By Nic Sim
Here are 7 tips to help you create a better business website immediately!
#1: Use an FAQ
If you have a business website, set up an FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions page. An FAQ is a great information page to go to for most visitors. The FAQ usually is a list of question-and-answers regarding your service or product and for most potential buyers, reading the FAQ clues them in on some of the common issues and concerns they may have. If you don’t have an FAQ page, you could be wasting time answering the same question over and over. With an FAQ page, you can save time because you can ask your visitors to check out the FAQ page first. If the question is not in the FAQ, you can get them to email you and you would have more fodder for your FAQ page later. Both ways, you win.
#2: Make Your Website Browser-friendly
While it may seem that Internet Explorer is the internet browser that most people use on their computers, remember that it is not the only browser available. Other browsers are giving Internet Explorer a bit of a competition these days. For example, instead of Internet Explorer, you can now use browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Konqueror. Different browsers present websites differently if the websites have not been optimized and aren’t compatible with these browsers. Ensure there are no problems when your website is viewed in different browsers. View your website in different browsers to see if there are any problems. Ask your web designer if you are not sure how to fix browser compatibility issues. He or she should be able to help.
#3: Don’t Ask Them To Download Plug-ins
Don’t make it difficult for visitors to view your website. Some websites require visitors to download some extra software or plug-ins. Some kind visitors will comply while others may not and leave directly. If you really need your visitors to download some plug-ins before they view your website, ensure you use this privilege wisely. In a world that’s highly fearful of downloads and viruses, it’s a good idea to give them an alternative – how about viewing a simpler (plain HTML) website in case they decide they do not want to download any plug-ins?
#4: Use Thank You for More
Once your visitor signs up for your e-newsletter or buys your product, he will be taken to a Thank You page (we assume you have one. If you don’t, you should start getting one done now). Most Thank You pages are simple and to the point but why not use this piece of web real estate for more? You can be as creative as you wish – just think of the Thank You page as an appetizer for more goodies to come. If you have a e-newsletter, why not have the sign-up box in the Thank You page? If you have complementary products, you could also add these into the Thank You page so that the visitor will be gently reminded of them. Use the Thank You page well and you will be well rewarded.
#5: Avoid Excessive Graphics
Graphics help liven up your website but do not overdo it. Excessive display of graphics does nothing but turn your visitors off. First time web designers sometimes use too many graphics and web tricks on a website. These can include anything from blinking buttons, swiveling graphics or blinding backgrounds. Also, keep music away. Music which plays automatically at a website does not endear itself to its visitors, especially if it is a corny and highly annoying tune. Optimize graphics – use GIF format whenever possible – and ensure your images are as small as possible without sacrificing the resolution to save on loading time.
#6: Use Normal Regular Fonts
While fonts like Verdana, Times New Roman or Arial can seem like boring fonts to use on your website, it pays to stick to them. For one, they’re easy to read. Two, they don’t come up as garbled nonsense (this happens if you used some fantastic stylish font which only you have and your web visitor doesn’t). Stick to the more common fonts. It gets your message across. After all, that’s the whole idea right?
#7: Use Common, Familiar Language
Visitors to your websites come from all walks of life. Not all are college graduates with a degree in English. So make language as easy to understand and as familiar as possible. Don’t try to make things too different or obscure on your website. If you offer information in the form of articles on your website, say so. This means you should NOT rename “Articles” as “Knowledge Archive”. Remember, visitors come to your website to find information. So if you want them to start guessing, you could be on the losing end as they might think that’s not relevant to them and leave.
Copyright 2005. RedboxStudio.com
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About the author: Nic Sim is the owner of this blog and the founder of www.RedboxStudio.com – a web design firm dedicated to helping solo professionals and small businesses go online affordably and successfully with its easy to use, no-fuss Redbox DIY Website where anyone can own, manage and operate their own website! For more details (and to view LIVE client sites), go to http://www.redboxdiy.com/showcase.php
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