It’s considered odd for any business to not have a website nowadays, but it’s important to get right. It’s a one-glance portfolio to customers to see if they trust you, even before they’ve decided if they want to buy from you. If you’re looking to create a website for your business, we have a handy guide for you.
Don’t: Do it yourself
Hire a professional. Websites are something that’s easy to make look amateurish – and your customers will judge. When a website looks bad it can send alarm bells of a scam or other judgments you’ll want to avoid and send people away.
Do: Research SEO
Anyone with a business will need to know the basics of search engine optimization (or SEO) since it has one of the highest returns on investment and will be crucial in driving traffic. Sure, it’s not recommended to do it yourself when it comes to websites, but in this aspect, until you get an expert on the case it will be necessary. Plus, if it’s done well it can run itself so you can focus on your business rather than traffic through your site.
Don’t: Use Flash
Adobe is discontinuing its well-integrated software engine, leaving a lot of websites looking obsolete. A website is going to be no use if they can’t open it, so if possible, use an alternative like Lightspark or Ruffle.
Do: Steal from your competitors
Have a look at your competitors’ sites. Is there anything they’re doing that you like? Do you like the information on Netbet Casino or the graphics on Amazon? Think about how you can implement them into your own website.
Don’t: Break the budget
A well-designed site from a freelancer can cost under $1,000. Agencies will charge more but your money will be best put in your marketing budget.
Do: Always ask “why”
Tell your customers why they should sign up to that newsletter or start that subscription. Whether you entice them with the content or exclusive offers, tell your customers why they should bother.
Don’t: Add a blog
Unless you are committed to the idea, don’t bother. A blog can be a good asset for new and up-to-date content, but if you haven’t bothered in a while your website will look dated and customers will presume it’s unused or your business is shut down.
Do: Keep calls to action in mind
That’s all those “click here” signals you see on websites. Rather than just informing of a sale, say something like “Sale today! Click here”. Prompt your customers into action.
Don’t: Forget your business description
The best websites will need only a glance in its direction to understand what it’s for, but niches need explaining. Sure, your websites are about horses, but are you caring for them, selling equipment, offering classes. Write a concise description of your business and keep it prominent in the website to avoid confusion.
Do: Get a good domain name
Your domain name is what everyone will know you as, so it’s good to have it solid across social media and your website. Keep it the same if you can. It will help find you in search engines and give a more professional opinion of you. Make it short and memorable, easy to spell, avoiding slang and symbols, and you should have a winner. With these tips, you’re well on your way to making a professional-looking website for your business.