In particular order, leading up to #1, but certainly not an inclusive list, the following is a sampling of ideas that relate to successful websites. The temptation was to do a “top 10” list, however websites are all different and their markets unique.
10. Choose your web hosting company carefully.
Hosting costs are certainly worthy of consideration, but in the grand scheme of things they are a small part of the business operating costs. More important are the smooth functioning of your site, your email and your sanity. Don’t scrimp to save a couple bucks a month only to find your site down on a Friday night before a long weekend. Lost sales/credibility are irretrievable.
9. Keep in touch with your clients.
Great example of something we know we need to do, but few do well. If your website can capture any info from folks, you have the ability to stay in contact with them. Newsletters, surveys, and web 2.0 (things like Twitter and Facebook) work magic for future business. If nothing else, you are gaining name recognition.
8. Stand out from the crowd.
If you are in a competitive field, having a memorable and effective web presence is critical. In this day and age, template sites will get passed over without a second glance. Obviously, “standing out” can mean many different things, but the takeaway should be that your site needs to be noticed and acknowledged.
7. Contact me please!
So easy to skip this one…Make it super simple for folks to reach you, if that’s what you want. Is your email handy on all pages? Phone numbers? Seems sort of obvious really, but so easy to miss.
6. Keep content fresh.
This one has lots of reasons to be lower on the list, but I had to choose. Website content is so important from a SEO standpoint that it has the potential to be the most important aspect of your site. Think about adding a blog to your site. Keeping relevant content and semantically appropriate links, headers, etc. (really needs its own article).
5. Mobile Accessibility
Countries from around the globe are noting an increase in the number of people connecting to the Internet from mobile devices like the iPhone. As a result, ensure that your website is accessible from these devices. Create a set of CSS files to target this market.
4. Clearly define the “Call to Action”.
What do you want your audience to “do” once they’re on your site? Read something? Buy something? Fill out a form. Although the “to do” list can be extensive, make sure that whatever you want folks to do is blisteringly apparent.
3. Make the site easy to navigate.
Again, navigation ease seems obvious, but often missed. Ease of navigation is one of those intangibles that trip up even experienced designers. Just because you know your website backwards and forwards, doesn’t necessarily mean that your visitor knows where to go and what links to click. (Have you thought about doing a usability study? Mindfly can help.)
2. Design your site for your audience.
You may like rocket ships and dancing pink flamingoes, but is that appropriate for your audience? The site can be (and often is) all about you, but don’t over-do it at the expense of losing your customer. Remember your call to action. See #4
(Insert Drum Roll here)
1. Define your audience.
Spend some time researching your target market. Often, inexperienced designers produce designs that are simply “just designs.” Designing for the sake of a cool design has its place, but your new website needs to pull its weight. Instead of a missed opportunity, define your audience upfront and the project will be a success.
