Close to 40% of the small business websites on the Internet are not generating the desired results. In many cases, their owners have no idea why. Is your site one of the forty percent? You'll know in just a few minutes if you answer just five questions.
1. Does your website's design portray your business in the proper light? Think of 5 words or phrases you would like to have people use when describing your business and ask yourself if your site brings them to mind. If not, you have work to do.
2. Is the content of your website as good as it can be? You can only answer affirmatively if it is written with your target audience in mind, if there is not too much or too little verbiage, if the benefits of your product are well portrayed, and if there is a persuasive call to action. Otherwise, your site needs improvement.
3. Does your website include a frequently asked questions page? Remember that most readers skim, and are lazy about reading to gather new information. A FAQ page gives you another way to convey to them the information you feel is most important. As such, it can be a great sales tool.
4. Have you considered an "about us" page? If you are asking people to believe what you have written or purchase something from you, such a page can help establish your credibility and/or your expertise. Because I have a website on online college and online degree programs, my "about us" page emphasizes my background as a professional educator.
5. How easy is it to contact you after visiting your site? Believe it or not, there are websites that ask people to buy expensive products but offer no contact telephone number or email address in the event that prospective buyers have questions. Even if you do not have a question, would you buy an expensive item from someone you might never be able to reach after filling out an online order form?
Your website will get you the best results if you view it as a work-in-progress, not a finished product. Review and evaluate it regularly. Seek the opinions of others. And, don't be afraid to make changes.
1. Does your website's design portray your business in the proper light? Think of 5 words or phrases you would like to have people use when describing your business and ask yourself if your site brings them to mind. If not, you have work to do.
2. Is the content of your website as good as it can be? You can only answer affirmatively if it is written with your target audience in mind, if there is not too much or too little verbiage, if the benefits of your product are well portrayed, and if there is a persuasive call to action. Otherwise, your site needs improvement.
3. Does your website include a frequently asked questions page? Remember that most readers skim, and are lazy about reading to gather new information. A FAQ page gives you another way to convey to them the information you feel is most important. As such, it can be a great sales tool.
4. Have you considered an "about us" page? If you are asking people to believe what you have written or purchase something from you, such a page can help establish your credibility and/or your expertise. Because I have a website on online college and online degree programs, my "about us" page emphasizes my background as a professional educator.
5. How easy is it to contact you after visiting your site? Believe it or not, there are websites that ask people to buy expensive products but offer no contact telephone number or email address in the event that prospective buyers have questions. Even if you do not have a question, would you buy an expensive item from someone you might never be able to reach after filling out an online order form?
Your website will get you the best results if you view it as a work-in-progress, not a finished product. Review and evaluate it regularly. Seek the opinions of others. And, don't be afraid to make changes.
About the Author:
Daniel Z. Kane publishes websites on online colleges and online degree programs for adult students.
