| |
Headers and
Content
No matter how flashy a
Web site is or how many of the latest gimmicks it has, it is doomed if it
has nothing to say.
-
The most important step
is to Provide content that
will add value to their bottom line. What do they need to know to feel
comfortable about making a purchase or taking action? Call your best
customers and find out what services or features they want from you online.
-
You need to
Knowing what your
competitors are doing can make or break your success on the Web. Make sure
that you know how your visitors perceive your competitors.
-
What
does your business want from customers on the Internet? Sales? Referrals?
Registration? Information? Before you do anything, outline your goals and
define what you expect from your site. Then, determine how you will organize
the pages that get customers to take action!
-
when they
visit your new site. Can they easily link from page to page and be led to
the most interesting information that relates to them? If you have a diverse
set of customers with different needs, consider every type of customer who
makes a difference to your bottom line. Make sure you include content and
ways to lead them to a purchase.
-
Make your points early. If you don't get your visitors' attention in the
first few sentences, you will lose them to your competition. Deliver your
content in the order of its importance. Don't fall into the trap of holding
back on your message to keep customers "turning the pages." They won't.
Summarize, and then link your visitors to text that is rich in content.
-
Most people are seeking
information on the Web, and they don't want to waste time interpreting cute
or complex header and text styles. Make it as easy as possible to interpret
what you do and how visitors can get what they need. Keep it simple.
-
to take action, find
information, or navigate your site. Instructions should lead your visitors
to take action according to your online business goals and objectives.
-
key assets and resources
to your visitors. You have spent time making each page valuable, so help
them find information with a link that makes sense. The more interactive
your site is, the more value you add to the experience. Link to other pages
and sections whenever possible.
|
|
You want to deliver your company's message in a
way that is "Web friendly," which means that it must be short and sweet.
Resist the temptation to say everything at once. Shorter is better.
Remember your audience! They are busy people who are
bombarded with messages every time they go online. They want to hear what
you have to say, but they will decide whether to keep listening after 3
seconds of reading. Make those seconds count.
Visit your competitors' sites. Decide what you like and
dislike and use that knowledge when you are compiling the content for your
site. Your customers will show their appreciation for your efforts by coming
back again and again.
Customers who don't have to overcome confusing or
conflicting messages are more likely to find exactly what they are looking
for. They will seriously explore your site and make a purchase.
|
|
