Excellent Web Site, Clear Intent

n excellent Web site has clear intent. Yet many business Web sites don't 'know' what they want, and their intention is muddied as they try to be all things to all people. Here are five keys to help you cut through the chaos, focus your Web message and realize your goals.

1. Focus. Choose Your Niche

The Internet gives you global reach, but not everyone wants or needs to hear your message. The truth of the matter is that the online world is populated by niche markets, and is NOT one single marketplace at all, which means you must define your particular niche market to succeed.

Need to reach another niche? Then create another Web site. Don't create an online superstore - unless, of course, that's what you truly are.

2. Research. Think Like Your Target Customers

Once you've defined your niche, you need to know who spends time there and what they most want. Find out about your target customers by visiting the top sites in your market. To start, use a meta-search engine like Dogpile: http://www.dogpile.com. It's a fast way to define areas of customer interest, and learn what 'bait' your competitors are using.

If you want to catch fish, think like a fish. Not flattering, but true.

3. Define. Choose Your Emphasis

There are three types of Web sites:

a. E-Commerce - where the intention is to generate new leads and close sales.

b. Educational - in which content is gathered, organized and developed for a specific audience.

c. Communication - delivering key information to people in a private company or membership organization.
The question is, which one is yours? Perhaps it's a mix of types. In which case, choose your emphasis and manifest it strongly on your home page.

4. Realize. Organize Your Content

BEFORE you think about how your site will look, think about how it will work. What do you want to tell people first? Where do you want them to go, and what path do you want them to follow? Spend the time to map this out first - design later.

Your design should support your intent.

5. Refine. Grow Your Asset

Now you are ready to 'make it so', but: be open to change and refinement. Most business owners are not trained designers or copywriters. If this sounds like you... plan to invest in professional support to create a Web site that 'works'.

Follow these five steps to build a solid foundation for your professional Web presence. Your Web site is an asset that grows - starting now with clear intent empowers you to build your Web business substantially, and realize your potential online.

About the Author

Article by Scott T. Smith of Copywriting.Net Generate MORE sales with your Web site copy - For a free estimate visit copywriting.net or call 1.800.798.4471 (toll-free in the US).

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scott@infowriter.com
http://www.copywriting.net/