I don't think I need to tell you that thousands
and thousands of new sites are being added to the Web
everyday. For web surfers, this is exciting news because it
gives them more places to go, more things to see!
But for those people who do business on the
Web, it means more competition and more reasons to have an
inviting site that encourages visitors to stay awhile.
We all know that first impressions are lasting.
Rarely does a person have the opportunity to change the outcome
of a first encounter -- which is why the first page of your
site must be a winner.
What people see as they enter the "front
door" of your domain greatly determines whether they
will stay and take a tour ... or leave for the place "next
door."
Is your site neat and clean? Or is it cluttered
and chaotic? Are visitors greeted by flashing lights and a
myriad of animated pictures? Or are they welcomed with inviting
images and pleasing colors? Are things arranged in an orderly
fashion? Or is information scattered all over the page?
Do you provide clear directions on how to
move to other "rooms?" And do you tell visitors
what they will find when they get there? If they decide to
take a "walk-through," are there obstacles along
the way that might slow down their journey? Or, heaven forbid,
will they run into a dead-end?
Will returning visitors find new and interesting
things to look at? Or will they find the same old contents?
There are several forums online that allow
you to submit your site for a review by colleagues and peers.
Even if your site has been up and running for an extended
time, it never hurts to get some feedback. Nothing is so good
that it can't be made better.
Nan Yielding has nearly 10 years experience as an online business owner. She is the owner of Writing-Etc.com and offers internet marketing services and assistance to help website owners attract more customers and increase sales.
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