6. Add a toll free phone number and a physical mailing address, if possible. An 1-800 number always makes an impression on me as I can pick up phone and ask a question of a real person.

7. Consider using a multiple-column site design instead of one or two columns. Take a look at big corporate web sites like MSN.com, CNN.com, cars.com - they are all constructed with at least 3-4 columns. I like to call it a "magazine" layout, because columns are also illustrated with small clipart or photographs and creates a really fancy commercial appearance.

8. Make your web site consistent. Choose a design and use it on every page, along with your logo. Don't make every page on your site look different like so many personal web sites do. It's distracting and confusing, and your visitors might not even realize they are still on your site.

9. Create a "Partners" section on your web site. List your affiliates, ad exchange partners, joint venture partners, or those people who published your articles. The word "partners" itself sounds so big and important that it will immediately boost your credibility in eyes of your visitors. Just make sure to list names professionally: instead of Joe Smith say "Founder of very first site for seniors awareness, Joe Smith".

10. Make sure your web site is filled with useful content. Put up a "Frequently Asked Questions" page, gather relevant articles with free reprint rights, as well as your own writings. Post your newsletter archives, tips, business history and owner's information. Most big corporate web sites have a wealth of helpful information.

11. Add a "Translate To Another Language" link to your web site. Simply go to AltaVista.com, click on "Translate", choose language, and type in your web site address. You will see your web site in a different language placed in a frame. Right-click on your web page and choose "Properties". Highlight URL and link to it from your main web site.

For example, if you click on

http://world.altavista.com/urltrurl?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.helpingfoot.com&lp=en_de&tt=url&urltext=&doit=done

you will see my HelpingFoot.com translated into German. Too bad they didn't have a Russian translation - I am just dying to find out how to say "Helping Foot" in my native language :-)

4) Subscribe to Our Ezine: You'll also want to include a chance to subscribe to your ezine on this page. It's very important to your marketing efforts that you start collecting a list of opt in subscribers who are giving you permission to contact them at a future date.

Most people will not buy from your site on first visit so you'll want to get those email addresses for possibility of a future sale.Mail lists can be maintained with stand-alone software or your web host may provide this service for you, you'll need to ask. The easiest way to implement one is to use one of free list services like Yahoo eGroups or Topica - http://www.yahoogroups.com or http://www.topica.com Make sure you include an easy sign up form somewhere on your site - topright hand corner will get you best attention.

5) Search Function: If your site is rather large you may want to include a search function. This gives people opportunity to find just what they're looking for quickly. Search can be implemented with a CGI script. You'll also find plenty of free search functions available online at third party sites like http://www.Atomz.com.

6) What not to Include: Things like long Flash intros, tons of pop up boxes and music, all which can serve to annoy your guests - causing them to reach for exit button. If you feel need to use a pop up box (which have proven to be effective for actions like reminding visitors to subscribe to a newsletter), use type that only pops up upon exit. It's less obtrusive and doesn't hamper web surfer when he or she first enters your site.

So how many of these strategies have you implemented on your home page? Remember, some people will never make it past entrance to your site, but by incorporating above essential elements into your page you'll increase chances of a happier surfing experience for your guest and a more effective website for you.