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
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..If you're not getting a lot of traffic to your... Read More
Imagine spinning someone around so profoundly and for so long... Read More
Hire a designer or a programmer for your website is... Read More
Many web site designers don't design their sites for the... Read More
I have written before about long sales copy on the... Read More
Remember the day that you got your new computer (or... Read More
Here is a quick list of components that make a... Read More
There are six important characteristics that can play a major... Read More
You have good traffic, but low client sign ups and... Read More
The problem with designing your site as a graphic, is... Read More
ActiveX uses an interesting method for enforcing security ... it... Read More
To create professional websites is not an easy task by... Read More
Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More
Dear web site visitor.I can't tell you how glad I... Read More
How many times have you clicked on a website only... Read More
The first immutable law of effective navigation: It's gotta be... Read More
Let's face it; the line from A Field of Dreams... Read More
Chris, a new consulting client, asked me to help him... Read More
Think of the people who visit your site as blind... Read More
As of September, Smartads went through what so many have... Read More
When you begin the design of your Web site, one... Read More
Making a poorly designed website is one of the easiest... Read More
Creating a web site takes thought, planning and execution. Unfortunately,... Read More
The top ten fonts for website design might change in... Read More
Argh, where's the contact button?! Believe it or not, some... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..So your web site's online and you've got high rankings... Read More
Dear web site visitor.I can't tell you how glad I... Read More
As my occupation is that of a proofreader, one of... Read More
There is unlimited possibilities when it comes to designing a... Read More
The way you design your web site affects your visitors'... Read More
This article gives free tips on how to find a... Read More
STEP 1:Do your homeworkPlan and think about your content. Think... Read More
See, works every time. Seriously now, for some reason people... Read More
As an online Entrepreneur you require a successful website.One that... Read More
Home PageHome page should clearly indicate what the site is... Read More
If your Web site doesn't project a professional and polished... Read More
Last Thursday afternoon I was working on a garage door... Read More
Many people today are tired of the Microsoft software that... Read More
These days, it seems that everyone has a website. Unfortunately,... Read More
We all want high impact graphics for our Web sites... Read More
Web site design has certainly, in the past decade, evolved... Read More
CSS is a new option for website designers that have... Read More
We have all seen websites showcasing their testimonials either spread... Read More
I have written before about long sales copy on the... Read More
Do know your audienceIt's important to know your audience. If... Read More
Countdown to Armageddon - at least you'd think so judging... Read More
Have you ever walked pass a shop that, for some... Read More
So how do you know when your graphic designer costs... Read More
Every now and then, I receive a link exchange request... Read More
Novice and professional graphic designers, we are aware that you... Read More
Web Design |