Three Keys To An Effective Web Site

Today, most serious businesses have a Web site. And each day, thousands of new sites join the ranks. So how do you stay ahead of that kind of competition?

Redesign To Stay Relevant
Web sites have the same shelf-life as print and broadcast advertising commercials. Very seldom do you see the same ad run longer than several months? You'll see the same product, but the packaging changes because times change, issues change, public consciousness changes, and the way people research and judge businesses or buy items changes. If businesses are not updating their materials or message, they are shortchanging themselves and will eventually be overtaken by smarter, more aggressive competitors.

The new competitive edge is to redesign and update your Web site in order to stay relevant to potential customers.

And these customers are no longer down the street or across town. They're worldwide and they’re creating a large pool of wealth for businesses that take their Web site seriously and do what’s necessary to connect with people. The Internet has erased state and country borders and has created a global economy that gets more technically savvy each day.

When potential customers surf the Internet, the first impression they get from your Web site is its design. Much like a storefront, it’s either attractive and professional, or it’s shoddy and questionable. A powerful Web site design creates a sense of trust and respect between you and your on-line visitors. The site explains its purpose clearly and quickly, and why a visitor should spend time browsing it. The client has to be able to say with little doubt, “This is a place where I can do business.”

Search Engine Optimization
The growth of the World Wide Web continues at a phenomenal pace. And that explosion is quickly changing the way people shop for items or information. The World Wide Web has truly made us one economy, one world.

Whether it's a product, service, issue or cause that you want customers and potential customers to know about, you'll need to rank high in major search engine results or become a victim of "search fatigue" because you're buried on page 8 or 18, where most people never tread.

It is paramount that your Web company specialize in Search Engine Optimization so your business is listed on the first or second page of a search. This tactic ensures more eyeballs see your site than your competitors. "Eyes on screens" is the name of the game when it comes attracting new customers. Your Web company also must be dedicated to studying the major search engines to stay in tune with new algorithms and search methods that deliver top rankings.

Experience
Almost anyone can build a Web site these days, so your best bet is to find an experienced company that has built hundreds of successful sites -- someone who’s seen it all and has the knowledge to prove it. They should have a good understanding of Web marketing, e-commerce applications, data management, and e-mail marketing.

A broad background in Web design could include: computer companies, medical groups, trade industries, financial management firms, E-commerce businesses, auto retailers, software companies, real estate companies, architectural firms, engineering companies, military contractors and many other businesses. Experience like this ensures your Web company understands the world of business, the economy and buyer's habits. It provides a great competitive edge over the business using a run-of-the-mill Web designer.

Rick Vidallon is President of Visionefx, a Web design company based in Virginia Beach, Va. They provide services to national companies as well as small to medium businesses throughout the United States. Rick can be reached at (757) 619-6456 or www.visionefx.net.