It can be hard to filter through things on the Internet – after all, there is just so much information it can become overwhelming. I feel like on the Internet you can prove and disprove anything, because there’s literally both sides to everything online. That can make it harder when you’re looking for a high quality service provider online. If you’re hunting for a life coach, lawyer, or any type of expert online then there are a few things to do to ensure that you find an expert that will meet your needs. Here are my top tips for finding an expert online:
1. Check Out Their Website
If the person you’re looking to hire doesn’t even have a website, I’d back away slowly. Websites are a big investment, but it an easy way to show who’s serious about their business and who’s just testing the waters. On their website you’re going to want to see how much information they put about themselves. For me an expert will have a complete website, potentially with references or reviews on the site so you can see what other people are saying about them. If their website is out of date, filled with broken links, or offline, then you probably know they’re not that current and maybe not the best expert in their field. An expert will often provide a lot of information online for free, and then offer more exclusive content for purchase. Check out http://www.rebeccamountain.ca for an example of what I mean.
2. Find References
The best way to find out what kind of expert they are, is to look for references from other clients. If their past clients are happy, then there’s a good chance you’ll be happy with their work too. Read through the comments and make sure that they sound credible and professional. For example at Car Accident Lawyers | Services | Valent Legal have a section on their website dedicated to client testimonies, which means you can learn a bunch about how they work before you invest a cent.
3. Check Out Their Social Media
Do they have social media channels? This will depend on the industry they’re in, but if they do have social media channels are they active? Do they have good engagement with their community? For me an active social media account means that it is more likely that it’s a legitimate expert. If they have social media connected to their websites, but haven’t posted in months or years, then I’m more likely to look for another option.
4. Ask Around
You’ll be surprised by how effective your friend network is for finding great experts. I often post a question on my Facebook page if I’m hunting for something, and I’m constantly surprised by the great suggestions I receive from my friends. If you’re not comfortable asking around within your friend network, you can easily type your question into Google and skim through the results. The Internet has made it easier than ever to find a wide range of experts online without even leaving your home!
Do you have any tips for finding experts online? Let me know in the comments below.
