When was the last time you visited the web site for Boeing or Comcast? When you got to the home page, most likely the first thing that came to mind was "Great, Im here, now where can I find what I need?"
Now think of a time when you came across a "less impressive" site? Maybe it was done with obvious shortcuts, used one of the many overused templates on the web or just looked like it was done by a twelve year old. Most likely what came to mind wasnt "where do I pay?", but instead is this company for real?
Having a successful web site on the Internet has everything to do with trust. If your site visitor does not believe in you right off the bat, youre likely to lose that visitor forever. Here are some of the key elements to building that trust and creating a successful web site.
Number one is to make sure that your web site clearly identifies you as a real company run by real people. Visitors to your web site must know from the first moment they arrive how your company stands out from all the others out there. There are numerous ways to achieve that goal. You should make sure your text is well written and speaks to your visitor, and you can get unusual graphics to enhance that message. The core component is to never lose site (and dont let your web designer lose site) of who your company is, and how you want to present that to your visitors.
Second, your web site must immediately show people that you have a proven track record in your industry. One way to achieve this is through the strategic use of effective copy writing and testimonials. Don't hide your victories deep in your web site, make sure they are well displayed on every page for your site visitors to view.
Lastly, you must convey through your web site that you can resolve your customer's troubles. Site visitors have plenty to do and would be thrilled if you could offer them a solution to their problem and they could stop hunting for one. Your effective, believable web site is your advertisement to make that happen.
Now think of a time when you came across a "less impressive" site? Maybe it was done with obvious shortcuts, used one of the many overused templates on the web or just looked like it was done by a twelve year old. Most likely what came to mind wasnt "where do I pay?", but instead is this company for real?
Having a successful web site on the Internet has everything to do with trust. If your site visitor does not believe in you right off the bat, youre likely to lose that visitor forever. Here are some of the key elements to building that trust and creating a successful web site.
Number one is to make sure that your web site clearly identifies you as a real company run by real people. Visitors to your web site must know from the first moment they arrive how your company stands out from all the others out there. There are numerous ways to achieve that goal. You should make sure your text is well written and speaks to your visitor, and you can get unusual graphics to enhance that message. The core component is to never lose site (and dont let your web designer lose site) of who your company is, and how you want to present that to your visitors.
Second, your web site must immediately show people that you have a proven track record in your industry. One way to achieve this is through the strategic use of effective copy writing and testimonials. Don't hide your victories deep in your web site, make sure they are well displayed on every page for your site visitors to view.
Lastly, you must convey through your web site that you can resolve your customer's troubles. Site visitors have plenty to do and would be thrilled if you could offer them a solution to their problem and they could stop hunting for one. Your effective, believable web site is your advertisement to make that happen.
About the Author:
Marty Dickinson is the founder of HereNextYear.com which has assisted business founders to use the Internet to its fullest potential for 13 years. He also offers training workshops and is the author of "Web Marketing All In One Reference For Dummies . To learn more about what to look for in your web developer, read Martys free report : 11 Questions to Ask a Web Site Designer Before You Hire One.