|
Tourist Tips while Travelin' the Web
Make Your Home Page a Hit!
It is said in advertising - there is no such thing as 'bad' publicity. This concept holds true for the web. With the millions of pages available today, there is no 'bad' way to attract attention of your potential viewers. Do WHATEVER it takes to make your site unique enough so that visitors will want to explore it AND come back again.
A common attitude of web surfers is WIIFM - What's In It For Me? Make sure your site answers this question! Try marketing 'hotspots' that make your site 'sticky' such as: unique design, informative databases, jokes, tips, games, or multimedia.
Look to Competitors
One of the best aspects of the Internet is that it equalizes the playing field. A small company can make themselves seem just as important and capable as a larger competitor just by having an impressive Web Site.
Search the web for sites related to your industry (competitors, suppliers, customers) to see what is expected of you and how you can stand apart. But don't stop there. Also look at 'cool' sites unrelated to your industry just to what's considered state of the art.
Back to top.
Do lots and lots of PLANNING
If we have learned one thing from developing both small and large scale sites, it is PLAN AHEAD! Think everything through on paper first. This is why we like to build a full scale assessment into every project we take on. Methodology is there for a reason. The more you think things through at the start, the less likely you are to have costly last minute changes or corrections.
Learn more about our methodology in more detail on our Brochure page.
Back to top.
Encourage Parnerships
The best Web Providers are interested in your success as much as their own. Technical details can make or break your Web Site. An overburdened server can literally 'clog' and slow down the process of your site being accessed by potential customers. Ask them about server processor speed, connection types available, line bandwidth, memory, and site mirroring.
Look to build relationships with non-competitors in your industry and see how you can team up web efforts to drive traffic to both of your sites.
Back to top.
Provide Value
These are the types of information visitors typically look for at web sites: COMPLETE CONTACT Information; Product information; meaningful diagrams, illustrations and photos; Product usage tips; On-line ordering; Investor information; Technical support and FAQ's; Company and partner profiles; Customer testimonials; General industry information; links to additional information offsite.
Back to top.
Keep it Easy
Although the latest trend are pushing the envelope of design, keep your information well organized and don't bury it too deeply. Try keeping the architecture broad and shallow as opposed to narrow and deep. If information is well organized the a visitor should find value in 3 clicks or less.
And although many visitors have T1s or DSL or whatever the latest and fastest access is, do keep in mind that many other visitors do not. Make sure all pages read quickly and require no more than 8 seconds to load. I.E. no giant photos or graphics that take forever to load! What if the CEO of your next customer organization is dialing in from his laptop from a hotel with a slow connection? You're not doing him or her any favors by making your site take forever to load!
While Homecamp supports using tools like Flash to make your site as exciting and handsome as possible, take a long hard look at whom your lowest common demonator is that will be browsing your site. If high-end design and Flash is essential to you, then consider developing 2 versions of your site - one for broadband and one for slower connections.
Back to top.
Keep it Fresh
At the same time, don't be afraid to use color or graphics to define your site. Too much text and too little thought to design makes for a boring site that turns people away.
It is always a great idea to consider updating your site regularly to encourage repeat visitation. Weekly or monthly newsletters are a great to encourage repeat visitation. You will notice that many of the more prominant sites revitalize their design through updated pictures or even periodic re-design. If you take any of these routes, always ensure that the navigation is well thought out in advance.
Back to top.
Be Professional
Although errors do get by even on well-proofed projects, do try and be aware of both spelling and grammatical errors. And do not build what is known as a 'Dead End' site. Provide links to other sites where appropriate.
Back to top.
Market Market Market Your Site
- Register with at least the 10 major search engines and wherever and whenever else you can.
- Propose hyperlink agreements with other companies to increase traffic.
- Use non-web media advertising.
- Put your URL on all stationery, cards, brochures, advertising, etc.
- Drop announcement or 'threads' in the appropriate newsgroups.
- Include an optional site registration and set up a mailing list to advertise updates.
- Share links with similar sites in a circular 'chained' formation through
the Web Ring.
- Work with a Direct Marketing firm that specializes Web Promotion. Here's an article from PostmasterDirect on Finding the right email list.
Back to top.
|