Avoiding Common Website Mistakes

As a small business owner, your website is a crucial part of your business — and in some cases, it may be the business itself.  This is all the more reason to take extra care when building it.

Here are some ways to avoid the common mistakes that most small business owners make on their web sites:

  • Your website should be designed in a way that makes it appealing to your prospective customers. You may have a great idea that you want to incorporate into your site, but be careful to look at it from your client's point of view. The idea that you think is so wonderful might not be to your visitors.
  • Remember, you are building the site for your visitors, not for yourself. So don't let your personal emotions get in the way of having a good visitor-focused website.

  • Your web site is a very important link in your marketing campaign. Your site should create interest and hold the attention your potential customers to get them to at least try your product or service. Your webpages should not only be able to complement your other forms of marketing, but also turn prospects into actual customers.
  • The information that your customers are looking for should be easily accessible. All relevant information should be above the fold – that is, in the top half where it can be viewed without scrolling down the page.
  • Do not build your website in bandwidth-consuming java or flash plug-ins. While your site may look beautiful, it will only take longer to load, especially with slower Internet connections, and send potential customers elsewhere.

Internet users are fickle and won't wait around for slow-loading sites, especially when your competitors' are faster.

It doesn't take a lot to create a good, sensible web site. The key is to use common sense and avoid simple mistakes. You'll find that implementing the tips above will go a long way to helping your business — and website – grow.

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