How to Build A Web Site That Sells

I subscribe to Andy O’Bryan’s newsletter.  He helps coaches build their practice.  His post on September 7 was called A Five Step Checklist for Your Website.  Andy really nailed this one.  He presented five great common sense tips for building any website.  I like them so much, I am presenting them here.  Any entrepreneur can benefit from learning and applying these five steps.

5 Step Checklist for Your Website

Take a look at your website and make sure it has these items.  If it doesn't then you're missing out on some potential clients:

1. Opt-in form for a newsletter, report or other way to build your database.
2. A compelling, attention grabbing and persuasive headline (not just "welcome to my website").
3. A call to action -- it's your job to guide people through your web presentation, and not just to tell them how to contact you but to actually instruct them to take that step and do it!  If you don't do this they will just click away, because that's the easiest action they can take.
4. A strong message that you are the solution to their problem--your target market is looking for answers and you have them--but are you telling them this?
5. Keep it simple:  don't make it a confusing chore to figure out where to go next or what to read on your website.  You are their tour guide, so make them feel welcome and at home.

I particularly like number 3.  It makes the point that every salespersons knows – you have to ask for the business.  Don’t be bashful about using your web site to sell.  A call to action will help you close more business.  I am in the process of redesigning all of my sites to add a strong call to action.  I’ll let you know when the redesign is done.  Meanwhile, here’s a call to action.  If you’re looking for a speaker, go to www.CommonSenseKeynotes.com.  If you’re in need of an executive coach, go to www.CommonSenseCoach.com. 

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.  Check out my other blog: www.SuccessCommonSense.com for common sense advice on becoming the career and life success you are meant to be and to get a copy of my new ebook Star Power: Common Sense Ideas for Career and Life Success.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open.  Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.

Comments

[Resume Writer]

"Keep it simple" to me is also very important. Most website visitors have very little patience for "figuring out" how to navigate your website and will quickly abandon if that is the case.

But here are some other tidbits:
* leave the fancy flash video stuff out of your site. It takes too long to load.
* Only use clips and photos where appropriate since they add size to each file and delays page loading.
* Use a dependable website hosting company to maximize site uptime
* Accept credit card payments.
Get a free resume critique: http://www.theresumeclinic.com/resuchek.php

[Business Plan Presentation]

Hi,
Nice post! This post will really help me in building the website of bu company. Thanks for sharing such an informative post. I like your website and bookmarked it. Keep up the good work.

[Customer Service Chat]

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[Agenda Software]

Hey thanks a lot for helping us.
I have made my website and it sells like hot cakes ;)