Here is a quick list of components that make a website attractive. They are listed in layers of attractiveness beginning with the "must" haves, to "nice to haves."
1. State the website's purpose up front and clearly of the site. Do this as quickly as possible. The visitor needs to know immediately if they have landed on the right site. They also need to know "what's in it for me to stay here." If you don't provide this, they are gone. 90% of the sites on the Net don't do this.
2. Give visitors the ability to search for exactly what they are looking for, if they have something exact in mind. A "site search feature" satisfies this best. Allow the search feature to be prominently displayed and not hidden away somewhere. It is best place in the navigational system so that it shows up on every page. Sales letter only websites are an exception to this rule. Return visitors and visitors that have something specifically in mind, want the option and ability to find what they want fast. So give it to them.
3. Photos allow connection. Especially to people who process visually. Clip art gets them to pay attention, however, it doesn't create much of a connection. Personal photos connect within reason. Keep them less than three to a page. One photo always needs to be in the top portion of the screen on the first page. It doesn't need to be large, but attractive.
4. Ways to capture visitors information wherever possible.
5. Place items on the site that keep them lingering. Audio and video are one of these, yet there are other less time consuming and inexpensive ways to keep them entertained.
6. Articles. For solopreneur sites, your own written articles. For other sites, articles with various authors yet on focus.
7. Interactive elements. For example: response forms, quizzes
8. If you use a shopping cart, it must be fluid, no hiccups. PayPal is not a shopping cart, it's a hiccup. All auto responders must be well written and positive. If someone purchased something, they need the energy of "thank you."
9. Give offers that are of value.
10. Clear path of where a newcomer can start if it is their first visit.
11. Newsletter that is consistent with the 80/20 rule. 80% value and 20% marketing.
12. E-courses of value.
13. Well-written e-books: 50-75 pages, plus valuable information (info not found anywhere else). Length doesn't do more than provide perceptive value. Once purchased and the vastness is only fluff, then your credibility is shot. Complimentary e-books meet the same requirements.
14. Give them other ways to receive more on...you if you are the focus...or the information if that is the focus.
15. Automated referral system. If you want referrals for your products or services, make it easy for you to get them. Set it up so it's as automatic as possible, and clear and easy for someone to send you a referral. Be clear on what and how you want to give for that referral.
Catherine Franz is a Marketing & Writing Coach, niches, product development, Internet marketing, nonfiction writing and training. Additional Articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog: http://www.abundancecenter.com
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..The trend today to overuse animation in a website's opening... Read More
What is web usability & why is it important?Web usability... Read More
As search engine marketers, we spend an enormous amount of... Read More
Designing your own successful web page can seem difficult and... Read More
Are you serious about get this website done fast and... Read More
One product, one long web page: this kind of web... Read More
Your website design may be affecting your sales in ways... Read More
Don't knock it; "Keep It Simple, Stupid" is a great... Read More
You've got a concept for a business, are excited about... Read More
Are you looking for somebody to build you a website,... Read More
ASP.NET is a new programming framework from Microsoft for developing... Read More
Your home page is the most important page of your... Read More
Don't mess with those links! When you're designing your site,... Read More
Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
Creating your web site can be a tricky process. Choosing... Read More
If your website is falling through the cracks, the chances... Read More
Many people hire professional web site designers for as much... Read More
Now that you have decided that it is time to... Read More
A web site builder can be a real life saver... Read More
Many Internet sites that try to sell you something have... Read More
1. Size does not equate to competencePeople sometimes assume a... Read More
Yes, in a world that is obsessed with makeover madness,... Read More
Due to the large number of people offering web design... Read More
In today's world, a web site is virtually mandatory for... Read More
The problem with designing your site as a graphic, is... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..Do you have a website? If so, you need an... Read More
If you've just finished building your new website (or revamping... Read More
Imagine spinning someone around so profoundly and for so long... Read More
A picture is worth a thousand words.And it still is... Read More
Page ranking by search engines such as Google are not... Read More
I have written before about long sales copy on the... Read More
Square buttons, round buttons, flashy buttons ? will they match... Read More
No matter what product or service you're promoting, unless you... Read More
What do the key words represent?Key words - these are... Read More
Creating your own website can be fun and easy, as... Read More
Physical therapists have unique web presence needs. An effective site... Read More
**How Colors are Used in web design:**Demarcates screen elements into... Read More
Colors convey emotions and emotions heavily influence the decision-making process.... Read More
Whenever singer John Mayer sings his romantic song, "Your Body... Read More
If there's one thing that I've learnt so far, it's... Read More
Web usability is perhaps the most important factor in any... Read More
Creating an appealing, functional, and effective Web site is much... Read More
When I purchase something from a web site I first... Read More
When you design a website how do you start ?Do... Read More
If you own a web site or if you are... Read More
10 Ways Web Site Text Can Impact Your Reader's Buying... Read More
Contrary to the beliefs of some, advertising for web and... Read More
When designing elements for your webpage, you will often be... Read More
In this article I will give a few tips of... Read More
Does your website make a good first impression? Is the... Read More
Web Design |