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Here is a quick list of components that make a website attractive. They are listed
in layers of attractiveness beginning with the "must" haves, to "nice
to haves."
1. State the website's purpose up front and clearly of the site. Do this as
quickly as possible. The visitor needs to know immediately if they have landed
on the right site. They also need to know "what’s in it for me to
stay here." If you don't provide this, they are gone. 90% of the sites
on the Net don't do this.
2. Give visitors the ability to search for exactly what they are looking for,
if they have something exact in mind. A "site search feature" satisfies
this best. Allow the search feature to be prominently displayed and not hidden
away somewhere. It is best place in the navigational system so that it shows
up on every page. Sales letter only websites are an exception to this rule.
Return visitors and visitors that have something specifically in mind, want
the option and ability to find what they want fast. So give it to them.
3. Photos allow connection. Especially to people who process visually. Clip
art gets them to pay attention, however, it doesn't create much of a connection.
Personal photos connect within reason. Keep them less than three to a page.
One photo always needs to be in the top portion of the screen on the first page.
It doesn't need to be large, but attractive.
4. Ways to capture visitors information wherever possible.
5. Place items on the site that keep them lingering. Audio and video are one
of these, yet there are other less time consuming and inexpensive ways to keep
them entertained.
6. Articles. For solopreneur sites, your own written articles. For other sites,
articles with various authors yet on focus.
7. Interactive elements. For example: response forms, quizzes.
8. If you use a shopping cart, it must be fluid, no hiccups. PayPal is not
a shopping cart, it’s a hiccup. All auto responders must be well written
and positive. If someone purchased something, they need the energy of "thank
you."
9. Give offers that are of value.
10. Clear path of where a newcomer can start if it is their first visit.
11. Newsletter that is consistent with the 80/20 rule. 80% value and 20% marketing.
12. E-courses of value.
13. Well-written e-books: 50-75 pages, plus valuable information (info not
found anywhere else). Length doesn't do more than provide perceptive value.
Once purchased and the vastness is only fluff, then your credibility is shot.
Complimentary e-books meet the same requirements.
14. Give them other ways to receive more on...you if you are the focus...or
the information if that is the focus.
15. Automated referral system. If you want referrals for your products or services,
make it easy for you to get them. Set it up so it’s as automatic as possible,
and clear and easy for someone to send you a referral. Be clear on what and
how you want to give for that referral.
About the Author:
Catherine Franz, a Certified Professional Marketing & Writing Coach, specializes
in product development, Internet writing and marketing, nonfiction, training.
Newsletters and articles available at: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog:
http://abundance.blogs.com |
