In this second instalment of the “From Anywhere Weekly” series, we’re looking at a simple task that directly affects your business: managing comments and form submissions on your website. When you are working from different locations, these potential client messages can easily slip through the cracks. A quick 10-minute check can keep opportunities from being missed!
Today’s 10-Minute Task: Comment & Form Submission Check
When you are running a business across different locations, it’s surprisingly easy to miss potential client enquiries that come through your website. Comments on blog posts, contact form submissions, and other customer communications can slip through the cracks, especially when you are managing multiple priorities or transitioning between locations.
Why This Matters For Your Business ~
Every unread comment or form submission could be a potential client, partnership opportunity, or valuable customer feedback. By spending just 10 minutes on this task:
- You will ensure no potential business opportunities are missed
- You will maintain professional responsiveness even during busy periods
- You will identify and remove spam before it clutters your site
- Aaand, demonstrate reliability to prospects who are evaluating your business
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: Checking and Moderating Comments (5 minutes)
- Log into your WordPress dashboard
- Go to Comments in the left sidebar
- Look for comments in the “Pending” section – these are waiting for your approval
- Quickly scan each comment and take one of these actions:
- Approve legitimate comments
- Reply to any that need immediate response (flag others for later)
- Delete obvious spam
- Mark suspicious comments as spam (this helps your spam filter learn)
- Check the “Spam” folder for any legitimate comments that were incorrectly filtered (this is a biggie)
Part 2: Checking Form Submissions (5 minutes)
- If you use a form plugin like Fluent Forms, WPForms, or WS Form, go to its dashboard section
- Review any new submissions that haven’t been processed
- For each legitimate inquiry:
- Flag high-priority leads that need immediate follow-up
- Send a quick acknowledgment if you can’t respond fully right away
- Move completed interactions to your “processed” or “archived” section
- Update your submission log or CRM if you track enquiries in a separate system
Setting Up Reliable Notifications That Actually Work
One of the biggest challenges for location-independent business owners is maintaining reliable communication systems. Here’s how to set up notifications you won’t miss, even when changing time zones or dealing with inconsistent internet access:
Email Notification Best Practices:
- Use a reliable email provider that works globally (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) for your WordPress notifications
- Create a dedicated filter or folder for website notifications so they don’t get lost in your inbox
- Set up a separate “urgent” email notification for form submissions only, keeping it distinct from comment notifications
- Test your notification system by submitting a test comment and form entry
- Configure mobile notifications to alert you immediately for form submissions, but perhaps batch comment notifications
Beyond Email Notifications:
Email isn’t always reliable, especially when traveling. Consider these additional notification methods (gotta cover all the bases):
- SMS notifications – Many form plugins can connect to SMS services for text alerts about new submissions
- Slack or Discord integration – Send notifications to a private channel you can check from any device
- Mobile app notifications – Use the WordPress mobile app to receive push notifications
Handling Time Zone Challenges
When you are working across time zones, responding in good time can be challenging. Here are some practical ideas:
- Add an auto-responder to forms that sets appropriate expectations about response times
- Include your current time zone in your auto-response so clients understand potential delays
- Create a simple scheduling link in your form confirmation message so prospects can book time with you
- Consider using a virtual assistant to monitor and triage form submissions during your off-hours
Pro Tip for Spotty Internet Connections
If you frequently work in areas with unreliable internet, set up your WordPress mobile app during a period of good connectivity. The app can cache recent comments and often works even with minimal connection, allowing you to moderate comments offline and sync when connection is restored.
Next Week
We will cover how to quickly check your site for broken links and formatting issues to maintain a professional appearance, regardless of where you are managing your business from.
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to staying on top of website enquiries while managing your location-independent business? Let me know!
