Not too long ago while looking for businesses that do web design I stumbled upon website. It looked great. It had cool pictures arranged in a grid. But I couldn't figure out what to do next. So I moused over one of the pictures. Nothing happened. I moused over another picture. This time some words came up.
I felt like I was playing Myst. I can't stand Myst. I felt frustrated. All I wanted to know was how much they charged for designing a web page.
Why do people build websites like that? It's because they don't understand how the web works. The brutal truth is people don't care how great your website looks. What they care about is what your website can do for them.
People generally use the web to find information, be entertained, find a solution to a problem, or buy something. Anything that hinders them just causes frustration. People aren't interested in flashy websites. They're interested in websites that can give them what they want.
The key is to be visitor-centric. Allow me to give you an example:
Let's say you own a fast-food outlet and you want to put up a website. The question you need to ask is why would people visit your website? Some answers are:
1. They're checking out local fast-food outlets and what to know what you serve and how much you charge. 2. They're hungry and looking for a place where they can get some quick food. 3. They're looking for a fast-food outlet that delivers.
On the main page of the website I would have a catchy headline, menu with prices, an easy-to-find phone number, a location map, and if applicable, a "Yes, we deliver!" in big bold letters. I would put information such as who you are, how long your business has been around for etc, in an "About" page.
After you've put up your website you need to try it out. Test it as if you were an actual visitor. Ask yourself, does it give you what you want from a visitor's point of view. If you wanted to know the price of a hamburger could you find out quickly and easily?
Here's another example:
Let's say that after doing some research you discover there's a niche market for people wanting information on cigar boxes - where to find them, how to make them etc. You also discover that there's not that many websites about cigar boxes. So you decide to create a website that's all about cigar boxes.
Again, the question is why would people visit your website? The answer is to find information about cigar boxes. The answer is simple enough, but you'll be surprised at how many people would build such a website with the information on cigar boxes buried in some hard to find place.
On the main page I would have a catchy headline and a listing of articles on cigar boxes with links to other pages on the website. Under each listing I would have a short description to let visitor's know what the article is about. I would also have a search button. That way, if someone was looking for information on how to make a cigar box they could find the information quickly and easily.
I would not full up the main page by telling my visitors how fantastic my website is. Nor would I waste my visitors' time with a flash intro. They don't care. What they care about is what your website can do for them.
A quick word on flash intros: the vast majority of people skip flash intros. And nearly everybody skips the flash intro the next time they visit the website. Unless you have a strong reason for putting a flash intro on your website, don't. It'll only serve to frustrate your visitors and you will lose potential customers.
Here's an exercise you may like to do. Find two movie directory sites. For each one see how long it takes you to find out who directed the movie "Fight Club". Now ask yourself what was the better website. Was it the flashiest looking one or the one that allowed you to get the information you wanted the easiest and fastest?
Don't waste your money and time trying to make your website look the best. There will always be people with more time, money, and resources to make their website look better than yours. It's enough that your website creates a professional image. Concentrate on being the best website for your visitors. Fulfill their wants, not yours.
It's really no different to any other kind of business. Those businesses that give people what they want will prosper. Those that don't will not.
Remember, always be visitor-centric. Focus on giving your visitors what they want.
Find out how one web site averages over $27,000USD in revenue per month with only around 100 visitors a day. Visit kdaviesnz.com and download this essential *FREE* report today!
Dowagiac prom limousines .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareSo you need a website. You are not sure if... Read More
Even if you're not an accomplished webmaster you can still... Read More
Wether you design your business brochures, flyers, web page, or... Read More
Internet Explorer, created by microsoft has been the most popular... Read More
1. DO NOT use excessive graphics or banner images on... Read More
This is my second article on maximising web site viewability.... Read More
Making a poorly designed website is one of the easiest... Read More
Remember your vision for your company and the brand or... Read More
An application is not ready for use unless you have... Read More
We will take a look at why your visitors may... Read More
In this article you will find the parallel between two... Read More
Selling on the internet is a challenge. There is no... Read More
An "include" file is a piece of code that can... Read More
We can't emphasize enough the importance of including keyword-rich content... Read More
The question that I most frequently hear from people is... Read More
They say the eyes are the window to the soul.... Read More
1. Who needs an artists website?Not everyone! If you are... Read More
Some wise human once said "Learn from the mistakes of... Read More
I am constantly bombarded with all sorts of advertisements, single-page... Read More
The Basics You have a flourishing business ? everything is... Read More
What colors do you have at your website?Can they make... Read More
CSS or Cascading Style Sheets has opened up tremendous possibilities... Read More
Are you looking to create the perfect website? A complete... Read More
We've all read the countless publications about effective web site... Read More
There are many ways to add fancy bells and whistles... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare Lake Villa ..There are plenty of web sites out there in which... Read More
The importance of choosing your website keywords carefully is very... Read More
Most web designers and web design companies will try to... Read More
As search engine marketers, we spend an enormous amount of... Read More
Creating your own website is great fun! But how is... Read More
Many websites make the mistake of being all flash and... Read More
You can create a website that attracts customers, not repels... Read More
So you need a website. You are not sure if... Read More
Your web site is like your car. Both are significant... Read More
I always have people asking me if I know of... Read More
Even if you're not an accomplished webmaster you can still... Read More
Designing your website means you have to be creative, plan... Read More
Contrary to the beliefs of some, advertising for web and... Read More
Here are a few programs I can't do without. They're... Read More
As a webmaster you already know how important it is... Read More
Learning how to convert visitors to your web site into... Read More
When designing your website, remember to avoid useless and confusing... Read More
If you've a website that is not generating a lot... Read More
Most of us at times need advice on different aspects... Read More
I see a lot of mistakes, but here are the... Read More
You spend time and money promoting your website; but what... Read More
Web advertising has taken many forms, including those that appear... Read More
An ongoing challenge for webmasters today is to provide fresh... Read More
There are lots of websites out there that do little... Read More
I can't figure out people who have products or information... Read More
Web Design |