I'm sure fact that my "presence" on-line is now much more professional I will get even more clients on a regular basis because they can contact me easily and my competition might take 3 days to get back to them.

Will it work for your site? Probably, if your selling anything it's nice to be able to talk with folks who are your customers. It leads to more referrals and additional work. If your not putting customer service at top of your priorities your missing out on best part of being a webmaster. Security.

Interestingly, I occasionally see opposite problem. For example, a respected law firm's site shouldn't shout excitedly at customers as in a sweepstakes offer. Ask yourself: "How do my customers want to be talked to?" and THAT'S your answer.

BLUNDER #4: Designing cryptic navigation.

Unfortunately, many sites don't seem to be truly designed with end user in mind. Consider why users are visiting your site, then turn those reasons into your main navigation choices. Try to limit them to 8 or less. Then, create sub-navigation within those choices. But if there's an especially popular page on your site, why not put a special direct link from home page? For example, on home page of our site, we keep a direct link to our latest article or information about new awards we've won.

BLUNDER #5: Making it difficult to contact you or place an order.

I recently visited Web site of an acclaimed furniture manufacturer, and I was ready to order one of their renowned ergonomic chairs. I clicked around, found chair I wanted, and then quickly grew irate. Not only couldn't I find where to order it online, I couldn't even find their phone number to call and order one or find nearest dealer! The results? One lost customer.

Put your phone number, an e-mail link, and a link to your order form (if you have one) on every page of your Web site. Don't rely on your users having patience to take a few extra steps. Make it as easy as possible, and they'll be much more likely to follow through (and return)!