I’ve seen too many websites that don’t really do much to promote the business for which they are built. I’ve seen too many sites that have no clear direction for visitors, no call-to-action so to speak. And, I’ve worked with a lot of clients who think a website will magically make their business more noticeable and profitable just because it is on the Internet. While a website is a fantastic, cost-effective way to showcase your products and services, it can be so much more.
This fabulous article from Inc. includes 19 Dos and Don’ts for creating a website that will work for your business. Here’s an excerpt.
I’m continually surprised by how many people call my design company with very firm ideas about what they want on their business website and yet, they haven’t thought through some of the most basic questions first. For this reason, our first question is always “Why do you need a site?,” not “What do you want on it?”
At bottom your website is a marketing tool. For many businesses, it’s the only source of business. If done right, it can be a major part of yours.
Here’s my quick-hit list of the top dos and don’ts before you get started:
Do:
- Set smart goals. And make sure they’re measurable. Here are a few great ones a Web designer wants to hear: increase conversion rates, increase sales, generate more leads, reduce overhead, and improve brand awareness.
- Plan on becoming an SEO wizard…