What’s the real reason you need a Website?

Many people ring us up when they would like us to create a website for them, but, really… is it a website you are after? Does this sound like a silly question? Stick with me, I’m leading somewhere

In reality most people don’t want a web site per se… what they really want is increased sales, connection with customers, popularity, to get their message out ‘there’, or just to be ‘findable’ by people who are looking. The website is just the medium by which some of these goals will be achieved.

So, when the idea pops into your head that ‘you need a website’ have a bit of think about the reasons and tell your potential web developer what they are. For example, a website built to ‘increase sales’ might have a completely different design slant to a website designed specifically to ‘make your website popular’.

The reasons behind your need for a website are perhaps some of the most important details you can pass on to your web developer so let us know about them, and your website will then align with where you and your business are heading.

Looking for Search Engine Love

Often here at Webs of Noosa we are asked the question ‘How do I get my website to come up in Google Search Results’? Some people are often surprised that their existing website which they’ve had for many years now suddenly ranks nowhere at all in terms of search engine results.

Here’s the bad news folks. If your website is of the old static html variety, and it’s not particularly well put together, and you haven’t updated it in a long time, and the content on your site isn’t particularly compelling or relevant then Google (according to it’s own secret formula)  has probably figured this out, and no longer gives your site any love. Yes, you may have paid many thousands of dollars to your website years ago, you might love the way it looks, but it’s time to move on.

The world of the internet has changed rapidly, and these days you have to be actively doing something right with your website in order for it to ‘rank’ highly. Your old site probably won’t cut the mustard. It’s no longer enough to just whack up a basic webpage and expect the world to beat a door to your path.

In terms of search engines indexing your website content and ranking it highly the most important things to remember are that…

Search Engines love great content containing relevant keywords

Search Engines love websites that are built well using internet standards

Search Engine love content that every one else loves (ie people link to your site from other sites)

At Webs of Noosa we mostly build websites using Word Press and the great news is that out of the box WordPress is pretty well optimised to attract love from Search Engines.

If your old website is in the ranking doldrums, give us a call. A makeover for your website and its content using WordPress might be just what the Doctor ordered

Top tips for new website owners

Okay, so you’ve got a shiny new website for your business…now what?

These days your website is a vital a business tool. It’s just expected that you will have one. For many people a professionally presented website proves that you are a ‘real business’ as much as a listing in the yellow pages, an advert in the paper or a sign over the door of your premises.

Many people will google for your website just to check you out, to see that your business is ‘real’, and what you have to offer, even before calling you on the phone, so they can feel fully informed when they finally do make that call or drop you an email to make an enquiry.

So knowing that, what do you do next now you have your new website? Here are a few tips to get you started…

1. Include your website address on everything!

• Business Cards
• Business Stationary
• Invoices
• On your email signature
• Your product labels

2. Add your website address to your Yellow Pages listing

Include it in your ad, and if there is a special web link or web directory option add it there too.

3. Issue a press release about your website

If you can think up a newsworthy angle that introduces your website to the public then go for it. Also include your website in any press releases you create for other related subjects.

4. Tell your customers

Next time you send out a newsletter or catalogue include details of your new website, and don’t forget to mention it to clients on the phone.

5. Provide useful content

Your website is your chance to demonstrate that you are an expert in your field. Consider providing useful free advice on your website to add authority to your image, services and products, and also to encourage people to visit again and again. As people visit your site repeatedly they will begin to develop a relationship with your business.

and finally…

Keep your website tidy and up to date after its initial release. Customers do judge your business by what they see on your website. Update your site regularly and remove anything that’s old.

Starting to think about your new website or blog

So how do you get started?

You know you need a website but where do you start? How do you make sure that you create something that’s going to work for you? Lets get a pencil and paper and make a few notes.

Here are some questions to ask yourself…

Goals

What are your goals for your website? What do you want it to do for you? Brainstorm this. Write all your goals down and don’t analyse them too much, then, when you’ve got a good long list, prioritise them and make a list of the most important ones. This exercise will give you a vision of exactly why you are building a new website.

Example Goals:

• “When people type my business name into Google, they will find my website and then contact me”
• “To provide commonly requested information so that we can reduce our mailout and phone costs.”
• “To attract new customers internationally”

Audience

Who is your website for? Why will these people visit your website? Again brainstorm this, write a list and then prioritise this list into your most important audience groupings alongside the reasons why they will be visiting your web site.

Example audiences and reasons for visiting:

• New customers
  • Looking to find a supplier for the kind of services I sell
  • Comparing what I offer with other suppliers
• Existing customers
  • Need more information on the product they have already purchased
  • Considering buying more products

Content

Now you know your goals, the audience for your website and the reasons why they will be visiting, you need to now brainstorm a list of the content required to satisfy the goals of your website and the needs of your audience.

Example content

• Background information to show prospective customers that the services of my business can meet their needs
• Details of all the products in my business catalogue
• Details of how to buy my products

A good web designer will help you think about the goals, audience and content for your new website, guiding you through the process of creating a website that meets your business needs.

Content is king: Good reasons to give away free information

The good, the bad, and the downright ugly…

The Internet is full of content, some good and some not so good, however, truly useful well crafted content is still a valuable commodity, and web surfers actively seek it out to answer their wants and needs.

Like a shiny jewel, your carefully considered freely given advice is something that will be treasured (and bookmarked) by your customers and potential customers.

When you create your new business oriented website consider adding a section to it where you give away some of your expert knowledge for free (and on a regular basis) for the following reasons:

1. You become a recognised expert: If you write with authority on a subject for long enough, over time you will become recognised as an expert in your field, which can translate to respect in your industry and generate more confidence and value in the minds of your customers.

2. People will find you: Good original content is sought after and will attract people to your website.

3. It gives you feedback: Some content will be more popular than other content, and can give you an insight into unfulfilled needs.

4. Links from other websites: If other website owners feel your free content has value, they might link to it and in turn send more visitors your way.

5. It’s a great feeling to give back: Think about how much useful free information you use on the Internet. Now it’s your turn.