What should my web site say?

What are people looking for when they come to your site? Certainly your hours and your contact information. But people also want to know who you are and why you are different from your competitors. You have an opportunity to sell yourself here. Do not assume that people will telephone to get more information. These days, all pertinent information about your business should be on your web site.

How do you start planning a web site? There are two fairly distinct divisions to consider: The Way it Looks and What it Says

The way it looks is the first thing someone notices about your site. It includes the color scheme, the layout of the pages, where the menu is located and how up-to-date everything looks. Do you have photos? Are they good quality? Do you have wild and crazy neon flashing fonts? (please don't!) Fonts can make a big difference in the overall look of a site and should be given consideration. Google Fonts is a great resource for free, web-safe fonts.

The look gives the overall impression and should represent the way you want your business to be seen. Fun or serious? Modern or traditional? Colorful or spare? There are many decision to be made for the look, and the best way to figure out what you like is to pay attention to those details as you visit other sites on the web. Perhaps they are sites in your industry, and perhaps not. Try to make a note of the web addresses of sites you like, and what you liked about them.

What else can you add? The possibilities are nearly limitless. It just depends on what your business requires.

  • A calendar of events/classes/meetings
  • A photo gallery, of your store or an event that took place
  • A blog, which allows you to post timely updates about your group or business. It does not have to reveal your innermost thoughts unless you want it to. (See my Home page for more blogging suggestions)
  • Directions with a link to a Google map
  • Your restaurant's menu
  • Links to other sites or blogs related to yours

Gathering all of this information can be time-consuming, but when it is well done it will reflect well on your business. It is best to start on this process as early as you can. If you need help writing, ask me about copywriting services. Photos do not have to be professionally taken, but they should be bright and in good focus.

When we begin working together, I will give you a checklist of items you will need to put together.