tools your company holds.

That's why you have a well-designed site to give investors a great first impression of your business and what it's all about, right?

But is your site still aligned with your organisation's latest plans?

Perhaps you've adopted a new corporate strategy and your website’s purpose has changed to support such move. Maybe you've just launched a brand-new product or service and you're now targeting a certain audience, in addition to your investor community.

Doing things right or doing things over?

If you had to choose between the two, pretty sure you’d choose to do things right the first time. So you won’t have to start over!

Doing things right the first time makes you work smarter, not harder. Because taking time to work right from the start would result in a higher quality by-product than it would to go back from the beginning.

Plus, your effort will take significantly less time, in the long run. As you won’t have to start from scratch again, in case you need to redo any areas that need fixing up.

First impressions last forever. Even with businesses.

If you think your initial contact with investors or suppliers occurs on your first phone call, email or meeting – think again. Nowadays, a first impression with your company is usually made even before you reach out to them.

How? Through the world wide web, of course!

Do you realise how important your website design actually is?

It can make or break your business.

If it’s boring or is painstakingly slow to load... If it doesn’t show the information investors are looking for… then you’re in for trouble. That’s how the appearance and functionality of your site is crucial.

Even if your web page is simple, it will represent your company and will be key to your business.

Think about it. 

At this very moment, someone may be searching for your company online. 

It's how things work in this digital age. Clients and investors will search the web to engage with your business.

They expect your company to have an online presence, at least a website. And if you don't have one, they'll consider you less professional.

Investors are not always rational in assessing their investment decisions.

In the early part of their journey, some investors would not be decided on specific facts to look for about your company. And by looking at your website’s design, imagery and key messages, they will be guided emotionally about how they feel about your business.

Other investors, however, will just want facts, facts and facts. “Just show me the numbers!”

The power of the web.

You know this well enough. That's why your company has its own website.

It's not just developing the right website though. It’s also about maintaining the site for your business.

Your website needs to be regularly updated to echo your company's identity and business values in the online world. It doesn't have to be complicated for it to establish awareness and trust for investors. It just needs to provide the latest information that gives a significant impact. So, investors keep coming back to your site.

Your website is the authority for investors.

It’s the source of all the information they need.

But investors don’t get to visit your website every day. That’s why your site needs to attract them when there’s news about your company. Or when there’s something they want to seek out.

Luckily, there are various ways to enhance your website without having to do a complete overhaul. Sometimes a supplementary device is all you need to boost your site’s efficiencies.

Checking your mail. Managing your bank account. Chatting with colleagues across the globe.

Everything is online nowadays.

These tasks are just a few that can be done from the comfort of your office or while waiting for your train. All in a matter of seconds. All through the Web.

And when you’re running a business, it’s not enough to just have a website. More importantly, it needs to be mobile-friendly.

Triumphs over adversities.

Significant achievements.

Moments of inspiration.

These are just some milestones that have shaped your organisation. And perhaps you may be so used to these events that you've missed out on how they have marked your company’s evolution.

It can be a lot easier.

Meaning, you won’t have to start from scratch when you’re updating your website. Even for a rebrand.

As long as your content management system can handle the changes. Effecting your new name and logo won’t be any trouble at all.

Especially if you have an expert support team to help you with the modifications on your design and content. You won’t need to handle all the techy stuff of URLs, domain and what nots.

Keeping up with the times?

Or just effecting a change in company strategy?

A rebrand of your business can be a result of different factors. Perhaps you’re expanding into new markets. Or diversifying the kind of products or service you offer.

Whatever your reasons, it’s imperative that your new brand be reflected on your website and all other forms of communications.

It’s a journey. Not a destination.

Yes, that’s the process for any website. Yours included.

For as your company achieves milestones, so opportunities arise to show these developments within your site. Opportunities to improve and reshape your web page.

Take for example, a new company logo.