|
So, you're ready to get your company on the web. You've gathered all your materials, studied the competition, dug through Yahoo.com to see where you belong (and who is in your category), and have some ideas about your site design and layout.
The critical question is this: How will you make your site any different than the other 1,000,000,000 (yes, I said 1 billion, with a 'B'). And there are more every day.
Think about it: How many times have you surfed the web and saw dozens of sites that were ho-hum. They talk about how low their prices are, or how many awards they've won. Did you stick around, or did you hit the 'back' button? This is the thing to remember, you are only one click away from oblivion. If the visitor isn't *immediately* impressed with your site, they will leave.
80% of websites are totally ineffective. There are various reasons, ranging from poor (or over) design to lack of information, bad navigation or poor marketing. Your first order of business should be to determine who your potential customers are and what they want to see, and then to give it to them.
Most people access the internet to get information. Yes, I know what you're thinking, "But if I give them too much information, will they buy from me?" However, if you educate your potential clients, answer their questions, and give them a reason to buy (or call), they will. So think about what you do.
Knowledge Sells
If you're in real estate, then tell them how to buy or sell their home. Give them all the tips they need to get ready. Tell them all about the area, and give them the tax information. Explain how a closing works, and what they can expect.
If you sell stereos, have a section that explains the various types of speakers, and why they might be needed. Talk about surround sound, and how it can enhance a listening experience. Put up tables that compare the top brands' features. Discuss budgets and how to get the most 'bang for your buck'.
The main thing is, give them what they need to decide that *you* are the best place for them to buy.
Think about it: Have you ever gone to an electronics store to buy a new camcorder and gotten some guy who didn't know the difference between cables and cooties? Would you have liked someone that could tell you all about camcorders, what's good and what's not, which features you can use in what situations and a list by price of what's available in your price range and with what features? I know I would. The gentleman that sold me my digital camera gets all my business because he spent an hour helping me fit my needs with the right camera. He *knew* his product. And I spent my money with him. I expect you would too. And so will your customers. Knowledge sells.
Create an Image
Thinking of using FrontPage? Think about this: Microsoft has sold millions of copies of FrontPage. Millions of people have used the handy-dandy templates to create their sites. So, that really nifty template with the cool stripes and buttons is on maybe 100,000 websites. Do you want your business to look just like 100,000 others? This is why we recommend that you consider using a professional designer (or yourself, if you're good with HTML) and create a 'hand-coded' site. Create a unique design that reflects your business' colors and logo, or your profession or specialty.
And don't put lots of free graphics out there. Millions of other people saw those and used them too. Have a graphic artist create unique graphics for your site. This is your business, and your website is your online office/store. Give it the same attention you gave to picking your location and layout when you opened your 'brick and mortar' business. First impressions are even more critical on the web, where decisions are made in a split second. They don't have to get back in their car to leave, they only have to click out.
What you need to create is a 'brand'. Many businesses have brochures and literature, or a letterhead. Do you have a logo? A color scheme? Use it!
Remember, your website is your online office. If you have established images, logos or colors, carry them to the web, and build on your 'real world' branding. That recognition goes a long way and can make the difference between success and failure on the web. You'll be putting your website address on all your literature, brochures, cards and letterhead, as well as on your TV, radio and newspaper ads. Keep your recognition high.
Look at NOW! Audio Video's site at http://www.nowaudiovideo.com . Their home page perfectly reflects their advertising. Underneath that, the site is well organized, easy to navigate and extremely informative. They get their brand across, and give you lots of information to help you decide what to buy.
Making a difference on the web doesn't have to be expensive, but it *does* have to be well planned. Spend the time to think through what you want to say, who you're saying it to, and what they want to see. Do it in a straightforward and clear fashion, and make sure that your site reflects your business.
You're well on your way to Doing Business on the Internet!
|
Low Cost Website Design
