It is a modern, electronic business card, only able to deliver potentially huge amounts of up-datable information.
Building a website does, however require commitment and updating. But if your prepared to be patient, listen to advise and most importantly, help the website developer by providing the content for your site, you will achieve results.
You do need to plan your site, but remember a website can be updated quickly and they do evolve. Search engines review content approximately every 4 weeks, so if your building an new site, don't expect instant results.
Initially you'll have to promote the website, either on your marketing material (Business Card, leaflet or flyer etc) or at networking events. Or try an e-shot to your current customer base asking them to take a quick look at your website and provide some feedback.
Over time, by adding more content, which has been optimized for search engines (see our Top Ten web page optimisation tips) your site will move up the rankings and the visitors will increase. By submitting an XML sitemap, you will be further helping search engines to find your site and it's content.
Once the viewer is at your site, the layout and design needs to be easy to use, informative and offers the chance for the viewer to interact with you. This is known as a "call to action", such as a 'request a call back', 'buy now' or 'register' as a member.
Finally, by adding Google analytics to your site, along with Google Webmaster Tools, you and the web developer can review the site to see what is working, what needs tweaking and what should be scrapped.
Remember too, if you remove a page, make sure it is redirected to another relevant page, rather than the viewer seeing a 'page cannot be found' error message.
If you need more help with developing your website, fill out the form on the Website Quotes homepage, or contact LW design.
LW design Ltd is a surrey based company specialising in graphic design, website design and website development