The building blocks of a business website

Many people starting an internet business are overwhelmed by the number of choices that exist regarding what their website should look like and how it should function. Advances in web programming and the proliferation of reliable web authoring software make it possible to do almost anything with today’s website. In a previous post on business website design , we considered the pros and cons of template vs. custom design and described the fundamentals of a business website, ie, Home, About, and Contact pages. We’ll now discuss the basic building blocks which every website needs to satisfy visitors and encourage return visits.

Block One. Website content must be clearly focused on the ‘value proposition’. This means that, at a quick glance, your website must address what kinds of products and services are offered, how these products and services will be of benefit, and what is the promise for reliability and customer support.

Block Two. Information on the site must be relevant to the business. Limit web page text optimization to a few keywords and keyphrases. In this way, the website remains focused on the product and will rate higher in search engines.

Block Three. Provide information appropriate for the intended audience. It’s not a good idea to make your website everything to everyone. Direct your website copy to those people who will most likely be interested in your product or service.

Block Four. The website must be user-friendly. This means simple, reliable interface and navigation, easy link identification, and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Block Five - Website design layout, text and graphics should support efficient and easy search engine indexing.

I haven’t told you anything you couldn’t have figured out on your own. The point is not to get inundated by the numerous options that exist for website design layout and not to make poor decisions when faced with inherently bad design, even though it may look cool. Stay focused on the task at hand – building a usable, profitable website.