Tips For Setting up a Business Website

Every business needs a website. Without it they are turning their back on so many customers and no business should be doing that. Setting up a website is not that difficult and many companies that host websites are going out of their way to help. There are four main areas that you need to consider before you do anything though.

The Website Address.

The address or domain or URL is key to you being found online. Also you want an address which you can easily give out and people will remember. Most businesses would go with their name, obliviously. If you have an established business and your name is well known already then your business name is ideal.

However there is a case for not going with your name. For example, if you're a one person business making cakes near to where you live I would say name is not your best option. Rather than your name think about going with Crewe-Cakes, assuming your business is in Crewe! This name would stand out in a Search List. It anchors you to an area, but that's not an issue as your cakes would go off if someone in Leicester ordered them. The address gives a level of respectability that your business name may not, also as searches become more aimed a searcher's location the address would shine out in your area of the world.

You are no longer limited to .co.uk either. A whole host of addresses have been released. Maybe .shop or .London would be ideal for your website.

Take your time and settle on an address you really like and are happy to give out. Once chosen it is very difficult to change.

The Content.

People think websites are all about graphics and standing out. That might be the case with people, but it's not the case with Search Engines. Unless you are telling people your address they are more likely to find you through a Search Engine. So it's important to please the SearchBots which are crawling over your site.

Search Engines Love Text!

To please Google SearchBots you should aim for at least 400 words on a page. If you are the owner of Crewe-Cakes then mention the word 'cake' a lot. Don't think you are being clever by using 'pastry' or 'tart'. Sure mention 'fairy cake' if that's your speciality, in fact, have a whole page with 400 words about them. The important thing is to think about what people type into Google to find your product or service. The text you type has to make sense though. It's for people and Bots!

Finally on content think extras. It is usually the extras that get people to your site. If you want to reduce paper usage include a Tips page and let people vote on them. If you bake cakes put up some recipes or a how to organise a party guide. Blogs and YouTube videos are also popular.

The Design.

The web is all about look, so your design is important. You can go with a basic design though and then develop after you find your feet. The good thing about a website is a redesign is relatively simple. Do not be held back thinking your design is not up to spec. It may take 6 months before you start appearing on some Search Engines. So getting registered and text for them to search is the key thing here.

The best approach is to have a look at other sites. If there is a design you like have a think about what you like about it. If you do not like it think about why not. Develop a list and see what comes out of your research. Even if you are going to a web designer it better to come up with your own ideas. You do not just want a standard website off them, you want a site you are happy with.

Contact Us.

How are your customers going to get hold of you?

Within this section I'm including social media too. Facebook and Twitter may even be your only form of contact.

If you have a business postal address you should put it on the footer of each page, with your company number if you are registered. Having an address make people more confident that you exist. As will a telephone number.

How much contact information you put on your site depends on your service too. If people are immediately downloading something off you they will be less concerned about your location. If you are a contractor selling your knowledge it's good to include photographs of yourself.

People see Twitter as a form of constant communication. So if you link to it and only have two tweets in the last 3 months people will wonder of you are serious. A Facebook page can be updated at a slower pace though. Do not forget this is your business account though. Keep posts relevant and professional. Some of the best things to post are links to relevant stories or surveys. With a quick comment of your own. Try not to post links to your competitors though!

You may decide to have a form on your site so you get the information you need. If you do keep it to a minimum. If you ask for more details than people think are necessary they will give up and click away from your site.

Once you have those four areas covered you will be in a strong position to launch your website. You should think of your site as a shop window, not as a bouchure. It's good to refresh and keep thing up-to-date. In fact your first page should be designed with a section that's easy to change. Your secondary pages are then used to show off products and knowledge.