Start with strategic market planning...

It's not uncommon for people to create a website without first developing a clear plan of what they want the site to achieve. Before the first layout is sketched or graphic added, you should plan your site in terms of:

1. The best way to get potential customers or your target audience to the site;
2. Providing the most effective or important information to capture their interest immediately – tell them how they will benefit from your product or service;
3. Making it easy for visitors to find what they want and take the next step – that vital step that can lead to a sale or otherwise meet your organization's objectives.

Web sites generally have one of three purposes:

1. Sell a product or service.
2. Present information as a resource or to influence opinions (for non-profits, this information may be intended to raise funds).
3. Showcase your own interests and talents.

Each type of site requires its own design considerations.

Continue reading...

---

Sites focused on making a profit should:

• Emphasize professionalism;
• Present sales benefits in simple terms;
• Offer relevant content that differentiates your company from competing sites, and coveys trustworthiness so people will do business with you.

In general, these sites are most effective with a conservative design approach, and rarely benefit from Flash intros, special gimmicks, and artsy icons or unintuitive navigation.

Informational websites should:

• Make it easy to find information;
• Use a highly organized design with a clean layout;
• Build trust so people know they can rely on the information presented.

While informational sites do not mandate the conservative designs of business sites designed to sell, the design should focused on presenting content effectively rather than special effects.

• Sites to showcase interests or talents should:
• Still follow good design basics, although almost anything goes on this type of site;
• Make sure your design supports the content rather than detracting from it;

Use restraint and judgment – just because you can add an animation, sound, or other gimmicks does not mean they belong on your site.

<<Back | Continue reading...

---

Finding & using strategic keyword phrases in your web site...

Build a list of search terms you would use to find your site. Please keep in mind two or three word phrases are generally most effective. Ideally, you should concentrate on search phrases that are used often, but still not so competitive that your site has no chance of achieving an effective ranking.

Analyze your competitors...

Your competition can be an excellent resource of additional search terms, ideas for content, and identifying possible partners for links.

|<<Return to start | <<Back

---