Using Your Company's Website to Win Repeat Visitors

Regardless of your product and service offering, your company's website plays an integral role in your online success. However, it is not enough to simply attract online users to your homepage; you must also offer valuable content and a user-friendly format to ensure that visitors return again and again. This article outlines some of the simplest, most practical ways to build a website that brings prospective customers back for more.A



If your website contains too many pages or is difficult to navigate, most visitors will abandon it rather than waste their time hunting. In addition to using an intuitive layout and functional links, you must also include access to a sitemap on every page of your website. This prevents users from becoming confused or lost as they hunt for the desired information.



Even if your products are highly advanced or technical, it helps to use relevant, high-quality images to add visual interest in the midst of large blocks of text. Choose images that are not too large, but that can also be viewed clearly; this keeps loading times as short as possible. It helps to update pictures frequently; users will be able to tell at a glance whether or not an image has changed since the last visit. If not, they may believe that your site has nothing new to offer in the way of fresh and interesting content.



Even the most beautifully designed website is unlikely to attract repeat visitors if it fails to engage, inform and delight prospective customers. Present information in the form of a blog, customer testimonials page, image gallery or resources page. Include only text, images and documents that are relevant, accurate, honest and current. While appearances aren't everything, it does help to present your content in an appealing format.



Whether you market to individuals or businesses, few customers can resist the allure of getting something valuable for free. Many companies provide e-books, printable worksheets and other downloadable resources free of charge on their websites. If your business offers lawn care and landscaping services, for example, you might put together an e-book that includes lawn and garden projects, planting guides and information about local nurseries and greenhouses. Offering a variety of tools for site visitors will make them more likely to visit your website and keep up with your company.



If you lack experience in web design and cannot afford to hire a professional, you may find yourself taking a trial-and-error approach. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, but it helps to seek input from your customers. Offer an outlet for site visitors and customers to provide feedback about your website, products and service. Welcome suggestions, inquiries and reviews and respond promptly and politely to each individual who contacts your business.



As the Internet brings more and more competitors into your industry, it becomes increasingly important to build and maintain a website that helps you to rise above the rest. All types of consumers are drawn to pages that can add value to their online experience and reward these companies with frequent visits and patronage. Design your website in a way that is both visually stimulating and beneficial to members of your target market; your business will be richly rewarded with a growing, loyal customer base.