Web Site Content

As is common knowledge, having fresh content on your web site will keep people coming back for more. For most of us however, keeping everything fresh can be a difficult task. In this article of the Website Source, we will investigate content to include in your new site as well as additional content to add to existing websites. This will keep those potential customers coming back.

Although creating a web site can be easy, there's more to it than first meets the eye. Your first task before investing any time or money, should be to create a profile of your target audience, and design a site that's responsive to their needs and interests. Select content by thinking from the perspective of your audience. How can you add value to their online experience? How can you make your website different than an electronic version of a printed page or in other words, how can you add interactivity?

Once you've decided what you and your audience wants, it's time to prepare the content. This involves more than adding HTML code to documents you may already have. Here are some general guidelines and possible pages to include on your website:

The home page should draw your audiences’ attention and not overwhelm them with information. Keep the layout simple and the text brief. Add graphics to communicate your message and image. Use graphics to enhance the site, but optimize graphic file sizes maintaining a good balance between file size and image clarity. Include only those images that add value. Not every photo needs to be in color nor does every catalog item need a picture. Consider using thumbnail images that the viewer clicks on to enlarge thus minimizing page download time. Most of all with your home page give the reader a reason to proceed further into your site.

A requirement is a page or catalogue dedicated to outlining your products and/or services. This page can include detailed information complete with pictures, descriptions and even pricing. A services company may describe their services and the benefits to prospective clients. Reproducing existing brochures or other documents on the Web usually doesn't work well. People have short attention spans and don't particularly like to read copious text on a computer screen. Use only the most compelling information. Add headings and bold text, where appropriate, to make reading easy. Try to limit the length of a web page to three screens.

Another important page is corporate profile and should include information about your company, its corporate structure, its history, location, staff or team, a satisfied customers list, and even a mission statement.

You may choose to integrate a policies and procedures page where you may let your customers know your shipping, returns, exchange as well as other corporate policies adhered to by your organization.

Consider including a page to help your customers answer questions and concerns. This may consist of: instructional literature, product manuals, FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), troubleshooting guide, tips and suggestions. If you want to provide access to a lot of documents provide them as Portable Document Files (PDF) that can be easily downloaded for reading off-line or printing. If you must include lengthy documents, break them up into sections with headings. Create an index or table of contents at the top of the page, with links to each section also try adding a search feature. Always have an easily visible icon where customers can email you if the information they are looking for is not available. Marketing by information is a very powerful means of selling. Many times customers are compelled to buy from those that have provided them with useful information.

Contemplate incorporating a quest book or feedback form on your site. This will provide you with access to your customers comments and any concerns they may have with your website or service. Include this page only if you have the time to respond promptly, not responding is negative marketing of your business and something to avoid. You will however get invaluable information from your audience and recommended by all professional web designers.

Add a links page with links to suppliers or related websites, which expands on or complements your information. This may be a standalone page or may be incorporated into your product information page. Be sure to send courtesy notices to webmasters at the sites you link to as many times they will reciprocate a link helping to increase your traffic.

The Web is a powerful medium that offers many ways to enhance your business or organization, especially if you add interactivity to your content mix. Even consider creating information request forms, an on-line support channel to customer service and or a chat room where people can discuss issues or exchange tips with one another.

In the next article we will cover balancing creativity with functionality on your website. For further information or assistance with website content email sdarosa@mpgwebdesign.com or call 344-6889.