Essential Pages Your Website Must Have
I am still amazed that there are websites that don’t understand the need to include the basic essential Web Pages
1. Home Page
Most users, whether they find you via a search engine or your promotional materials (Leaflets, Print Advertising, Word of Mouth), will land first on your home page. So be sure that it has an appealing design and engaging sales copy or Call to Action. You won’t get more than a few seconds to make your case, as your visitors quickly determine whether you’re the solution they seek. Therefore, the words you use to describe your product or service, along with any relevant images, are key to the success of your website and your business. Your Home Page should accomplish three main objectives:
- immediately draw the visitor in with exciting benefits,
- show the visitor the options available for navigating around your site, and
- establish your credibility.
2. About Us
Your About Us page gives you an opportunity to let prospects who you are, what you do and what you can offer. It is one of the most important pages that is frequently visited. Don’t waste their time with doublespeak about your commitment to quality and your all-encompassing corporate mission. Empty words that serve no purpose for your visitors will have them clicking off your site. Think of this as your 3 minute (or elevator) pitch, to quickly and succinctly let a new prospect know why they should use your services & products and that you are a legitimate business
New Clients want to know answers to questions such as:
- Is the company large or small
- Is it local
- How long have you been in business
- Who runs it
- Where are you based
- Why is your company special
- What are your core values
- Why would I buy from you and not a competitor – “what’s in it for me”
3. Contact Us
Make sure that it is very easy and simple for a visitor to get in touch with you. You may have a preference eg email, or phone call. Even give an emphasis to your preferred method, however some users may prefer another method and you must allow for this, for ease of use for your visitors. Give ALL your contact information so that your visitors have a choice, regardless of whether you have a preference of how they contact you. Don’t make them search for it, make it obvious, put the phone number, Put in an email form that they can submit. Put in a map that shows your location if they want to visit your business. A physical address on this page inspires trust. Prospects want to know that you have a real location and are not just an email company. Some just want to deal with someone local. Don’t make visitors fill out a lengthy form asking personal information.
4. Privacy Policy
A Privacy Policy is essential in defining how the website operates, as well the policy on privacy regarding users of the site. The Privacy Policy defines such areas as gathering of any personal data, protection of data gathered, policy on “cookies”, how Ads may or may not appear and Privacy Policy changes
5. Terms of Use
This governs the terms and conditions of use of the website. All content, services and products available. It is essentially the “Agreement” that a user agrees to when they use your site. Another important point to note is that these Terms of Use also govern where any legal activity, however unlikely, will take place. This is usually where a business is registered or the owner resides
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