Frustrated with your website? Try these 5 tips to optimize your website.
Think you could be getting more business with your website but don't know how? You most likely need to optimize your website. Optimization doesn't have to be complex but it is an ongoing process. Simply put, try something new, evaluate the results, adjust your website accordingly. Repeat. Before we start, there are a couple things you need to understand.
1. You're never done with your site. Website optimization is an ongoing process.
2. Remember: It’s not about you. It’s about your customers.
1. Add "trigger words" that excite visitors.
Refer to your products or services using the same words and phrases (trigger words) that your visitors use to find your site. According to research, when a visitor finds a trigger word on the first page they see, they’re compelled 72% of the time. If the trigger word isn't on the page, they’re compelled only 6% of the time.
Without that "scent", visitors will leave your website to continue their search at another that has the right "scent". Also, make sure your trigger words are highly visible by using them in headlines and links whenever possible.
2. Create compelling Call-to-Actions.
What do you want your visitors to do at your website? If you want them to fill out a form, ask them to fill out your form. If they’re ready to buy your product, tell them how. If you don't ask, you won't receive. Make sure to:
- Use wording for links that say what will happen when clicked.
- Make your Call-to-Action meaningful and concise.
3. Offer detailed and informative product images.
When you shop online don't you want to see informative product photos? Most people do. So why not give them what they want? It’s been proven that thoughtful product photos can dramatically increase visitors’ willingness to purchase online. Experiment with:
- Multiple product angles.
- The ability to zoom in on images.
- Showing products in all available options.
4. Create short and simple forms.
Forms that are intimidating or require unnecessary information drive visitors away. Don't ask for more than you need. Why ask for a phone number, fax and address when your visitor just wants to sign up for your email newsletter? Why not just ask for name and email? By asking for less info, you'll begin converting more visitors.
5. Make sure your web pages load quickly.
If you make a visitor wait more than 4 or 5 seconds for your website to load, they'll leave and never come back. Not only do visitors not appreciate waiting but search engines penalize slow websites.
For fast loading web pages make proper use of css and image optimization. If you find that you've done all the proper things and your pages still load slowly, it may be time to start looking for a new internet service provider (ISP).
Implementing these tips will increase your website's effectiveness.
Spend time thinking about what your website offers visitors when they land on your site. What questions do they have? What words do they use to describe your product or service? The key to a great website is capturing your visitor's attention quickly and directing them to the info they were looking for as quickly as possible.
Written by Heath Meyette of Think Tank Designs.
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