Sunday, November 17, 2013

Websites That Work - 7 Key Factors (Part 2)

Last week, in Part 1 of this article, we discussed the first three key factors to an effective website: (1) the name of your site, (2) the subheading, and (3) the opt-in box. In this part, we’re on to key factors numbers four through seven.

While the first three elements are the most important, the following elements help to make your website visitor friendly.

An Effective Website - Key Factors Four through Seven

4. The ‘About Me’ or ‘About Us’ Page

Let the visitors know who you are with an About Me Page. This is especially important on sites that do not use the site owner’s name as the title. There are so many sites where a visitor needs to search to see who the site belongs to – it can be a bit frustrating, as well as a waste of the visitor’s time. There are even some sites that do not offer this information.

Along with the names of the site’s contributors, you should let the visitors know what the site is about, what they can expect from the site, what information will provided.

The About Me Page should include a bio along with any pertinent schooling and/or training. Most visitors want to know who is posting the content and what qualifies them to offer that particular information.

Providing this information allows the reader to develop a relationship with you.

5. The Media Page

You do need to create a Media Page. This page will tell visitors what you’ve written and other qualifications that make you an expert in your field. You should also include your books, reviews of your work, brief synopses and possibly excerpts, links to the sales pages, testimonials and awards, links to interviews others have written on you, events/workshops you’ve presented, your appearances, and links to all your other sites.

6. The Contact Page
Your contact information needs to be available. This means having a Contact Page that offers a contact form, or your email address. A visitor may have a question, comment, or request for your services; you want that visitor to be able to know how to reach you.

7. The Resource Page

Probably the second most important factor that will make visitors find your site valuable is providing a Resource Page. This page should provide links to pertinent books, sites, and tools related to your niche. Visitor will appreciate the effort and information, thereby making your site of value to them. It will also prompt them to link to your site, and recommend it to others.

And remember, when creating a website, simple is usually best.

Want to create or optimize your author platform? Need to boost visibility and traffic to your site? Check out WOW! Women on Writing’s 6 week e-class: Create and Build Your Author Online Platform.


4 comments:

  1. Thanks, Karen. I just learned I need to add a page or more to my site. Thanks for this two-part post. It was very helpful.

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  2. Thanks, Karen, for sharing this practical advice. Always helpful!

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    1. Hi, Suzanne. These are some simple steps to take to optimize websites. I'm glad the information is helpful!

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