Web site construction and layout.
This section covers the pages a website should
have.
WebMaster Tip: Never
put your visitors more than 3 "clicks" away from their
destination.
Necessary pages
The primary page on your website is the
"Home" or "Index" page.
This is used to present your product to the world and must be
concise and to the point.
WebMaster Tip: Do NOT use a
"Splash" page. Have your site open on the main page.
Why put your visitors another click away from the information they
are looking for?
I know you are proud of your logo. We all are. But the sad truth is
......NO ONE CARES.
If your products/services warrant it, link them to a page (or pages)
that shows them in more detail.
Products/services on this page should also be linked to a shopping
cart system.
A "Buy Now" button works
wonders.
How many times have you been to a website, became interested in
their product and couldn't (easily) find a way to buy it?
Next comes an "About Us" page.
The more detail the better. Tell the visitor about
your company structure, qualifications, and location. Provide
primary, detailed, contact information.
WebMaster Tip: Use this page to build customer confidence. Visitors
give more credence to online businesses that show the people
involved in the business.
I make it a policy to NOT purchase from a website that does not
provide full contact information. The more the site owner tells me
about himself and his business, the more likely I will be to buy.
This applies to major manufacturers as well as smaller
"niche" websites. I expect to find easy access to at least
one email address. Also appreciated is websites that have
"Instant Chat" options.
This option has been of great help to me as a consumer.
"Privacy Policy" page
If you collect visitor information in any form,
post a privacy policy page that assures visitors that you will not
sell, rent or otherwise share the information they enter. Explain
how to unsubscribe to your offer.
"More Information" page
Use a "More Information" page with a
form for visitors to make requesting information easier. If you
offer several services/products, consider a form for each.
"Frequently Asked Questions" page
If your product/service warrants it, a
"FAQ" (Frequently Asked Questions) page is a help for
visitors seeking further information.
Finally, a "Testimonials" page to build
further visitor confidence.
WebMaster Tip: Do NOT use testimonials that are signed with
untraceable names. Make sure that the visitor can confirm that the
testimonial is real.
Obtain permission from the authors of the testimonials
before using them on your site.
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