The truth is that most websites could disappear off the internet today and never be missed by anyone. There are many reasons why websites fail. Poor layout, terrible design, mediocre content, missing meta data and inbound links, confusing navigation, buried info (too many clicks required to find what the browser is looking for), and too much flash for the eyes to handle are the most common problems with websites. With the plethora of “site building” tools available today almost anyone can build a website. Being able to build a profitable, memorable, working website is another story all together. Let’s face it, we don’t all have the eye for design and that is why it is best to leave the design of your website up to the professionals.
Here are the must-haves for your website to work. Chances are if your website isn’t bringing in business you are lacking in one or all of these areas.
1. Strategic planning
Great websites have been strategically planned and designed to draw in a specific target audience. Know yours from the start so you can forsee what your customers are looking for from the start. Figure out how to turn visitors into buyers and buyers into repeat customers. Don’t assume that just because you are getting a lot of traffic that you will get a lot of sales.
2. Clarity
Get to the point with keyword-enriched text and headlines. Leave out all the fancy industry jargon that your customers potentially can’t relate to or understand. Drawing traffic to your site is not easy and the visitors you do finally get will be gone before you know it if they are confused when theyland on your site.
3. Ask for business
This sounds like a given, but you would be surprised how many websites forget to do this. You may be surprised that phrases like “call now”, “contact us for more info”, and “click today” are still effective to draw in business.
4. Great design
The most important thing here is that your website should work in all browsers and platforms. It should look good on any monitor the user has. It should look good on a MAC and a PC. This is where most websites built by novices fail. When a website builder does not know why errors occur and doesn’t know how to remedy them they will lose business fast. Hiring a professional to design or redesign your site is the best thing you can do for business. It will be money well spent.
5. Don’t be shy
Show customers why they should buy your product with a site full of testimonials, portfolios, and success stories. Add videos or photos of customers and/or products. Customers respond better to a somewhat interactive experience. Since your customer can’t touch and feel your product online give them the next best thing.
6. Give something away
Offer your customers a simple freebie such as an e-book or a podcast. This will increase the word-of-mouth testimonials from your customers, one of the best ways to draw in new business.
7. Be Unique
The biggest mistake most website owners make here is that they believe being unique means building a flashy website with music and lights. The only thing that does is drive customers away. Be unique by building a brand that is all yours. You can be memorable without being obnoxious. This is where a website designer and marketer comes in. They can help you build the best image for your company.
The bottom line
Work with your website developer and marketer to develop an A+ website which brings in sales. Combine your expertise about your customer base and product with the technical expertise of the website designer to create an outstanding website which will bring in customers and keep them coming back.
