There is no shortage or articles and blog posts that will tell you how to build a website, but I've seen few writings that explain the elements you website should include if you want it to have the best chance of succeeding.
So that what we are going to talk about today.
In no particular order here they are:
1. Professional Working Website
It doesn't really need to be said, but again it does. I've seen so many ugly websites and ones that don't work that I need to talk about this subject.
Thing is, these days you have it made when it comes to building a website. Using something like WordPress, you can easily put together a high quality, professional looking website.
Big reason I bring this up is because I've seen many people butcher their theme or template. Sorry to be rude, but sometimes it's just down right BAD.
Best thing you can do is to ask others to look at your website for you and give you their honest opinion. Just as important, don't get defensive, take in their comments and fix what needs to be fixed. It's not about you, it's about your visitors coming to your website and doing business with you. Ego's need to be left at home. Sorry, it had to be said.
2. Strong Call to Action
Since your reading this, I can guess your looking to make money with your website? If your looking for a hobby or something to kill time, you might want to stop reading right now.
Now, I'm not talking about creating a banner farm here. I am only saying, have you done your best to get your visitors to do what what you want them to do?
For example, something I see done badly EVERY day, is opt-in forms. Many blog owners will stick a opt-in form in their side bar, something like, "Sign Up For My Newsletter". Really? Really?
Who's going to sign up for that? It's not giving them any reason to TAKE ACTION.
Remember, most folks visiting your website won't know you, so they need even more reason to do something for you.
Give them reasons to give up their email address. Make them want what you have to offer.
Same goes for banners, they need to be to the point, focused and give the visitors a reason to click. Animated banners often help, as it draws the visitors eye. A call to action on the banner is a must, something like "Click Here Now". Yes, you DO need to tell them what to do.
3. Social Interaction
These days you can no longer ignore that social interaction is a VERY important aspect when it comes to building an online business, even more so when your trying to build your brand or reputation.
Here again, this is a pretty simple process if your using platforms like WordPress to build and run your websites. There is an almost endless supply of social plug-ins and many WordPress theme's have the social end built right in to the template. So I'm not going to go into too much detail.
I only bring it up so you can double check you've taken care of this element.
You should have social share buttons on every page of your site.
4. Simple Navigation
Here's another common sense element, but needs to be said. Recently I was helping a customer with a website he purchased from me. He was changing it up, adding to it, ect. Good to see some one take action.
Problem is, he removed the categories menu. The menu that helps visitors navigate his website. Was an honest mistake, and not end of the world, but here's an example that you need to make sure you give your visitors easy access to all your websites content.
Once again, if your using WordPress, this will be built into the theme. Just check it to make sure it's all there.
5. Focused Theme
Highly successful websites focus on a given theme, a given niche, or a given topic. I just wrote a post about niche marketing the other day, if you want to brush up.
My point is, the more you narrow in, the better chance you have of turning a visitor into a customer.
I reading many blogs, mostly about Internet Marketing and you'd be amazed at what people post. I'll read an IM blog post then they have a post about a new android cell phone. Not saying it's bad, it's their site, they can do what they want with it. But their visitors are probably looking to read about internet marketing, doubt many of them are looking for a new smart phone. Unless there it some secret marketing tactic I am not understanding.
Okay, that's it for this one. Have anything to add? If so, leave a comment, I'd love to hear from you.
Take care, comb you hair.
