Transform Your Website Into an Online Business in 5 Steps

Most of us come across ineffective websites every day – how many times have you visited a website and abandoned the site almost immediately?

In too many cases, businesses make it difficult for their website visitors to engage with them and they, in turn, suffer the consequences… Below, are five steps that can help you ensure that your target customers have a positive experience on your website.

1. Lead with a Clear Message & Make Them Want to Learn More

Web users judge design and content before they commit to a deeper site visit. Most users leave in about five seconds if they have not connected in a meaningful way to the content or do not like the design. Therefore, it’s critical that site visitors instantly validate what your company offers or find the products/services they are seeking. Look at the lead statement on your home page. If you were to ask someone less familiar with your business to read the statement, would it give them a clear indication of what your company offers?

2. Provide Simple, Intuitive Navigation

Look at your website’s navigation and ask: “If I were one of our target customers, would I immediately know where to click to find important information on my site?” Use clearly-labeled navigation links that are understandable and relevant to your site. Then, apply this navigation in a consistent manner throughout your website. Consider conducting some usability tests with users less familiar with your business. Give them some basic tasks to accomplish on your site, and then observe them as they interact with your site. Is the navigation clear to them? Where do they struggle to find key information or action steps?

3. Offer Compelling Calls to Action

From each page of your website, visitors should be able to answer the question “what now?” Once they read about your products, services, or capabilities, they should be presented with prominent on-page calls to action such as:

• Request a Quote
• Ask an Expert
• Get Started
• Read a Case Study
• Find a Dealer
• Sign up for our Newsletter
• Watch a Video
• Follow us on Twitter
• Learn More
• Share via Social Networks

4. Maximize Your Website’s Reach on Search Engines

It’s critical to leverage the power of search engines to connect with customers. Therefore, research how your target markets search online for the products/services you offer. Use these words within the content of your website, particularly in page titles and headings. Also, look for opportunities to acquire links to your website from other sites. Consider engaging with a professional SEO firm to help you maximize your results and enhance your learning.

5. Measure Your Website’s Results

Using web tracking tools, you can evaluate the success of your website and identify areas for improvement. Google Analytics is a powerful, free tracking tool that provides detailed reports on your site traffic sources, keywords, conversion actions, and more. Look beyond the quantity of traffic and focus on the quality of visits. How many visitors are spending time on your site and taking meaningful actions such as:

• Completing a contact form
• Requesting a quote
• Placing an order
• Downloading information
• Signing up for a newsletter

Most importantly, adopt a mindset of continual improvement. Your website is never really “done”. It’s a dynamic marketing tool that should be consistently updated and improved.

Looking for a New Website with a Productive Online Marketing Campaign?

These days more than ever it pays to have a professional partner on your side. So, look no further than Bluestone Apps. We have been servicing clients since 1996. We’ve partnered with hundreds of companies from coast to coast and across the globe to develop successful websites that work. Contact us today at (615) 209-9680 and transform your website into an online money-making tool.