This…is obvious.

But that’s not my point. The real point, is what is YOUR website FOR?

Most clients don’t take the time to stop and ask this question. Because the internet is…the internet and technology is so wonderful, most people think that they need to be online simply because they need to be online. And most people put a website up without thinking of the real purpose of the website.

It’s easy to put a e-commerce site up, it’s easy to put an informational site. But thinking about the true purpose and workflow of the site is the most important aspect you can have.

How do I want people to look at the site, and where do I want them to go? This is not just because you want them to buy something, but also typically to give them a solid reason TO buy. Most sites now a days have a form of testimonials, giving the customer a reason to feel safe. Or has a solid direction of why you should buy the product, or a reason for you to click on the next page.

The internet being what it is and being so fickle, you can’t engage customers soon enough. And it’s basic to make sure that they stay engaged within the first 20-30 seconds of landing on your page.

What I often tell clients is to make a flow chart. It doesn’t have to be very technical-that’s what we do, but it does have to have a way that you want to engage your audience. If you want your customers to buy, then you need to give them a good reason to buy. This is actually marketing 101, but as many small business owners know and don’t know, the ability to sell the product or service is first and foremost the most important thing and the next most important thing is making it easy for your customers to purchase. And this also tells you what you want to add to the website to make it worthwhile. Would a video help? An animation? If not, then don’t add one or don’t let someone sell you on one.

So the next time you think about your website or are in for a redesign-another thing that is important IF you use your website a lot, think about the way that you want people to look at the site and how they engage, and then think about the best ways to serve them. It will save you tons of time and frustration when creating something new.