Your website also allows you to be more creative in how your present your information than with something that is in print. You can add bells and whistles (but not too many) that show that can be creative in your efforts.

Many people use Internet to find out more information about products or services that they are in need of. Your website is a means of offering information to those who may be researching online before buying. If you don’t have a website, how are they going to even get a chance to see what you have to offer?

In same respect, if a potential client has heard about you but can’t find your business card, they may turn to Internet to try and locate your contact information or to learn more about you.

Your website opens door to a larger market of prospective clients. Even if your service is normally only preformed locally, there is always potential to expand. And, you are more likely to increase your local client base if your website is available for them to research your service.

Even if you cater to only a specific clientele, your website can be a place for them to visit or where they can point others to who they are referring to you.

Your website is one piece of marketing material that is easy to change without a huge cost. So, if you have a special event coming up or you want to include more information on a certain service, you simply have your web designer make change. And, almost instantly, your information is fresh and visible, without costs of re-printing new marketing material.

We could go on and on about benefits of having a website. In short, having a website is ‘way to go’ these days and, if your company does not have a website, are you losing customers? Are they finding your competition when using Internet but not you? Are they wondering why you do not have a website when all of your competition does?

Your website is your company’s 24 hour advertising medium. Why wouldn’t you consider having one? Bob?

3. Navigation I am sure some smart alecs will say your navigation should never be above fold, forcing visitors to scroll down and read your copy.

I could not agree less.

You should have your navigation above fold, giving your visitor full control. Ideally, place your navigation bar somewhere on top or left hand-side of every page.

When visitors first arrive at your site, they should be able to find what they want quickly. Don't frustrate them with quirky and quacky titles either. Use titles that convey benefits like, "Special Offers" or "Savings" or that are generally understood.

4. Professional Design Avoid banners and flashy animation. Not only does it consume real estate, but it will slow page download...a cardinal sin. Keep it simple. Each page on your website should download in 15 seconds or less on a standard 56-bit modem.

Even if you are promoting affiliate programs banners have a generally poor conversion rate. It is 10 times better to sell in context with text or product links. Besides selling straight off home page has little credibility.

Conclusion Remember 10 second rule and design to communicate your USP and biggest benefits in headlines. Present chance to opt-in or bookmark your page. Give your visitors chance to navigate around your site and avoid flashy animation. Use above fold part of your web page shrewdly. Keep it simple and offer clean and effective web design. That is way hold your visitors for longer.

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Rich Vicar has been providing search engine placement solutions since 1998. He is expert in submitting your web site in an ethical, efficient and effective manner.

http://www.glenfox.com contact@glenfox.com

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