How to Build a Strong Business Website
Article Posted by Expert Author: Jesse Schwarz on 05/03/2013
There are two types of small business website owners: those who want their sites to connect and engage their customers, and those who don't. If you find yourself in the first camp, then there are a few things you will need to ensure are in place before you can say your website is ready to receive all the customers it can handle.
Website Design
A clean layout that's easy for customers to follow is key. Even the simplest-looking website can have a professional look when it's been done properly. In addition to a clean layout, it's crucial to make sure that the navigation at your web site makes it easy for customers to locate the information they want.
In addition to having a professional web site for customers who visit with their computers, every small business owner would do well to consider also having a mobile version of their web site. Why? Because more and more consumers are shopping with their mobile devices, and this number is only going to increase. In having a mobile version of your site, you can open yourself up to twice the customers, which could skyrocket your revenue.
If website design isn't your forte, it may be best to leave it to the professionals. Ensure the one you hire can show you a portfolio of previous work and has other proven experience in languages like CSS and Java.
Hosting and Domain Name
You will need to find a company that will provide your web site with online real estate. Your hosting provider should offer not only top-notch customer service, but a high percentage of uptime and redundancy. Redundancy means that the company has solutions in place in case anything happens which can compromise your site`s accessibility, such as a hacker attack or a power outage.
Your domain name can be either had for free or for a yearly fee. There is much controversy about which type is best; some say that free domain names look unprofessional. However, it can be difficult to tell which domain names are free and which aren`t these days. If choosing a paid domain name, ensure that it is one that is easy to remember, but that isn`t too long. The best choice for domain name type is completely individual, and will depend on many factors which are unique to your business.
Content
Most web users are savvy enough to know whether the site they`re visiting is genuine or not. Although it may be tempting, trying to disguise advertising with quality content is risky. And when it`s your business, the price may be too high, which is why most experts advise against
Just as with web design, hiring a professional to write your content and keep that content current may be a good idea. Even though you may want to wear all the hats with your small business, it can mean that your talents may not get used to their full potential. And you can`t put a price on effective communication with your customers via your web site`s content.
Of course, there are many items that should be on any small business website owner`s checklist. Taking the time to research the essentials of business website ownership can give you a lot of direction when the time comes to make the many decisions that will face you as a business owner. For more information visit resources at http://www.hostingandbackup.com/.
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