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
efficient cleaning crew Lake Forest ..For many webmasters the title of my article may seem... Read More
Whenever singer John Mayer sings his romantic song, "Your Body... Read More
For most people graphic design does not come easy. Unfortunately... Read More
Many businesses want a simple website where they tell people... Read More
There are many different website design companies, offering different facilities... Read More
It has been said that the best online sales copy... Read More
First impressions are extremely important if you hope to do... Read More
Since I made the switch 6 months ago to a... Read More
In this article I will give advice and tips of... Read More
It seems more and more webmasters are using CSS for... Read More
Some wise human once said "Learn from the mistakes of... Read More
When creating an e-cover the what's the first thought that... Read More
When I surf the Net, I often see web sites... Read More
What colors do you have at your website?Can they make... Read More
The concept of web designing based on the nature and... Read More
Let's face it; the line from A Field of Dreams... Read More
1. DO NOT use excessive graphics or banner images on... Read More
Ecommerce is just exploding right now on the Net. More... Read More
The top ten fonts for website design might change in... Read More
So you're on the computer, as usual. Your eyes are... Read More
Ever wonder how HTML color codes are put together? For... Read More
In this article you will find the parallel between two... Read More
Page ranking by search engines such as Google are not... Read More
Even if you're not an accomplished webmaster you can still... Read More
Argh, where's the contact button?! Believe it or not, some... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..For those not familiar with CSS Hacks, they are ways... Read More
Web advertising has taken many forms, including those that appear... Read More
Creating your own website is great fun! But how is... Read More
Copyright 2005 Robert EvansSetting yourself up to earn a steady... Read More
On the internet we don't deal with face to face... Read More
Reading on the web is different than reading in all... Read More
There are many ways to add fancy bells and whistles... Read More
The first step to starting any Internet business is conducting... Read More
Q: Should I build and maintain my business Web site... Read More
Owning your own website is a must if you are... Read More
Hire a designer or a programmer for your website is... Read More
Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More
Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
Daily article:One of the most debated subject among webmasters is... Read More
Website design is a very competitive area and there is... Read More
Last Thursday afternoon I was working on a garage door... Read More
Nope. You certainly don't need a website.But you don't need... Read More
Creating your own website is actually easy in today's world... Read More
The time it takes to load your site can make... Read More
If you are familiar with my work, then you have... Read More
If you are one of those who wonder how people... Read More
10 Ways Web Site Text Can Impact Your Reader's Buying... Read More
Choosing a web designer can seem like a daunting task.... Read More
Out there in the WWW there are thousands sites using... Read More
The great debate: how much copy you should have on... Read More
Web Design |