The first paragraph of this article provides a summary of the content. It discusses the common misconception among business owners that a flashy, technologically advanced website guarantees success. Despite investing heavily in their websites and attracting a significant number of visitors, they find that these visitors do not convert into customers or stay on the site for long. The article suggests that the excessive use of animations, music, flash, and other decorative elements may be driving potential customers away, as they increase download time and are not optimized for search engines.
Many businesses, both large and small, have fallen for the hype surrounding the latest technological advancements in web design. They desire a modern, cutting-edge look for their websites and often request features such as animations, music, flash, and other decorative elements. However, these features can be detrimental to their websites, potentially driving away potential customers due to increased download times and lack of search engine optimization.
In their haste to establish an online presence, businesses often overlook crucial steps in the process. They assume that because other websites use gimmicks like splash/intro pages, they should do the same. As a result, they choose design companies that design exactly what they want without focusing on marketing goals. These graphic design firms, while skilled in their field, may not understand that a website loaded with the latest technology does not necessarily translate into a functional online business platform.
When having your website designed, remember that your primary goal is to increase prospects and sales. Avoid design firms that believe all you need to succeed is to appear in search engine results and place banners. Be wary of designers who are new to the internet or who lack a professional copywriter or marketing person on their team. Also, avoid choosing a designer based solely on cost. Instead, opt for a marketing/design firm that understands the balance between form and function and can apply it from a marketing perspective.
Every design element, from navigation to color choice, fonts, graphics, content, and HTML code, affects your website's functionality and marketability. These elements not only influence potential customers but also impact search engine indexing.
When you're ready to establish your online presence, start with a business plan and strategy. If you're already online but your business isn't progressing as expected, consider requesting a website analysis. There are firms that can help identify areas of your online presence that need improvement. Lastly, keep an open mind to the suggestions these firms offer to make your internet experience profitable. After all, they have the experience to back up their advice.
Are you ready to be successful?
