Get A Website

Your business doesn't have a website? Did you know the number of Americans online is predicted to double over the next 5 years? And half of all Internet users buy something online, at least once per year, based on their online experience?

A website is crucial to the success of your business. Not having a website is like not having a phone number. According to Verizon's SuperPages.com's 2003 Annual Survey, 41% of small businesses report higher sales with a website. And Entrepreneur Magazine (May, 2004) reports 25% of online business searches in the US are for local retailers and service providers.

Need more proof?

• Women make up the majority of Internet users and they control and dispense the bulk of all family dollars spent.
• Seniors are the fastest-growing age group online and are far more likely to use the Internet for information before making a purchase.
• Your website never closes and is easy to update.
• Your URL (website name) is easier to remember than a phone number.
• The Internet is the first place all online consumers go for information.

Your website also builds loyalty, as satisfied customers can learn about sales, coupons and special events.

Do you make these common website design mistakes?

Many website designers make the same mistakes. Before you design your website, remember these tips:

• Don't dazzle your customers with fancy graphics, Flash animation or auto-loading music soundtracks.
• Make your format consistent and your text easy to read. Break up long sections and use a font, such as Verdana, which is designed for online viewing.
• Leave your hyperlinks as blue, underlined text.
• For content heavy websites, keep every page within three links of your homepage.
• Your site navigation should be simple and obvious.

Think of your website like a newspaper, with the most important information on the main page, "above the fold".

Elements every website should have.

Besides an attention grabbing headline, effective sales copy and easy navigation, your website should contain these common elements:

• A clear call to action, telling your visitors what to do.
• Well-chosen images, plus photographs of the staff.
• Testimonials.
• An "About Us" page and a "Contact Us" page.

You've got your website. Now what?

The Internet can be compared to a giant road map, listing millions of dead end streets, each containing a website. Attract visitors by giving something away for free, such as an article, a coupon or other special offer. This builds trust. Then, sell things people want to buy: solutions to the problems they have.

Succeed online by finding a niche, whether partially filled or totally unfilled, and serve this market with excellent products and services. Once you convert a visitor into a paying customer, push information to them regularly via email, regular mail or through a newsletter.

One click away from success (or failure).

A good copywriter's rule to follow is the more you tell, the more you sell. Make your website copy easy to read (or print out). Create the best product or service you can, incorporating little known facts into your sales copy. Consider only taking orders via the telephone (not an 800#). Remember: the Internet is the weakest vehicle for a sales pitch. It's far too easy for a visitor to click away.

About the Author

Brian J. Farrell – Marketing Consultant, helps small business owners find new customers and make more sales in 30 days or less — guaranteed! Call or contact Brian today for a confidential analysis of your business marketing plan and he'll uncover assets you can capitalize on right now, without spending more money on advertising.