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Five
steps to Internet success
How can you build a better
website? It's a critical question demanding a thoughtful response
-- because these days, the Internet is an important communication
and/or operational tool for companies everywhere. Wind-Net's
experience suggests successful websites are created by following
these five simple rules:
- Survey
your clients, both external (i.e., customers) and internal
(e.g., your staff). Only with their input can you determine
the correct objectives and design of your site.
- Plan
out your website by phase. By breaking the project into
smaller pieces you can spread out your costs over time.
- Test
your site: Before "going live," ask employees who haven't
worked on the project review and comment on the site. Then
obtain reviews from some of your most trusted clients. Don't
pay lip service to their feedback -- act on it!
- Invest
at least 30% of your website costs in promoting your
site to potential visitors -- only with users will your
Web investment pay off. As with any marketing initiative,
be sure your promotional efforts target your desired audience.
- Grow
your site. Keep your Web content and appearance fresh;
add features as they become desirable and, just as important,
feasible. To determine if your site is staying up to scratch,
follow this rule of thumb: if clients see no value in returning
month to month, then your site is stale -- and traffic will
plummet.
Wind-Net can offer many more specific recommendations for
creating and maintaining a successful website. If you'd like
to discuss your existing site or want to start from scratch,
please don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
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