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8 ways to build a really bad web site for Search Engines
Some web sites receive hundreds or thousands of unique visitors a day, whilst others only get a handful or none. The reason is often because the web designers or Webmaster has built the site in one ‘really bad way’ or other. This can end up...
Fine Tuning Your Website
Fine-Tuning Your Website © 2003 Gillian Gaston You can spend hours, days, weeks or even months getting your website to look wonderful. There is nothing in the world that feels beats the feeling you get when someone comes to at your site and tells...
Growing Organic Websites
The principles behind growing a healthy website are basic and similar to growing an organic garden. Most things seem to be easily related back to the processes and cycles provided by Mother Nature and your web business is no different. We call our...
Sell Your Products Like Crazy On Your Website
Here's ten simple yet POWERFUL ideas on how to sell more products faster. 1. Turn your ad copy into a story or article. Your visitors won't be as hesitant to read your ad and will become more interested in your product. 2. Give visitors a...
What Your Web Designer Isn't Telling You
If I was to ask you right now "Are you absolutely certain that your web site is optimized for high search engine rankings?", what would you say? What if I was to ask "How many search engines has your site been registered with?" Or how about "Does...
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Think before setting up your website
We have seen an increase in the number of websites since the past couple of years. Significantly after the initial dot com burst. While this is good news, it sure reflects one single point. The Internet is as serious as in the offline community. While most people think that by setting up their website they have all they wanted, it sure is a misconception. Below are some pointers to keep in mind.
1. Do you really need a website?
Whether you are a CEO of a company or someone who wants to set up their hobby on the Internet, the first question you need to ask yourself is "Do you really need a website?" While this may be flexible in the second case, for most business, both big and small this is one important question before you take that leap.
Remember, the Internet is an extension of the offline medium, which allows us a more specialized interaction with customers and clients. Hence, due care has to be given while setting up a website. The best way to begin would be to start by researching into your competitors and the markets on the Internet. While you might be enjoying a huge market share of selling gypsy items across the store nearby, there might be 3 other similar sites providing the same service. Remember, you have one huge market and lots of competitors.
2. The right plan
After the initial ground work comes the next question of choosing the right plan. While web hosting prices have fallen sharply, there has also been an increase in fraud as well. It does not require a genius to set up a webspace. So be careful before choosing your host. Another point to note is that most people fall for the 1GB web space. Now, for a 10 page website with a little bit of e-commerce, do you really think you need 1GB space? Its like buying a palatial bunglow at a throw away price, while the resident is just one person.
3. Design aspects & features
The popular misconception is that having a website will automatically increase your sales. It's actually contrary. Due time and effort has to be spent while designing your website. The site does not have to be rich in media. Stick to the plain simple basics and you will be safe. Instead of spending time and effort on getting a rich media website, try to distribute it across. What I mean by this is to have a website with other
features that will add value.
A) Mailing List or Newsletter: Have a mailing list so that you can encourage people to sign up and send them promotions, etc. In the present day, the words mailing list or newsletter evokes just one response, SPAM. Assure your customers/visitors that you would not spam. Let them know the duration of the newsletters you would be sending, and most important, "DONT SELL the email addresses"
B) Refer-A-Friend: This requires just 10 minutes of your time, but is sure a helpful tool. When you have a site that is pleasing to look at, people sure would want their friends to check it out as well. By having this tool, you will be sure that in that particular moment of excitment, people will use this tool and send it across to their friends.
C) Guest Book: This feature might not be that helpful for a business site, but for individuals or small home business, it is a handy feature to get your visitors feedback.
4. Site promotion
For the major part of the netizens, web designing is phase 1 and site promotion is phase 2. Well, instead of having the two of these done independantly, it would be sensible to work with both the aspects in mind. It would save you a lot of money and time in the long run. Ensure that your site is optimized at the design phase itself. Test the site with various tools that are available on the Internet. (I will not speak much about this as I have a seperate article coming up)
5. Site maintenance
After all the hard work, it is sad to note that most websites are not up-to-date. Ensure that your site is in sync with the present so that the visitors will have something new everytime they visit your site.
Conclusion: Setting up your online presence is easier said than done. If due planning is not given importance, be sure that the website will not last for more than a year, being optimistic. A little effort and some time to think is all you need to get a site that can sure be a shot in the arm for your offline business.
About the Author
John Benjamin is the CEO of ProMinds Inc. An Internet Marketing agency. Having 2 years of experience in SEO and online marketing.
ProMinds Inc
http://www.promindsinc.com
Other information can be found at http://www.promindsinc.com/bb/ a forum for newbies.
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