By Danielle Avenoso / Senior Brand Strategist & Account Manager, NJ Marketing Agency Graphic D-Signs, Inc.
What Makes a Web Site Successful?
In today’s marketplace, it’s not just enough to have a web site, small business owners need to have a web site that makes a statement. It should be creatively and aesthetically appealing, as well as strategic and functional. Be sure to follow these guidelines when designing and developing your web site and it will be a greater success.
More often than not, I see so many small business owners not heed to these guidelines. As a result, their web site isn’t as successful as desired and doesn’t positively impact their ROI or profits. Do yourself a favor and make sure you integrate these best practices into your web site.
- Does your web site integrate and reinforce your branding? First impressions are everything. If your web site doesn’t infuse your brand identity strategically or creatively, it will look like a generic site.
- Is your web site user friendly and easy to navigate? You have 4-6 seconds to leave a good impression with a visitor before he leaves your site. If you are successful, he will stay on your site for a longer time which can translate to a new lead.
- Does your web site have the right content? If your copy isn’t informative or doesn’t resonate with your target audience, they will leave as quickly as they came.
- Does your web site encourage visitors to follow your company? Newsletters, Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, Google+ and other social media platforms are great tools to build your credibility and clientele. Your web site should make it easy for visitors to follow you and stay up-to-date with your company to help build loyalty.
- Does your web site initiate action? Your web site should help to cultivate a next step, whether it be making a purchase on the site or filling out a contact form to receive more information, a quote or schedule a service. A direct call-to-action is critical.
- Is your web site search engine optimized? What good is a web site that can’t be found? The answer: It’s no good, actually. Your web site should include Google Analytics, META, keyword relevancy, page titling and backend HTML optimization, to name a few.
- Is your web site built with the latest web techniques and standards? HTML5 and WordPress are some of the most recent and popular approaches to web development. Your web site is a direct correlation of your business in the eyes of the consumer so you don’t want to fall short with first impressions; and an outdated and obsolete web site will surely do that.
- Is your web site compatible with all devices? It’s so important that your web site can be viewed on all devices, whether it be a mobile phone, laptop, desktop or tablet. Otherwise, it could be a missed opportunity to connect with a potential client.
- Is your web site compliant with all browsers? It’s so important that your web site can be viewed on all browsers, whether it be (Mac & PC) on IE7+, Firefox 3+, Operat9 and Safari 4+. Otherwise, it could be a missed opportunity to connect with a potential client.
- Do you own all the rights to the web site? It will greatly benefit you if you secure the rights to the web site as well as all files upon the completion of the development. Therefore, you will be able to update, manage and own your site.
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More often than not, I see so many small business owners not heed to these guidelines. As a result, their web site isn’t as successful as desired and doesn’t positively impact their ROI or profits. Do yourself a favor and make sure you integrate these best practices into your web site.
Graphic D-Signs specializes in small business marketing and small business web site development—and
we can help you articulate and achieve your web site goals. To schedule
a consultation with our team, or discuss pricing for your new or
refreshed web site, contact us today!
Danielle Avenoso is the Senior Brand Strategist & Account Manager of Graphic D-Signs, Inc, a NJ advertising agency specializing in small business advertising, marketing, and brand development.
