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
top rated cleaning service Lake Forest ..When your web site sells more than a dozen items,... Read More
We have all seen websites showcasing their testimonials either spread... Read More
When designing elements for your webpage, you will often be... Read More
Designing your website can be a difficult task especially if... Read More
(Making Your Graphics Work For You)It's no secret that a... Read More
The first immutable law of effective navigation: It's gotta be... Read More
There are plenty of Drupal Modules that you can install... Read More
Do you have a website? If so, you need an... Read More
Most of us know that we need to advertise our... Read More
Many businesses want a simple website where they tell people... Read More
Gone are the days when you had to rely on... Read More
Creating your own website can be fun and easy, as... Read More
If you are designing a web site for which the... Read More
If you'd like to create/maintain a website, having some HTML... Read More
There are literally thousands of different options, styles and formats... Read More
There are more than billions of Web Sites, running Online... Read More
For many webmasters the title of my article may seem... Read More
If you are going to have a web presence for... Read More
So how do you know when your graphic designer costs... Read More
The best things don't come easy. - QuotedThe finished web... Read More
The trend today to overuse animation in a website's opening... Read More
I do site reviews. Needless to say, I see a... Read More
Why is the quality of your text layout and design... Read More
Why your site should be developed with CSS and semantic... Read More
Are you using the best colors for your web site?... Read More
insured cleaning company Morton Grove ..Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
Most NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) don't understand these important aspects of... Read More
What is web usability & why is it important?Web usability... Read More
~A man [woman] is a success if he [she] gets... Read More
Are you thinking that it is about time your small... Read More
Don't mess with those links! When you're designing your site,... Read More
Before I discovered the concept of Web site templates, I... Read More
Your web site is the key to your success on... Read More
Usability isn't only for Web design. It's also applicable in... Read More
Want to see an excellently constructed website? As a writer... Read More
In the of-line marketing world it is all about trying... Read More
In cascading style sheets you can specify how your web... Read More
Do know your audienceIt's important to know your audience. If... Read More
Novice and professional graphic designers, we are aware that you... Read More
Physical therapists have unique web presence needs. An effective site... Read More
If your website is falling through the cracks, the chances... Read More
The .htaccess file is a control file located in your... Read More
They may look cutting edge, but if you want a... Read More
Does your website make a good first impression? Is the... Read More
You've come up with a great product. You've got the... Read More
You can create a website that attracts customers, not repels... Read More
Most web designers and web design companies will try to... Read More
I have written before about long sales copy on the... Read More
It seems that almost every Tom Dick and Harry do... Read More
Here's the single most important part of your website: YOUR... Read More
Web Design |