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Tips for a Successful Website

Nowadays it seems that everyone thinks they know everything about the web. People seem to think that web design is "easy" when it comes to designing, building and optimizing a successful website. Not to mention getting users to convert once they find your site. Aztek is one of the oldest Cleveland web design firms around, so we know our fair share of how to build, not only a good looking website, but a successful one that drives traffic and converts your visitors into customers. Below I will outline some basic tips that need to be considered in order to have a successful website.

Clean up your content.

A number of websites try to smash too much information onto one site. A site with too much information can make it hard for a visitor to find what he/she is looking for. This can frustrate a user and can even lead to them leaving your site to find another. This is not what you want your visitors to do. Another issue with too much variety in your content/information is that it may hinder a site's ability to rank well in the search engines since these bots simply can't place the content. You can't be all things to all people. You need to clean up your content and focus on the important areas for your potential customer. Create strong landing pages for this content to help your users find it easily. 

Stand out from your competition- find your niche.

You need to offer something that nobody else does, especially your competitors. This also applies to your optimization strategy. Why aim for the ultra-competitive keyword when you can target the long-tail, more niche keywords. These are the types of keywords that will drive very qualified traffic and help your site stand out.

Have a strong overall design.

Some times, not only does your content need a clean-up, the design does as well.  You can optimize your site as much as you want but a site that isn't appealing to users won't assist in the conversion process. Ranking number one in the search engines doesn't mean much if the traffic a top ranking can bring doesn't convert into customers.

Get the backend in order.

If you want a profitable and well ranking website, all facets of the site need to be in tip top shape, even the technical and application development side. This includes: your CMS (Content Management System), site speed, use of frames, etc. It is essential to analyze all technical parts of your website in order to have a successful one. It is also essential to make sure that you have reliable website hosting so your site is always up and running properly.

Don't be stubborn. Your site is not for you, it's for your users. Period.

You can't get caught up in what YOU want on your site- that is stubborn and not productive in the least bit. You can't push elements onto the site that only fit your needs and wants. You must consider what your visitors (potential customers/clients) need and want from your site. This must play a part in the design of the website as well as in the optimization of the site. Optimize your site for keywords that users are searching for. Focus on your users, not what you want or think is most important. This is not a time to be stubborn. 

Let the right people do the job.

It is foolish to believe that one site owner can handle all aspects of a website- technical programming, content development, overall design, search engine optimization, etc.  Let the strongest people on your team do what they do best. Don't try to take it all on yourself. You will get better results when you delegate each task to the best person for the job. 

Don't surprise your visitors. Let them know what to expect.

Don't trick your potential customers into visiting your site and then deliver something completely different. You should go out and provide potential visitors with a taste of what to expect when coming to your site. This can be accomplished through accurate title tags and descriptions, social media interaction and other online marketing.

Stand out with quality.

When building/designing/running a website, don't be sub-par. Aim for high standards- don't settle. Running a successful website is hard work and requires a good deal of attention. But if you put your best foot forward when it comes to quality, you will have a better chance of success.

It takes alot of work and dedication to build and maintain a successful, profitable website. What you decide to put into your website, is what you will ultimately get. If you put quality work into your website, you will have a quality website. The decision is yours.