Resource industries are known to be slow in catching on to modern technology. Just look at the out-dated websites of many mining and exploration companies. Others do not even have their own websites in today’s tech-savvy world.

That is not always the case though.

Some exploration companies are not settling for any old website. They are blazing a trail in their industries with websites that are professionally designed and mobile-friendly too. Serving as an inspiration to their peers.

It’s not that you don’t have a website. Sure, you do! It’s just that it no longer reflects your burgeoning business. Unlike your growing company, your website is stuck at being clunky and outdated, with lacking functionality.

Your website should be able to support your business as it grows. That means it can be quickly updated, easily managed and that communications, particularly with investors, will go unhampered. After all, your website is the front door to your business.

Attracting investors means having a powerful online presence. It means having a professional website that connects with investors, particularly if you're heading for an IPO.

A brilliant website will show investors that you are a serious contender for their investments. Your site should be well-designed as it provides quality content to focus on investors’ needs. It should also work smoothly on any platform they choose to use, whether mobile devices or desktops.

Stories are powerful. They create a picture in our minds to delight, inspire and motivate.

You have seen this happen in the movies and tv series you have watched. You have experienced it in the books and news articles you have read. Even in the conversations you have had.

Stories are all around us. Even in the business world.

But have you heard about storytelling your business?

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.

Grab the IRM COVID-19 Offer and emerge from the crisis in great shape to attract investors!

When this is all over – and it will, investors will be critical in their choices of investments. They will choose to invest in companies that they trust, those who look like they improved even during this uncertain times and the ones who made efforts to keep them informed.

How to step up your game?

Enhance your corporate look. Optimise your corporate or investor website. Boost your investor communication.

Read about 10 elements to check on your website so you can improve its SEO capabilities.

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.

Are you in the process of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or fundraising?

Perhaps you’re pursuing a Merger & Acquisition (M&A) or a strategic partnership?

You’ll need a data room to house important documents for your specific transaction. No, not a physical data room that’s inconvenient and time consuming, given its limitations. We’re talking about a virtual data room that all parties involved can safely access from anywhere in the world.

"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!”