We’ve all seen and used enough websites to intuitively understand when one is “good” and when one makes us want to throw our computers out the window. Although it’s easy to disagree on whether a site is visually pleasing or not – everyone likes different colors, different styles and different imagery – there are a few things that make a website “good” across the board, whether it is strictly informational or a complex ecommerce site. This next series explores ten common sense tips for making sure that nobody’s computer ends up flying out a window on your account.
Tip #1: A Website Should Be Informative
Although the Internet is considered a visual medium, it is a myth that websites should contain large graphics and minimal text. People who visit your site want information about your products and services. They want to be convinced that your product or service is right for them. They want to know that you are the expert. Your website is an opportunity to prove to potential customers that you have what they need and that you know what you’re talking about.
Too little information is worse for your business than too much. Visitors are capable of filtering information to find what they’re looking for. One customer may be convinced of your expertise after a paragraph, but another may want paragraphs, essays and explanations worthy of a doctorate degree. Think about the last time you visited a site and needed to decide whether or not to interact with a company, whether by calling, joining or purchasing. You probably checked out their “about us” page, read a little about their products or services and checked to see if there were any guarantees.
A content-rich site gives visitors the opportunity to read more extensively about your organization and learn something that may positively influence them. Let your customers decide how much or how little information is necessary before they make a decision about you.
What is the most important informational page on your website? How does it help you convince customers to do business with you?
Read More In The “Building A Good Website” Series
- Tip #1: A Website Should Be Informative
- Tip #2: Information Should Be Well Organized And Properly Distributed
- Tip #3: Information Should Be Relevant
- Tip #4: A Website Should Be Easy To Use And Navigate
- Tip #5: A Good Website Contains A Call To Action
- Tip #6: Forms Should Be Easy To Use And Understand
- Tip #7: News, Blogs And Social Media Should Be Updated Regularly
- Tip #8: A Website Should Be Search Engine Friendly
- Tip #9: Your Website Should Be At Least As Good As Your Competitor’s
- Tip #10: A Website Should Be Part Of The Big Picture
About Carol Lynn Rivera
