I've had a lot of requests lately on website designing. Just a few tips of the trade I'd like to offer, feel free to add your own in the comment section.
1. Always follow the K.I.S.S. mentality.
Keep
It
Simple
Stupid
Flash websites were revolutionary when they first launched. A splashy website certainly gave any new business "credibility." However, flash does not translate to mobile devices. With such a crazy spike in mobile usage, this cannot be ignored. If a web designer wants to build you a flash page, make sure there is a "skip intro" option so it can be viewed on a mobile device. However, I would avoid it all together - it's a bit past its prime.
I can't even begin to tell you how many emails I've received from people loving the layout of this website. I specifically designed this site to be easy to read, and as a portal of information that is pertinent to my readers. It doesn't take a long time to load, because people do not have the patience for that anymore! It's clear, concise, and simple. How quickly we forgot the basics of web design.
2. Social media integration
You absolutely must have a web presence. Must. Must. Must. Cannot stress this enough, if you don't do it - someone else will do it for you. Secure your URL on the most popular social sites, Facebook, Twitter (Myspace if you are promoting music). Have buttons built on your page linking all the appropriate sites per your demographic. This will also help with your search engine optimization, which a lot of people do not consider. With Google now crawling on tweets, it is the perfect way to flood the search engines with everything you! Take advantage of it! Your competitors certainly are.
3. Tracking, tracking, tracking
Your company does not need to understand social media, and SEO - that's why I have a job! However, it is important for you to hire a consultant, and make sure they are communicating your bottom line. Websites, and social media thrive for businesses only if they are able to communicate the message you are trying to send. If you are selling a product, are you driving enough traffic through social media to your website where they can purchase your product? Twitter followers are fantastic - showing growth and being able to sustain a following is wonderful, but is it translating to dollars?? Are you tracking to find out? Google analytics is a great tool for understanding and experimenting with new forms of tracking. Make sure every page of your website is coded appropriately, but leave this part up to the SEO- otherwise it will seem like jibberish. If you don't know your web stats, and just where your traffic is coming from - email me, and I can certainly help.
4. Know your demographic
Basics of marketing. Who are you selling to? Facebook has it down to a science to whom you can market to. 18-23 year olds who enjoy Desperate Housewives, like chocolate, and are looking for a new car. Think I'm kidding? Set up a PPC ad with them. It'll blow your mind the information that you have access to. Twitter is also the best way to get to know your audience. If someone in marketing had told me even 5 years ago that they could capture real time data on what people like, don't like, and are talking about in general; I'd say you were crazy! We have this AMAZING tool at our fingertips that most people sit there and shrug off saying, "who cares what you're up to!" Um, a LOT of people! You have the capability of tapping into the brain of your demographic. Use it!
Now go and make some money ... What are you waiting for?
Friday, November 13, 2009 at 5:00PM
