Why You Need A Website And What It Needs To Do
Trying to build a business or brand? What about applying for a job? Then you need a website, but having a website will not do anything for you if it doesn't do anything. Let's discuss what a website is and what it should be doing for you.
Here are some tips that you should consider when starting to build a website:
A clear description of who you are
Those who come to your website, should not have to investigate or work hard to find out who you are and what you do
Tell people that this is the right website they were looking for.
A simple, sensible web address
Don't make it complicated
It should be easy for users to type it into their browser or an email
Highly recommend a .com address if you can get it.
Even non-profits should have a .com that re-directs to their .org address
Avoid dashes in the domain. It can become an SEO headache
Numbers should also be avoided. It can confuse customers (9 vs nine)
An easily-navigated menu
Most visitors are not reading your website, but scanning them.
An easy navigation menu will help them get where they want to go.
Don't have more than 6-8 main menu items
Have dropdowns if you need them and make them clear so that people know what they are when they mouse over them.
Easy-to-find contact information
Not every visitor has the patience to work through your website
Make it easy for them to contact you
Have multiple ways for them to contact you
Phone number, email, contact forms, live chats and so forth
Customer testimonials
This come down to building trust with potential clients
People love hearing from other real people about their experience
They find out more about you and it helps coming from other people.
An obvious call to action
People looking at your website need to be told what to do next.
An example would be to contact you for a free quote or consultation or to get a free download. Lead Capture in exchange for something of value!
Draw attention to this part by making it stand out.
Know the basics of SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
A website is no good if people cant stumble upon it.
It doesn't need to be super complicated.
There are 3rd party tools available to help with SEO
Some website builders have some SEO functionality in them to help with that.
Fresh, quality content
Ever go to a website and wonder if they are still active?
Have fresh content to let people know you're still there.
Also give them reasons to come back for more.
People are looking for something they think you have. Give it to them.
It is also great for your SEO to keep coming up with new content.
A secure hosting platform
Online hacking is at an all-time high
Hackers are targeting websites of all kinds.
Be careful of "free" website builders with basic security.
Your browser will have a "lock" next to your web address to show if there is A Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL certificate.
Some businesses exist just to keep websites up-to-date and secure for you, for a price.
Make sure you have good security on your website.
Look for the HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure), not HTTP.
A design and style that's friendly to online readers
People often scan websites, they don't read them, unless they have a reason to.
So break things down into
Short Paragraphs
Bullet points
and highlight words and phrases.
It comes down to making it look simple and clean.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know in the comments if it was, and what questions you have.
You can always schedule a free call with me by going to www.mikeglover.co/discover .