Simply having a company Website isn't enough in today's Internet. To generate business, your Website must be able to attract attention, and keep it.
Jan 2, 2006
High-speed Internet access and the increasing demand for information online have resulted in more and more small businesses setting up their own Website. While there aren't any precise figures available, their numbers have been increasing.
However, having a Website isn't enough. A Website needs to be clear, informative, easy to navigate and up-to-date in order to attract potential customers and keep bringing them back.
Is Your Website a Glorified Business Card?
The main reason people surf the Web is to get information. If your current website only contains lists, phone numbers and scant details about your products and services, your business is missing a great opportunity to market itself and educate the public.
You must keep in mind that your company website will be visited by existing customers and potential customers. By providing visitors with useful information related to your business, you:
- Build a solid image for your company
- Send a message that you are an expert in your field
- Give visitors good reasons to not only return to your website, but to buy your products and services
Your Website should use the Internet as a proactive marketing resource, instead of being a glorified online business card.
What Makes a Great Website
So what makes an attractive, effective company website? Many experts believe it should offer:
- A brief outline of your company's background, strengths and areas
of expertise. Your Website visitors will expect to see information
about your company.
- An FAQ section - provide solutions to potential customers. Having
a detailed FAQ section on your Website can not only generate calls,
but also reduce nuisance calls that waste time.
- Easy access and navigation as visitors go from page to page. Because some aspects of the Website may be set up on different levels, it's important to give users a way to keep their bearings.
- Contact information, including phone numbers, contact names (if possible), office locations and email addresses. Keep in mind many people still prefer dealing with staff.
- Keywords and phrases that define your products and services. Having these keywords on the homepage will make it easier for search engines to find and list your Website.
Look and Feel of Your Website
Many experts say the most important aspect of a great website is its look and feel. That is, the Website has to be aesthetically-pleasing and designed to target your audience.
If someone is trying to learn more about your company and what you have to offer, and instead sees a website that is less than desirable, chances are you lost that business for good.
A recent study by Stanford University found that an attractive
Web design
counts when visitors judge a Website for credibility. "To look good
is to be good -- that's the primary test when people assess a Website's
credibility," said B.J. Fogg, Ph.D, who led the Stanford study.
The Internet can be the easiest way to generate new business, so it's no coincidence that more and more companies are doing business on the Web. But If you are not willing to treat your Website as a business itself or as an extension of your current business, you are denying your business Website the possibility of being much more than just a standing ad.
###
You are welcome to republish this article if you place the following text and link at the end of the article:
Capital Logo Design provides online and graphic services that help businesses stand out from the crowd and attract customers.
Visit them and see how they can give your business more visibility - Logo Design and Online Business Services.
Capital Logo Design strives to ensure every investment made by our clients generates a positive return for them.
We hope the articles and information posted on our Website assists you in building a successful and prosperous business.
Feel free to contact us if you have any
questions about logo design, Web design or Website management.
|
