How to Make Your Web Site Work For You
Tuesday, February 5th, 2008How to Make Your Web Site Work For You
Internet surfers have a very short attention span, roughly ten seconds, and this is the only time you have to capture their attention using your website. With hundreds of millions of websites online, and the three biggest search engine companies tightening their ranking regulations, competition has intensified and it is imperative that a website not only be attractive but ìstickyî i.e. able to attract repeat visitors. A website should also have the necessary qualities to attract not only unique traffic. For a website to be truly memorable, it has to encompass the following:
1. Good design
2. Usability-logical navigation
3. Fresh and unique content
4. Search engine optimization
Good design
A truly memorable website will incorporate good design. Many websites offer great content but forget that the majority of web surfers are actually less than 25 years old. Good design also means that the graphics are optimized and therefore the site downloads fast regardless of Internet speeds. To do this an expert graphics designer should be employed who should create graphics that are light (e.g. gifs). Care should be taken when adding animations such as flash which require viewers to download additional software in order to view the site.
Usability
A site should have a logical navigation. This means that it should be straight-forward and the surfer should not spend a lot of time trying to decipher where to go next or how to get back to the home page. A navigation system that works is one that is consistent across all pages and clearly points the way back and to all the other pages.
Fresh and Unique Content
In order for a website to truly be a success, it has to offer value to the viewer. That means it must contain information that is relevant and that meets the needs of the surfer. Many websites have valuable information but it is never updated on a regular basis. Regularly updated content is also very important as we shall see, for a site to obtain good search engine rankings.
Search Engine Optimization
Search engines employ special software (ìspidersî) which search the web for fresh and relevant content including links. This is what determines search engine rankings. When designing a website, extra care should be given to keywords that not only describe the site but the product or service you are offering.
