A successful website is something that everyone venturing into the new arena of Internet marketing and communications wants to have. Your website will often be a potential client's first impression of you and your business. That being said, it is vitally important that your website represent you in a favorable manner. Your website is a component of your overall marketing strategy and should be reflective of your business and current marketing presentation. Just as your brochures and other print materials represent a level of quality and professionalism, your website should also represent that same level of quality and professionalism. As a point of comparison, you most likely wouldn't have just anyone design your company's marketing materials or for that matter, prepare your tax statements. Similarly, it is important that the person creating your website know how to effectively communicate both your message and style, and be able to create an effective experience for those visiting your site.
What does it really take to have your website be successful, and what are some of the most important steps you can take to make that happen?
1. If you intend to have a unique domain name for your website, you must first check to see if it is available. You can check to see if a domain name is currently registered at http://www.internic.net.
2. Set a budget for your website. It is important to know how much you can spend on your project. In considering costs, remember that a website is a complex matrix of text and images and a professional execution is very important. As a generalization, the larger your investment, the greater your return. In order to spread your investment over time, you can also grow and expand your website gradually. Don't forget to include costs for promotion and advertising.
3. Determine the purpose for your website and the intended results. Does this purpose support the mission and vision for your company? The number of options and variables that are possible in the design of a website are virtually endless. Without a clear idea of the purpose for your website, you may end up putting time, energy, and money into a project which doesn't meet your needs. If you know in advance the results you intend to achieve, you will be better equipped to create a website which will achieve those results.
4. Consider the design and layout of your website. Is it easy to use? Does it take too long to download? Is it easy for Internet visitors to find information? Does it meet the needs and expectations of your visitors? Several smaller pages eliminating the need for scrolling are often more effective than one long page. If an Internet visitor doesn't have a positive experience of your website, she/he probably won't return, or won't tell someone else about it. An effective website often creates a reason for the visitor to return. This reason can take the form of unique information that changes on a regular basis, interesting and useful resources, or a way for visitors to communicate with you or with each other. Use your website to build a relationship with your Internet audience.
5. Promote, promote, promote.
No one will find your site if you don't let them know about it. Your site must be posted to search engines such as Lycos, Yahoo, and Excite. There are approximately 20 to 30 main search engines and several hundred that are smaller or specialized. You can find an extensive list of website submission sites, services, and resources at http://www.internic.net..
Include your website address on all your marketing materials; business cards, and advertising; you can even paint your address on the side of a company vehicle. The idea is to have as many people see your site address, and thus your website. You may also consider hiring a publicist to help you get the word out.
6. If at all possible, begin your website now. The companies which have been on the Internet the longest are those which achieve results sooner. If you are in an industry which isn't widely represented on the Internet yet, so much the better - you'll be able to start off with a larger market share. It's estimated that there are about 200 million people using the internet with 75% of them in North America. Start your Internet presence today!
About The Author
Steve Lillo author of Websites That Work! is the President of PlanetLink, a website design and consulting firm which specializes in creating websites which get results. They also provide their Web Rx Service for increasing the effectiveness of existing websites. PlanetLink can be reached at http://www.internic.net. or by telephone at 415-884-2022.
family-safe home cleaners Lincolnshire ..Your website is your tool for showing the online community... Read More
Probably you know someone who has created a web site... Read More
Argh, where's the contact button?! Believe it or not, some... Read More
Remember your vision for your company and the brand or... Read More
You've made your website, added a great title and keywords... Read More
To build a website, there are four methods to choose... Read More
1. What's the purpose?The most fundamental thing to do before... Read More
There is unlimited possibilities when it comes to designing a... Read More
If you have a business, big or small you may... Read More
Whether you're giving a critical sales presentation to a client,... Read More
Over the course of the last decade, the Internet has... Read More
Copyright 2005 Robert EvansSetting yourself up to earn a steady... Read More
Favorite icon appears to the left of your link in... Read More
The great debate: how much copy you should have on... Read More
For most people graphic design does not come easy. Unfortunately... Read More
Just about every list of the "Top 10 Web Design... Read More
Most of us at times need advice on different aspects... Read More
Since I made the switch 6 months ago to a... Read More
The most important person that you need to please when... Read More
The internet is filled with sites and they are good... Read More
Building a website that is exactly what you want and... Read More
When a prospect lands on your website will he or... Read More
Good websites stand out from the masses of boring, hard... Read More
"Oh, my eyes, my eyes! What an eye sore. Quick,... Read More
Designing your website means you have to be creative, plan... Read More
maide service in Buffalo Grove ..Making a successful online business can be a long and... Read More
Here is a quick list of components that make a... Read More
Choosing the right typeface for your website copy is important,... Read More
You're all ready to get started creating your web presence... Read More
So, what's in a website design anyway? And, how do... Read More
What are websites? Are they sales tools for vendors and... Read More
Colors have long been known to have psychological affects on... Read More
"Oh, my eyes, my eyes! What an eye sore. Quick,... Read More
CSS is a new option for website designers that have... Read More
Squeeze pages are a very hot topic in the internet... Read More
What is a Website Template?Many smart and savvy businesses are... Read More
In today's world, a web site is virtually mandatory for... Read More
We've all surfed the web and seen some awful web... Read More
There is a widespread confusion among lots of new website... Read More
This article gives free tips on how to find a... Read More
Are you thinking that it is about time your small... Read More
Did you know that many folks make "buying decisions" when... Read More
Square buttons, round buttons, flashy buttons ? will they match... Read More
Most of us at times need advice on different aspects... Read More
One of the challenges of moving a web site up... Read More
There are often many mistakes encountered when creating a webpage... Read More
You have identified that to have an internet prescence would... Read More
I see a lot of mistakes, but here are the... Read More
I can't figure out people who have products or information... Read More
Navigation must be simple. Since it's the backbone of your... Read More
Web Design |