5 Website Basics

1. Put your contact information in a prominent location. Treat your website like an electronic version of the business card you give out when you want to make it easy for someone to remember you and get in touch.

2. Don't let graphic elements interfer with the ability to find the information. The person looking at your site wants to find what they are looking for easily and quickly.

3. Aim the content of your site at your visitors. If your visitors want to buy a pair of shoes, make it extremely clear that you're there to sell them shoes. Don't make them read about your founder's philosophy of shoe comfort when what they want is a size chart or a shopping cart.

4. Be sure your content is customer friendly. If you're trying to appeal to the general public, keep your copy brief and to the point. People tend to scan text on the web, so boldface lead-ins and bulleted lists are excellent ways to present information that catches the eye.

5. Keep it simple. You want to be sure your visitors get the information they're looking for, but you don't want to completely overwhelm them. Start out modestly and only add depth when visitors and/or new products and services demand it.