n390, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a web application and design consultancy. We specialize in implementing content management systems which empower our clients to create a rich and dynamic web presence.
Keep these guidelines in mind as you plan your website's layout and content.
This is not just a clever saying. It is critical if you want a successful and effective website. Your site will be one of many millions, and people get distracted easily and quickly. Keep them interested with fresh and entertaining content regularly. If you let the content go stale, then people will leave and may never return. Additionally, you must keep the content relevant to the overall mission of your site. For instance, don't waste time on cookie recipes if you are trying to sell vintage floppy disks.
Nearly everyone using the web starts at one of the major search engines to find what they are looking for. Your website should contain lots of interesting, relevant content that enhances the site's purpose which can greatly increase the chance someone will find you. Plan to post articles frequently and share your knowledge and experience with the community through mediums such as a blog, product reviews, or tutorials.
Be wary of SEO (search engine optimization) "gurus" who try to sell you what amounts to snake oil. An unscrupulous SEO expert will deliver short term gain at the expense of long term ruin. Page content is best when it's clear, targeted and useful. Incorporating keywords in the content is good, however, do not insert them too deliberately for the sake of having keywords in your content.
Consider these two examples:
GOOD: "Floppy Company has over one billion vintage floppy disks available and over a million different titles. Our vintage floppy disks are guaranteed by the seller to be genuine quality and of the specified vintage described."
BAD: "Floppy Company vintage floppy discs are vintage floppy disks available in over one million vintage titles. Our vintage floppy disks are guaranteed vintage floppy disks by the vintage floppy disk seller in their description in the vintage floppy disk catalog."
Each page of the site should follow a similar format. For example, pages start with a Title then the Body. Use consistent fonts, colors, iconography etc. to keep your site visitors engaged and interested to read more.
Pop-up windows and overzealous ads are annoying. Do not use these techniques.
Share and get noticed by using sites like Digg, del.icio.us, StumbleUpon, Facebook, Reddit, and many more. Social media sites are a fantastic way to leverage the coveted word-of-mouth and viral advertising that businesses salivate over.
Also, read and join blogging sites where you can gain insight into what people like and perhaps call attention to your own site. Get involved in communities and create one of your own if you have the time.