Six ways to mess up your website Creating a website is simple you say. Or is it? It turns out there are some major pitfalls waiting for you. Eight seconds. That s all you get to impress a new customer visiting your site. If your website doesn t perform well, customers will think your business won t perform well either. Read our six tips to learn how to avoid messing up your website.
#1 You left out the call to action What s more important than getting people to notice your message? Getting people to act on it. Jason Teichman, COO at Web.com, says entrepreneurs forget to decide on a goal for their website. He recommends that you decide on what you want customers to do first. And then make sure you ask them to do it. Do you want people to sign up for your newsletter? Ask them. Do you want them to watch your video? Ask them. Increase the number of people who take the next step on your website by letting them know what that step is. And remember, if you want to engage with them, make sure to provide your contact information. Jason says you d be shocked at how many websites don t have phone numbers. Or an address. Or they have them, but they re tucked into a tiny corner at the bottom of the page.
#2 Your design is too complex You want your site to be distinctive, but Jason warns against going over the top. Don t use every technical trick and all the bells and whistles you can find. John Williams, founder and president of LogoGarden. com adds, If your website doesn t load quickly and accurately in a visitor s browser or mobile device, they ll leave. And they might not come back. This is crucial, since millions are turning to their mobile devices instead of their desktops and laptops to browse and shop online. Create a version of your site that is optimized for mobile viewing. STEPS TO SUCCESS Less is more when it comes to designing your site Download the free WebMatrix tool for design in the cloud Use reponsive design for mobile access
#3 You copy other websites It s dangerous to look like your competitors John warns against copying your competitor s sites. Create your own messages, reputation, and strategies, and allow those unique aspects of your business to shine in your website design, promotions, and communications. You need to stand out from the crowd, not blend in.
# 4 You let someone else buy your domain Do not delegate buying the domain name to a friend or employee, Jason advises. All too often that person registers the site in his or her own name. If the employee leaves or stakes a claim, the site ownership can be in dispute. We get calls every day [at Web. com] because of this. Do it yourself, he urges. It only takes a few minutes.
#5 Your site doesn t look credible Looking credible is especially important if you re a startup, Jason says. Consumers want to know if they buy from you on Monday that you ll be around on Wednesday. CREDIBLE Display your privacy policy Hire a professional designer Show your contact information NOT CREDIBLE Ditch the traffic counter who wants to be visitor #1? Reduce superlatives (fastest, world s best) Kill third-party ads
#6 You think your website work is done Launching your website is only the beginning. Getting people to visit the website is your next order of business. Join affiliate programs Send email newsletters Partner with other business sites to build traffic Advertise on Bing or Facebook Join conversations on social media to share your expertise Above all, be patient. This is not a get-rich-quick effort. Success doesn t happen overnight.
Why use modern technology? Modern technology can help your business grow, and it s more affordable than you think. About the author: Rieva Lesonsky Rieva is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media and custom content company focusing on small business and entrepreneurship. Follow Rieva at Twitter.com/Rieva, or visit her website, SmallBizDaily.com to get the scoop on business trends. Learn more with our guide on how to transform your small business with technology: Transform your small business through new, affordable technology