Reliable Sites ·.· Website Tips

How to Create a GREAT Web Site

By Claire Cunningham

Do you have a web site you haven’t touched in years? Or have you avoided the Internet bandwagon all together? Well, it’s time to hop aboard. Here’s why:

Audience: Business people use the Internet when researching a product or service. 73% of US households have Internet access. Young adults and teens are more likely to use the Internet than a phone book to find a product or service.
Availability: A web site is available 24/7, so your information is there whenever your prospect wants it.

Here are things to consider when you create your web site.

Content

If you don’t have it all together, start small and add pages later.

Description of your company — This is basic. People need to know what you do before they’ll buy.
Description of your products or services — Basic stuff again. Be clear and concise. Use attractive photos.
Portfolio of work or case histories — Demonstrate what you do.
Bios of key staff with photos — This humanizes the site.
Testimonials — Proof that you’ve helped people.
Resources - White papers, how to’s, other useful info.
News section, newsletter or blog — Stay in touch. Plus new content helps your search engine rankings.
Contact form — A way for visitors to reach you.
Links — Another resource to offer visitors, plus the right reciprocal links can build traffic.

Design

A great web site grabs attention and invites the visitor in. The design should be consistent with any print materials you use. A good web designer can give you a site that loads quickly, is easy to navigate and read, and looks professional.

Traffic Building

Now that you’ve got a web site, how do you get people to it? Here are some starter ideas:

Search engine registration — Often handled by your designer or hosting company. You’ll need to make sure it gets done.
Reciprocal links — Research what’s available and learn what works through trial and error.
Register articles on Internet article banks — If you like to write, post articles and direct readers to your site.
Search Engine Optimization — The real thing can be VERY expensive. If you’re starting up a retail site and need high volume traffic, hire an expert. Otherwise, make sure key words are used repeatedly on your home page, and use other tactics to build traffic.
Advertising — Evaluate web site banners and buttons, search engine ads (like Google AdWords) and print ad opportunities.
Direct mail — Use mailings (e-mail or traditional) to let colleagues, clients and friends know about your site.
Publicity — Send out a news release announcing your site to as many publications as possible. Follow up with releases on new features.

Constant Tweaking

A great web site is not static – it’s always evolving. Be prepared to keep adding content and features. And don’t be afraid of making adjustments, especially if you can measure their impact.