Your Website Strategy

5. Making a Site Successful

Stick to a simple, clear design that delivers what your customers are hoping to find.

5.1 Provide an information service, not just an online catalogue.

• For example, Amazon.co.uk offers reviews and interviews, as well as a vast range of products for sale.

5.2 Use a news section to add impact.

• Grab people's attention by displaying news and offers on the first page of your site.
• Up-to-date news keeps your website fresh and may be valued by visitors.

5.3 Make visitors feel involved by asking for their opinions and respecting their interests.

• Include links to other interesting sites. Contact businesses offering products which complement your own and set up reciprocal links.
• Links can be coded to open up in a new window, so that people who follow them do not actually leave your site.

5.4 Make the site relevant to global audiences.

• Set up localised pages for key overseas markets, with details of dealers and prices.

5.5 Ensure your site is efficient, attractive and free from design glitches and spelling errors.

• Keep it simple. Cluttered designs with too many graphics take too long to download.
• Check that every link works. There are free online services that will check your site's links regularly.
• Test your site with all the major browsers including Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari and Google Chrome.