Eleven things to consider when building a website...
publication date: Sep 26, 2007
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author/source: Darren Jarmin
Websites can be a fantastic way of generating interest for your business and - whether you intend to make one yourself or pay someone to do it for you - there are eleven things you must consider if you're to make the most of your site...
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One of the great things about having a website is that it enables people to browse anonymously before deciding whether or not to get in touch with you.
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One of the great things about having a website is that it enables people to browse anonymously before deciding whether or not to get in touch with you.
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If you're to get the best from your website, make sure that you consider the following ten points when you're at the planning stage:
1. Try to avoid putting lots of text on one page – not only does this take the focus away from what you are trying to sell, but potential clients will become bored of repeatedly scrolling down and move away.
1. Try to avoid putting lots of text on one page – not only does this take the focus away from what you are trying to sell, but potential clients will become bored of repeatedly scrolling down and move away.
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Instead, put a simple heading in bold that is only a few words long, but catches the eye – For example, if you are talking about your therapy and how it can help benefit someone, try putting, "Reiki – What can it do for you?"
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This heading catches the eye and draws people into the text below - which is where you can go on to explain about it further.
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This heading catches the eye and draws people into the text below - which is where you can go on to explain about it further.
2. Ensure that any information or logo you do use on your site is not copyright protected, or if it is that you have permission from the owner to use it. If you use a web designer, ask them to confirm - in writing - that this is the case.
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There is lots of software on the market that enables people to put their own information in, and then the software scans the internet for similar information. If you have copied someone’s words or images the software WILL find it!
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There is lots of software on the market that enables people to put their own information in, and then the software scans the internet for similar information. If you have copied someone’s words or images the software WILL find it!
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3. Try to avoid overpowering colours. Strong colours can often make your text difficult to read and take the focus away from the actual information. Flashing graphics can look great, but make sure they are relevant to what you are trying to promote, and they are not there just because you think they look nice as again, this will detract from what you are trying to sell.
4. Look at other therapists’ websites, write down the web addresses of ones that have elements you like, as well as those that you do not like. Doing this makes it really easy to re-visit them to remind yourself what you want to do/not do with your own site.
4. Look at other therapists’ websites, write down the web addresses of ones that have elements you like, as well as those that you do not like. Doing this makes it really easy to re-visit them to remind yourself what you want to do/not do with your own site.
5. ALWAYS check and re-check your spelling and grammar! Nothing looks more unprofessional than misspelt words and poor grammar. You would be surprised how many therapists spell ‘Complementary’ as ‘Complimentary’ (free) – it will not look good to a client if you cannot even spell your own title properly!
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6. Ensure every page on your website can be accessed from any other page easily. This means putting a list of your page links in the same place on every page so that people can move around your site easily.
Follow the ‘three click’ rule whic states that any visitor should be able to get from any page to any other page on a website within three clicks. If this isn't the case, then your website may be too confusing for someone to stay on it.
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7. Try to include as much information on your site as possible. Have plenty of different pages with each one just being used for a specific reason - for example, if you have a page titled ‘Reiki explained’, then only have information explaining Reiki on this page. This makes it easy for someone to navigate around your site. Remember a site that is confusing will encourage people to leave.
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8. Think to yourself, “If I were a potential client, what would I want to know?” - and make sure this important information is prominent.
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Of course, you will want to include the treatments you offer, prices, location, duration and most importantly your contact details!
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9. Focus on the benefits of your treatment(s) instead of just the features. For example “fully qualified reiki practitioner with many years' experience” is a feature. Look at things from your customer’s perspective to come up with benefits, such as: “You will have peace of mind of knowing that you are dealing with a professional, as I am fully qualified and have many years’ experience”.
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Always lead with the benefits, then use the features to clarify, as it’s the benefits that draw people in and get their interest.
10. Include links to other websites - you might want to speak to people in your network to agree to point visitors to each other’s sites to increase business opportunities.
11. If you are buying a domain name (such as www.towergatetreatments.co.uk) ask about using that domain name for an email address as well e.g. info@towergatetreatments.co.uk. This looks far more professional than using a hotmail or other free e- mail address for business. (Quantum members can buy discounted names through Obsidian Ltd. Find out more.)