GDI provides you with your internet address for life, which can be home to your website. Your website builds your reputation online and defines your online identity, so you want it to represent you well. But what makes for a great website? Read on for the basics, then get working on your internet address for life.
Information
For a website to be useful, your website needs to provide something–a service, a product, a story. Information on how to take advantage of this is key. If you’re selling a product, be sure to inform your website visitors about its benefit, price, and how they can get it. If you’re selling a service, provide the same information. Telling a story? Provide information as to why this story is important. Make sure all of this information is easy to find. If your visitor can’t find this on your website quickly, you will quickly lose them.
Navigation
Now you’ve got great information on your website, but how do people get to it? Navigation is key to people staying on your website and getting the best use of it. This means having appropriate menus and menu titles. It’s a good idea to have menu titles that include: about, products/ services, and contact. Other titles may be necessary, but these are the basic needs of any website. Don’t mislead with your menus titles. Visit some of your favorite websites and see how the navigation works, then apply this to your site.
Images
The right images can keep people engaged with your website. Add images where it makes sense. Show people your product. Include an image of yourself or your team in the “About Us” section of your website. Try to use the best quality, high resolution photos you can find. A poor quality image will make you look unprofessional and will cause people to leave your website.
If you aren’t using your own images, make sure you have the rights to use ceraint photos on your website and provide credit and attribution when needed. Looking for photos to use on your website? Try Creative Commons—just be sure to check the rules and rights of the image before you use it on your website.
Content
As we’ve said in many posts, content is key. Content is a lot like information, but with an emphasis on quality. Information provides the basics of what your website visitors need to know, but content builds the story. Good content should be keyword rich and interesting. This should be stories that support your business, share your success, and display your unique knowledge. Stuck on what kind of content to create? Think of what you enjoy reading or what kind of websites you like. Then try to create content that mimics this.