About that blank canvas...now that you are set up and ready to
go, what should you put on your Web site?
The possibilities are endless, but our best advice to you is to
start simply. What are the things that you absolutely must have?
What defines your business? What are your goals for the site?
Let's look at Bob's Widget World as an example. Bob has a small
business that sells widgets, and he wants to gain more business by
using the Internet. What does Bob need to put on his page?
Widget World Logo - Branding, branding, branding!
Customers should instantly recognize Bob's business when they land
on the Widget World Web site. The site is yet another
"storefront."
Business and Contact Information - Bob should provide
clear information about what and where Widget World is located, what
the business does (what's a widget?), and how to get hold of real,
live people at Widget World with any questions and comments the
customer may have.
Special Promotions - Bob should highlight products and
services, promotions, and sales in prominent places on the site. If
possible, he should include photographs and images of the actual
products. Graphics should be eye-catching and professional.
Products and Pricing - Bob should list all products
available on his site (we recommend a link to a "product page"). If
possible, he should include clear images of each product. Thumbnail
sketches (small sized photos) that can be enlarged work well. It is
also more customer-friendly to provide pricing where it is easy to
find.
Purchasing Information - Making it easy for the customer
to order the product that interests him or her is certainly in Bob's
best interest. Widget World may be e-commerce enabled to the point
where complete transactions can actually be carried out online.
However, if it is not, online forms are another good option. With
electronic forms, the customer simply gets the e-form from the
Widget World site, enters the correct data, prints it out and mails
it in with payment.
Channel for Feedback - It is important for Widget World
customers and potential customers to be able to provide feedback to
the business. Bob can use the feedback to improve and grow his
business. A section on his site should provide, if not an e-mail
link, at least an e-mail address to respond to.
Customer Assistance Information - If a customer has a
problem or question, Bob wants Widget World to have a reputation for
responding immediately. The best way to ensure a quick response is
to reduce the number of questions. The best way to do that is to
compile a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section on the site.
Okay, now that we know what sections should be included on a
basic Web site, what are the guidelines for writing for the Web and
using graphics and images effectively?
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Start simply
The Internet is a dynamic medium -- you can make changes at any time!
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