Web Content That Hurts Your Website

Web content isn't just words. It also includes all graphical and other elements on your site. While this blog is mostly about the textual content, there are a few other forms of content that are widely used that actually harm your website. Here are some of them and reasons why you should never include such content on your business site:

Animated Splash Screens

Many web designers sell customers animated splash screens that display when the visitor lands on your site. The next thing most visitors do when they encounter these screens is click the Back button. Visitors come to your website to learn about what you have to offer, not to be entertained. Splash screens always have a negative effect on your visitors. Kill them.

Automatic Sound and Music

Far too many websites greet visitors with some sort of sound or music that starts playing as soon as they arrive. Why would anyone do this? In the first place, many people who visit your site are browsing at their workplace. It's just a fact of life. Do you suppose they want it advertised that they're wool-gathering instead of working? Also, not everyone's taste in music is the same as yours. The music you like may annoy the heck out of a potential customer. Finally, many web visitors already have their own favorite music playing in the background. Automatic music on a web site is the internet equivalent of a guy driving down the street with his music booming out of his car. Don't you hate that? Silence your website.

Fairy Dust and Cursor Followers

Do you think these are cute and entertaining? They're not. They annoy most visitors and you don't want to annoy visitors. They leave and don't come back. Lose these silly toys.

Make your website informative and easy to navigate. Use your content to enhance your business, not drive away potential customers. Email Me for a free evaluation of your web site's content. I'll be happy to help understand how fresh content can convert your visitors into leads and sales.

Does Your Twin Cities Business Need a Blog?

Most Twin Cities businesses like yours already have a web site. That's a great thing, since it gives your customers and potential customers a place where they can find your business and learn about it. But, most small business web sites are static or are rarely changed. That means that most customers come to your site just once and never return. Even if you update your site once a month, that may not be enough to bring customers back to your site. Keeping your business in the minds of your existing customers is the very best way to keep them calling and coming in.

In today's internet marketing environment, the blog is the very best way to keep your website fresh and up-to-date. Lively, informative blog entries are the perfect way to bring customers to your site and to keep them interested in your business. Whether you have an auto repair shop, a restaurant, or a fishing guide service, a regularly-updated blog will keep your business web presence alive and current.

A business blog should incorporate:

• Updates on special offers, new features, and changes in your business.
• Seasonal articles that remind customers of your business, while informing and entertaining.
• Articles of interest to your customers about subjects related to your business.
• Search engine-friendly phrases and terms that bring new customers to your website and business.
• Regular updates on at least a weekly basis to keep customers returning to the blog.
• Clear, accurately-written articles that inform, entertain, and motivate readers.

I can help you set up a blog if you don't have one, and keep it updated on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. With 25 years of professional writing under my belt, you can be assured that your blog will be lively, accurate, and timely. It will always reflect the philosophy and style of your business. Your blog can be hosted on your own web site, or set up on a blog service with links to and from your web site.

Your time is valuable--too valuable to spend trying to maintain a blog. For a reasonable fee, I can handle those chores for you and help keep your internet presence fresh and active.

Email Me to discuss how a blog can enhance your marketing strategy. There's no charge for an initial consultation. See the links to the left for samples of my work.