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10 Web Site Mistakes...
What not
to do...
Poor
Web site Construction
Ok, here's one we don't fully understand. Companies sometimes elect to have
inexperienced individuals author their websites. The cost is usually very cheap,
but the results are often the same. Your web site is your calling card and
may be the first and lasting impression to potential buyers, this is not the
place to cut corners.
Network URL Web site Hosting
Another area to avoid pinching pennies. Rather than having their own web URL
(www.cbsoutsource.com), some businesses elect to have networks host their websites.
Big mistake, while you may save 10 or $15.00 a month, potential buyers are
not impressed. Would you rather buy or associate with www.companystore.com
or www.members.tripod.com/companystore? The same rule applies to e-mail.
So Slow I'm Falling Asleep
Studies prove your web site should load in 10 seconds or less at 28,800 K or
you will stand the chance of loosing customers. In addition, some companies
create sites that are rich with content but force complete page reload with
each click, rather than exchanging new content. Surfers may make it through
one or two pages... then on to a competitor.
Picture Overload
Pictures, Pictures, animations and more pictures. New web authors often make
the mistake of adding large file size or extensive graphic images. This greatly
increases the page load time and often creates a confusing and unfocused site
path. When it comes to graphic images, opt for a few high quality images representing
the content on each page. Amateur designers often create web site with full
graphic page load content. In addition to slow speed, web search engines search
for text content and will not recognize graphic only websites.
Boring
Just the opposite of 4, businesses create pages without graphic content and
mega text listings. One picture can speak volumes about your business, you
just don't want to saturate the pages.
Build It, They Will Come
Many businesses think that just having a web site will blow the ceiling off
your sales. In fact, some web designers may lead you to believe the same. This
couldn't be more wrong. If you fail to follow these important steps, we can
almost guarantee you will be disappointed.
- Develop a web strategy
- List with search engines to help buyers find you
- Collect visitors e-mail addresses so you can develop programs to bring them
back
- Offer content and information that is helpful and informative.
- Manage and change the content of your web site often.
- Develop e-campaigns that bring in new visitors.
Static Websites
Companies that don't change their web site sacrifice repeat traffic. You web
site strategy should include tactics to create regular visitors. Would you
want to read the same newspaper every day?
Where are You?
Some businesses make the mistake of not supplying mapping to their location
or telephone contact information.
Who are You?
Many businesses make the mistake of assuming visitors will understand what
they do and are often mistaken. Have you ever visited a site and found yourself
saying "what do they do"? Your site should clearly make a statement
of your services and company.
Professional Image
It's up, it's gone and then it's back again. Disappearing websites, broken
links, dead-ended pages, poor image and poorly formatted pages fill the 10th
position. You wouldn't turn your business phones off or install greetings that
do allow customers to contact you. Quality, image and professionalism are of
paramount importance in every facet of your business.
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