Ten top tips for a successful website |
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| Technology | |
| Written by Wilfried Beeck, CEO of ePages | |
| Tuesday, 08 December 2009 | |
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Understand the web development options available. For SMEs, web development software is now available as a service which means no costly installations, ownership, upgrades or maintenance, or being tied into a proprietary solution. According to Wilfried Beeck, CEO of ePages, these DIY web-build solutions are available for as little as £10 a month and give 100% control to the business owner, over every aspect of the website now and for years to come.Demand a demonstrationBefore committing to a solution, ask for a demonstration of the functionality that covers every stage of the web development and management process, from the initial set up to updating the site content. The demonstration should show you exactly how the software works, and how easy it is to keep the website going. Be loyal to your skillsYou no longer need any skills or training to set up a professional website, with easy-to-use web build solutions that offer templates, familiar commands and the ability to update information at will. And if you run into any difficulty, simply tap into the remote hosting company’s helpdesk – since all the software is owned and hosted (and therefore also automatically secured and backed up) at the hosting company’s premises, the burden falling to your own shoulders is miniscule. Templates save you time and moneyThe owner of an SME has little time to set up and manage a professional website, with a number of other business critical roles to perform. Website layout and design is a specialist skill – one that is constantly evolving as online shopping behaviours and search engine systems change – and can have a significant impact on the user experience and customer conversion rates. With other business-critical roles to perform, a small business owner is unlikely to have the time to ensure that website layout and design meet the latest recommendations. Thankfully, hosted DIY web-build solutions now include hundreds of industry templates that can be customised with colour charts and drag and drop features, making it possible to set up a competitive website in just two to three days with little or no specialist skills. Show your full range of productsWhen exploring options, prices and the most convenient outlet, most people will now use an Internet search engine rather than a paper directory or strolling down the high street. If you don’t have a website that displays everything you sell, along with availability and price information – and ideally a means of ordering or booking the product or service online – there is a strong chance you will be bypassed in favour of another company. Product portals are highly recommended, with clear and logical product categories, to make it easier for the user to find exactly what they are looking for. Include servicesThese days, it doesn’t matter if you’re a retailer, hairdresser, restaurant or hotel, the days of assuming that you are in the wrong market to benefit from Internet-driven business are long gone. As a service-oriented business, software exists to enable you to offer a means of booking and managing appointments, rentals and other services online. Display all relevant informationDrop off rates increase when users cannot see the information they are looking for. Put yourself in their shoes, and make sure they can access all of the relevant pages and information from where they are, including home, log in, personal profile, basket, checkout and your company contact details. Enhance the online experience with Web 2.0Internet users have come to expect a degree of Web 2.0 functionality from every online business. Even on a budget, websites can and should offer a selection of these, from corporate video clips, RSS feeds, blogs and guest books to product zoom, 360˚ rotate, customer recommendations and product ratings. Cater for everyoneIf a company is operating in more than one country, it must choose web development software that will cater for every nationality, including the various languages, currencies and payment methods used locally. It is important to offer payment by credit card, debit card and PayPal as an absolute minimum. Let’s get personalCustomers are more likely to keep coming back if you reward them for their loyalty. If your business model supports this, you should choose a web-build package that enables you to offer preferential terms and conditions, preferential rates and special offers to certain individuals.
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