WEBSITE QUALITY
Review the website for quality content. The information should be presented in simple, concise and practical language, with particular attention paid to good grammar and correct spelling. Ensure that the navigation is simple.
Your website branding, appearance and usability are a reflection of your business, so make sure to have good design and strong functionality.
SERVICE AND RESPONSE
It is good business to provide a way for customers to contact you, either by phone, email, or through a contact form. Have processes in place to respond to inquiries when customers contact you. Make sure that orders are filled properly and promptly, with the least possible inconvenience to the customer.
Here is a look at where website visitors come from and how to maximize each traffic channel:
Direct visitors – These are people who type in your domain name and go directly to your website. Three key tactics are regularly used to increase direct visitor traffic:
Memorable domain names – Choosing the right domain name to represent your business online can have a significant impact on visitor traffic. An existing business should generally try to use an established name as its domain name. For example, Joe’s Beach Pails should obtain a domain name such as joesbeachpails.ca or joesbeachpails.com. By doing so, Joe is taking advantage of the branding that his company has achieved. People who are already familiar with the real world Joe’s Beach Pails company will easily remember the domain name, which will make locating the website more intuitive.
Offline advertising and promotion – Business cards, postcards, traditional direct mail, newspaper ads, flyers, giveaways and brochures that feature a domain name are all excellent ways to promote a website. A good marketing campaign will use a combination of offline advertising techniques to direct a potential customer to your website where you can display more detailed sales information and encourage the visitor to make contact or to buy.
Viral marketing – The premise of viral marketing is that there is nothing quite as valuable as a friend’s referral. On the Internet it is quick and easy to let someone know about a great website, company or product. Like a virus, a good idea can be spread at an incredible rate, passing from person to person and steadily increasing awareness of your website. By turning your own customers into sales agents, your business can implement viral marketing as an effective, inexpensive promotional tool.
Visitors who find you through search engines – Most people find websites through the help of a search engine or directory, so it is important that your website be properly listed and accessible to users.
Search engine services: Since listing a website can sometimes be a complicated process, you may find it easier to hire a business that specializes in search engine submission and website optimization. When you do, it is a good idea to check into the business’ deliverables, follow-up services, customer service and track record.