Tips for adding content
Depending on your business and the type of Web site you are building, you should already have an idea of the sort of content you will be including on your site.
Listed below are some low-cost or no-cost tips to keep in mind as you begin to create the content and personality for your Web site. As you become more familiar with the Internet, you’ll probably add more ideas to this list.
Take advantage of hypertext links
This is one way to encourage people into your site and keep them there. Hypertext links (or linking) is the process of highlighting a pertinent idea or word in your documentation and cross-referencing it with similar content on another document. This process also saves your customer time in helping them find related articles or points of interest.
Create Web relationships with industry partners
Think of ways you can add value (and content) to your site by seeking out existing partners in your field and developing Web pages or Web promotions together. A two-way linking relationship (a mutually agreed upon link to each other’s site) should also be considered. By linking with a few key websites you can provide your customers with additional information while, at the same time, receiving new visitors to your site.
Consider holding contests or sweepstakes
Holding a contest periodically will maintain customer interest and draw people to your location.
Use forms to obtain information
In addition to providing written context and pictures, your site should have at least one form that customers can fill out in order to:
- Request information on a new product or service
- Sign-up for a new or existing program
- Ask a question
- Leave comments about your website
Use testimonials
If you have a customer who is happy with your product or service, then ask them if they would become a testimonial for you.
Develop games
Think of new ways to present information, a gaming format perhaps.
Offer e-mail
Make certain your customer can contact you in a variety of ways. Offer them a telephone number, a fax number, a street address and an email address.
Graphic tips
For the best results, use clear, crisp images that focus on a single subject rather than multiple subjects. Avoid pictures or graphics with a lot of dark or extremely bright tones. For instance, details contained within black, brown, yellow or white may not appear on the screen well.
Avoid excessive use of graphics, pictures, icons or line art that will slow down your customer¡¦s loading time. If you can make your point without the constant use of images, do so.
