...webdesign for small business owners

Here is a quick list of components that make a small business web site attractive. They are listed in layers of attractiveness beginning with the "must" haves, to "nice to haves."

State the website's purpose up front and clearly of the site.

Do this as quickly as possible. The visitor needs to know immediately if they have landed on the right site. They also need to know "what's in it for me to stay here." If you don't provide this, they are gone. 90% of the sites on the Net don't do this.

Properly designed header image, effective slogan and catchy opening lines are elements that tell visitors what you have to offer.

Give visitors the ability to search

A "site search feature" satisfies this best. Allow the search feature to be prominently displayed and not hidden away somewhere. It is best place in the navigational system so that it shows up on every page. Only sales letter web site is an exception to this rule.

Return visitors and visitors that have something specifically in mind, want the option and ability to find what they want fast. So give it to them.

If you have static page you can easily implement this function using Google search box. Other search engines allow this function too.

Photos allow connection

Especially to people who process visually. Clip art gets them to pay attention, however, it doesn't create much of a connection. Personal photos connect within reason. Keep them less than three to a page. One photo always needs to be in the top portion of the screen on the first page. It doesn't need to be large, but attractive.

Get their emails

Put subscription boxes on the web site. Capture visitors information wherever possible. Your web designer should implement this function for you.

Business articles

For solopreneur sites, your own written articles. For other sites, articles with various authors yet on focus. It will increase web site traffic and will improve your SE rankings.

Interactive elements

For example: response forms, quizzes, polls, quotes. You can find web tools like these on the Net for free.

Automated referral system

If you want referrals for your products or services, make it easy for you to get them. Set it up so it's as automatic as possible, and clear and easy for someone to send you a referral. Be clear on what and how you want to give for that referral

If you use a shopping cart, it must be fluid, no hiccups

PayPal is not a shopping cart, it's a hiccup. All auto responders must be well written and positive. If someone purchased something, they need the energy of "thank you."

Newsletter that is consistent

Use 80/20 rule. 80% value and 20% marketing.

Well-written e-books

50-75 pages, plus valuable information (info not found anywhere else). Length doesn't do more than provide perceptive value. Once purchased and the vastness is only fluff, then your credibility is shot. Complimentary e-books meet the same requirements. Also, invest some time or money in a good book cover.

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