Create a website: Advice for the Online Businessman
To create a website can be quite a challenge, but it's worth the effort. If you do it right, you can expand your base of customers, and increase your profits. There are some things, however, that you'll need to consider when you want to make your website. Take note of the following tips:
1.Establish the purpose of your site. Write down your objectives, and then beside that list, write down the site functions you'll need to meet those objectives. Is the site simply to give information about you and your business, so you can tell casual inquiries, "just look at my site"? Or will it be more complicated, where your customers can make orders, transact online, or give you customer feedback?
2. Avoid information overload. Many sites are guilty of information overload: too much content all at once, so that when the potential client logs on, he's immediately flooded with info. But also consider that your average user loses interest after reading only a few lines of text. A solid block of text, or long paragraphs that require the user to scroll down to read, will virtually guarantee that your information won't be read. This way you'll keep your potential clients' attention.
So to create a website that'll be effective, keep your layout clean, and simple. Put only the information that your clients need to know - your services, maybe a testimonial or two, and contact information. For contact info, for example, make a separate link and site section. These things make your site easily navigable and less confusing.
3.Readability is the key. Not only does your site have to be well-organized, but it should also be easy on the eyes. Being loud, visually, only annoys many users, and gives them a bad first impression when they enter your site. Use a classy, limited color palette, and be consistent with your fonts and sizes. Reading words on a monitor is enough eyestrain, even without websites that are visually screaming at you.
4.Update as often as you can. If you work in an industry that has trends, like say, real estate, or cars, then you want to have only the most recent information there to show that your business is up-to-date. If you intend to create a website that will be updated often, you'll want to look into a dynamic site with a content management system. If, on the other hand, your site just lists information that won't change anytime soon, a simple static website will probably be a good idea.
An effective website for your business can be a good investment for both your time and money. But to create a website that's effective, you just have to remember: it's all about presentation. Your average user will have a short attention span, so make sure that you present your information in an orderly, concise manner. Keep it visually interesting, but don't go overboard. If your website looks good, users will be more likely to stick around and find out more about your company.
Published December 2nd, 2009
Filed in Business