| Whether you take the task of designing your website | | | | show visitors a little about you and your small business |
| on your own or decide to hire a professional web | | | | before they even contact you. |
| designer, there are some basic questions you should | | | | 4. Do you have examples of websites you like (or |
| ask before you begin. The answers you provide will | | | | don't like)? Spend time surfing for websites that draw |
| help you focus on developing a well-planned, | | | | you in -- or drive you away. A well-planned website will |
| well-organized website that brings and keeps visitors. | | | | provide a design and layout you can easily follow. You |
| 1. What is the goal of your website? This may seem | | | | want visitors to stay on your website and return often. |
| obvious -- to bring people to your business, of course. | | | | What is it about these sites that you like (or don't like)? |
| However, to get the most interest in your website, | | | | Use this information and apply what you really like in |
| provide visitors with something other than "here I am", | | | | the layout and copy of your web design. |
| especially if you are a small business owner. For | | | | 5. Who will be creating the graphics for your website? |
| instance, if you own an ice cream shop, your goal may | | | | Will your web designer research and create logos, |
| be to draw people into the shop with the unique | | | | photos, and graphics, or will you provide them ready to |
| variety of flavors you offer. If you are a fitness | | | | upload? Your new web design doesn't need to have a |
| instructor, you may want to provide health, exercise, | | | | lot of graphics, but it's appealing to visitors to have |
| and nutrition tips to your clients. A clear goal will help | | | | images placed within your website. It provides a visual |
| you and your web designer provide the final product | | | | break for visitors' eyes. How you provide these |
| you are expecting. | | | | graphics could likely have the biggest impact on the |
| 2. Who is your target audience for your website? By | | | | final product -- and final cost. |
| answering this question, you provide yourself or your | | | | 6. Does your copy incorporate relevant keywords, |
| web designer with valuable information. If you are | | | | phrases and links? Using keywords and key phrases is |
| providing a professional service then you'd be targeting | | | | one of the most important parts of copywriting for |
| business owners. If you are a pet supply company, | | | | websites. Using relevant keywords, and using them as |
| your audience is likely to be families. Knowing who | | | | links to other parts of your website, helps search |
| your target audience is will ensure the design of your | | | | engines find you. Ask others what keywords they |
| website provides the information the visitor is really | | | | might use to find your business, do some research |
| looking for, which in turn will draw them to, and keep | | | | using free Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools, and |
| them on your site. | | | | then write copy that incorporates the words or |
| 3. What personality do you want to project in your | | | | phrases you find. If you are using a web designer to |
| web design? If your small business is to board, train, | | | | develop your website, they can provide you more |
| and sell horses, you may want earth tones to reflect a | | | | information on using keywords. |
| more natural feel. If you sell electronic gadgets, you | | | | If you've answered these questions, then you're ready |
| might want a more dynamic, bright, and modern | | | | to begin designing your new website. Have fun and |
| personality that attracts a younger audience. The | | | | enjoy the results of a well-planned website. |
| personality of your website gives you the chance to | | | | |