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In order to produce a successful website, you must start by getting the basics right. Like any recipe, poor quality ingredients will produce an inferior product. Let's look at the golden rules for a successful website.
Rule #1 Find a Niche for your Business
Find a niche for your business – this will help you plan the keywords you will include in your site. Think about the words and phrases customers will use when they look for your services using a search engine. Use keyword search tools to find out which keywords are most frequently searched for. Keep in mind that the most searched for words are not necessarily where you want to focus your business. The words that are less used may actually land you higher in specific keyword phrase searches.
Rule #2 Choose a Good Domain Name
Obviously your domain name will be a large part of your online identity. Spend some time collecting ideas for your domain name before settling on one. It is important that your domain name relates to your business and can be easily memorised. Try to include your keywords in the title if at all possible. This will help your search engine rankings.
Rule #3 Good Design
Many people spend a lot of time trying to put together snazzy graphics and flashy banners to grab the viewers' attention on their website. The truth is that internet users prefer a fast-loading, practical website. They want something that is easy to read and navigate. That doesn't mean there should be no graphics, but you definitely do not want to slow down the loading of your site or clutter the appearance. Overall, be certain that your colour choices allow for easy reading and your visitors can quickly find the information that they are looking for. Anything that slows a reader down will be a deterrent to your visitor remaining on your site.
Rule #4 Powerful Content
The content of your website should also be clear, relevant and easy to digest. Readers are not interested in a lot of fluff. Most internet surfers are busy people and they want to obtain the information that they are seeking quickly. Whatever sector your business operates in, make your website content professional, easy reading, and to the point. Your visitors will appreciate it.
Rule #5 Build Traffic
In order for any website to be successful, it must have traffic. This requires more than just careful selection and use of keywords in your website content. Although that is an important step, you must go the extra mile to be sure that the web address is promoted at every possible place. Include the website address in email signatures, blog posts, social networks, and begin to do article marketing. And don't stop there! Post online classified ads with the address; include it in any form of hardcopy print advertising, radio ads, television ads, and on business cards that are passed out. Get the web address out at every possible opportunity.
If these five steps are applied effectively, it will result in a successful website. Although implementing the steps properly may take a little time and energy, the end results will be well worth the extra effort. Begin step one today and follow through!
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Ian Gill is a Group Development Director at Business Internet
strategic planning, marketing and advertising help BID's clients expand
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