In order for your website to do its job, you first have to do yours.Building a website and throwing it up on the Internet is not enough to get you found. “Free” website building tools might get you a free 3 or 4 page site, but getting your site to show in search takes much more effort than that. Generally “free” website builders will charge for any add-ons which are necessary to enable your site to get found in search and for adding photo galleries, social media, blogs, etc. Professionally written content that includes keywords and phrases naturally throughout the web pages, social media, and link building are the ONLY way to get your site to show in search. “But isn’t that a lot of work”? You bet it is, but what good is a website if it can’t be found?
Content is an important factor in ranking on search engines.Search engines are now heavily factoring in the content on your webpages. Content being keywords and phrases
Is your website easy to navigate, attractive in appearance, and do all the links work?Web design dictates that a website must load quickly, be easy to navigate for the user, be uncluttered and attractive. The web designer needs to understand placement, color, and proper use of fonts. Monthly checks on links and repairing broken links quickly is vital to the health of your website. Pertinent information must be easy to find. Attention spans are short on the web, if you make your site too difficult for people to navigate they will bounce off and never return.
Do you periodically check your analytical data and adjust your strategy regularly?Let’s face it, Internet marketing changes quickly and your strategy must change along with it if you wish to keep people interested in your business. Doing a check of your analytical data is often an eye-opener to many, and will help you invest your time and dollars in the right places.
Should I manage my own website and Internet marketing or hire it out?That questions depends on the time you as a business owner have to spend, your level of marketing expertise, and your goals.
One final thought.Think of your website as ever changing. Let your site evolve along with your business. Upgrade the look and content often. Remember, your website is the only place on the Internet where YOU have control. Use your website wisely by properly creating a site that will serve you for years to come.