Does your Website provide a good user experience?

83% of consumers judge whether they are going to do business with you within the first 45 seconds of looking at your Website (Jupiter Research, July 2005). In most cases, the company Website provides your business’ first impression. You only get one chance to make it a positive one.

Audience Considerations

People generally search the Internet for specific items or information. They want to find what they are looking for fast. Consumers expect your Website to be organized and easy-to-read. If their experience doesn’t reach their expectations, they will get a negative impression of your business.

Website Visitors Don’t Read

In print material, people read in a linear fashion. In Websites, visitors skim pages looking for items relating to their needs. Web users are looking for conciseness. You can provide that by writing in an expanded outline format versus long paragraphs. Provide the conclusion first, and use sub headings to make your main points. Support each sub heading with a few sentences. Reduce your written content by using bullet lists, diagrams and pictures.

Personal Relevance

Never assume people read information on your Website just because you put it there. Consumers look for things on your Website that interest them, and filter out the rest. They want to know what’s in it for them.

Who is your Audience?

As you design your Website, consider your different audiences. As a writer, resist seeing the world through your eyes and try seeing it from your Website visitors’ perspective. What might you be feeling, thinking or wanting to know? What makes you feel welcome, understood and at ease? Conversely, what makes you feel alienated, stressed or afraid? How much is too much and how much is not enough?

You can learn more Website marketing strategies and how they can benefit your business by attending a half day seminar, “Elements of a Successful Website” by eBizResults, LLC. Contact Mike Pulvermacher at (920) 651-1376 for more information.

Mike Pulvermacher is the President/Founder of eBizResults, LLC, 1000 Oregon Street Suite A, Oshkosh (eBizResults.com). His team provides a variety of services including, Website planning, development, marketing, hosting, database application programming, search engine optimization and seminars.