Ending the Confusion Can Bring In More Sales

With all the websites Ive visited during my time on the Net, I am still amazed to find one very common and widespread problem. Focus - or the lack of it. One of the most basic aspects of designing and writing copy - and it is costing website owners everywhere big time in lost sales.

This may sound like an "idol threat," but it is a hard, cold fact of Web life. Statistics have proven time and time again that you have roughly five to seven seconds to get the attention of your visitor. If you dont let them know immediately what you do and how you can benefit them, your competitors site is just one mouse click away.

When your site design and copy dont work in harmony with each other the result can mean the passing over of your site in favor of one that is more self-explanatory. So back to the basics we go. How do you pool the design and copy elements and create a site that lets the visitor plainly see who you are and what you do? Here are a few tips.

1. Never assume. While you may fully understand who you are, what you do, and why your product or service can save the world, chances are your site visitor will not. After all, thats why they need you. If they had a complete understanding of what you offer, they would be able to perform the task themselves. Take the time to clearly state the purpose of your site, the benefits of your product, and what you can do for your visitors.

2. Give directions. Again, this goes back to never assuming. Dont believe for a minute that Web surfers (who travel at the speed of light) are going to read every single word of your ordering instructions. When you want a visitor to download an ebook, move to a new page, "click here" to order, etc., be sure to make your directions obvious.

3. Be bold. For important functions, get bold with your design elements. If you want your visitors to call you for a free consultation, make very sure your phone number leaps out at them. Dont hide it in plain, black type in the middle of your copy. Want them to sign up for your newsletter? Have your subscription box high on the page, and in colors that will be easily noticed. Want them to order? Give them a large button using a contrasting color so they dont miss it in their haste.

4. Dont be flashy. While flash can be an exciting addition to a site, it should never comprise the entire index (home) page. Over 85% of Web surfers say they always skip flash intros. On sites that do not offer a "skip flash movie" link, the visitor leaves immediately. Those are some strong numbers. While flash can be used in moderation to effectively make a point or highlight your companys focus, be careful not to overdo it. Statistics show that the vast majority of your visitors will leave before theyll sit still for an entire flash presentation.

The best bet overall? Write and design your site in an effort to answer the five Ws: who, what, when, where and why. Taking the time to make sure your visitors have a clear and immediate understanding of who you are, what you do, and how you can help, will result in more sales or responses for you.

Ashley Brice © 2002

About the Author

Got lots of traffic but few sales? Let Website Critique.com point out the trouble spots and show you how to fix them. Not more marketing guru mumbo jumbo. Ashleys "customers point-of-view" approach will give you new insights into how to transform your site into one your visitors will love - and buy from! Stop losing sales. visit website-critique.com today.

Ashley@website-critique.com
http://www.website-critique.com