Also, provide a way for a user to get back to your home page on every page of your site. Often this is page a user is most familiar with so they may want to go back. If someone emails an associate a link to an inner page in your site and they click on it, it is a good idea to provide a way for that new user to get to your home page.

3)A search function.

This is another one of those standard features that most people expect now. If there is a specific bit of information that a person wants to find, don’t make them wade through every page of your site. Implementing a search function is easy and free. You can get one at http://www.atomz.com/search rial_account.htm. This truly makes a site user’s life a lot easier.

4)Text, not just images, and text links, not just buttons.

Advertising agencies who also make Web sites have a tendency to use too many graphics, often at expense of text. A good rule of thumb is that if you have words in an image, take it out and replace it with html text. This is good for a number of reasons; including making site more search engine friendly and loading faster. Search engines can only key off text, not words found in images. Also, graphic-intensive site take longer to load.

If you don’t include text versions of your links, and only use buttons (which are images) then a number of popular search engines can’t index your site because they can’t read links embedded in images. So it’s important always to include text links as well as buttons.

5)Phone number, logo, tag line.

Don’t make your Web site an obstacle or wall for your prospects and customers by leaving off your phone number. Every page should have your phone number listed. It is very frustrating to go to a company’s site and have no way to reach them except through a form or email.

Always include your logo and tag line on every page as well. If you don’t have a tag line, start thinking about creating one, your site is a great place to repeatedly get your message out.

All of above mentioned elements can be included on an html template that is used for every page in your site. Templates make it easy to include all of these and quickly update or change them too. Templates are for another discussion, but keep in mind they are very useful.

Most importantly, make sure every page of your site incorporates these top five elements; they are a very necessary foundation for any effective Web site.

******************* Jason OConnor is President of Oak Web Works The synthesis of Web marketing, design, and technology Jason is a Web expert, e-strategist, and e-marketer who builds sites and programs for the Web

http://www.oakwebworks.com

4. Help others set up an instant article directory. Offer your articles to be posted on their web site. This works well for others who do not write. It also creates links and increases search engine status for both of you.

5. Create a book web site. You can do this in lieu of offering a free ebook. Market it as a free web book. The term is seldom used and builds curiosity. Design web pages with a title page, table of contents, chapters, etc. Then place your ad or banner for your product or service on top and bottom of every page.

Author: Catherine Franz (c) Copyright 2003, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.