Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
For a change of pace, let's talk about real estate open houses today.
When a home is for sale, realtors hold open houses to get it sold. There are tours and balloons and snacks and it makes for a super little Saturday.
While a seller's agent would certainly enjoy seeing a house full of open house visitors, the ultimate goal of the open house is to sell the house, not to throw a great party. So while a full house is great, the real estate agent is likely to gauge the effectiveness of the open house by figuring out how many attendees actually took a step toward buying the house as a result of their visit. How many took home brochures? How many scheduled another viewing? How many made offers?
As You Probably Guessed, I'm Really Talking About Websites
Think of your website as that real estate open house. If your SEO is going well, chances are, you've got an open house full of people visiting your site. But what you really want is for those people to take steps toward giving you business.
These steps are called “conversions.”
Let's say your website sells water guns. When someone clicks from your homepage to the page about your new model, that's a conversion. When that person adds the new gun to his shopping cart, that's another conversion. And when he completes the process and actually buys the water gun, that's also a conversion.
Real estate agents want lots of visitors to their open houses, and business owners want lots of visitors to their sites. But just as realtors need visitors to do more than just chat and chow down on the open house food, business owners need visitors to do more than take in the beauty of their sites. Real estate agents want to give out pamphlets and collect bids, and business owners want website conversions.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Businesses That Blog Get 55% More Traffic
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
I see you've made it back to the IntelliSites blog today. Welcome! At IntelliSites, we love visitors to our blog...a lot. After all, visitors to our blog are visitors to our site. And everyone loves company at their website.
If you're looking for more friendly folks to drop in at your site, then blogging could be a great option for you, too.
How Blogging Helps
I've said it before, and I'll say it again – blogging's awesome for your site. Do you want a better relationship with your clients? Blog. Want to showcase your expertise? Blog. Want to improve your search engine rankings? Blog.
It really is an easy way to make your site a lot better. To get a lot more visitors, a lot more links, and ultimately a lot more business.
How Much Is “A Lot”?
If you're interested in exactly how much blogging can help, check out this sweet article by Rick Burnes I came across the other day. This guy did some research and discovered that small business websites with blogs get 55% more visitors than websites that don't. I knew blogging was worthwhile, but even I was impressed to see just how much oomph it can bring to a website.
Aside from giving away free diamonds or bags of benjamins, there's really nothing else you can do on your website that can give it that much of an edge.
So blog. If you don't have one yet, start one. If you have one that you've been neglecting, show it some love. But there's no good reason to let your website get 55% less hits than it should.
I see you've made it back to the IntelliSites blog today. Welcome! At IntelliSites, we love visitors to our blog...a lot. After all, visitors to our blog are visitors to our site. And everyone loves company at their website.
If you're looking for more friendly folks to drop in at your site, then blogging could be a great option for you, too.
How Blogging Helps
I've said it before, and I'll say it again – blogging's awesome for your site. Do you want a better relationship with your clients? Blog. Want to showcase your expertise? Blog. Want to improve your search engine rankings? Blog.
It really is an easy way to make your site a lot better. To get a lot more visitors, a lot more links, and ultimately a lot more business.
How Much Is “A Lot”?
If you're interested in exactly how much blogging can help, check out this sweet article by Rick Burnes I came across the other day. This guy did some research and discovered that small business websites with blogs get 55% more visitors than websites that don't. I knew blogging was worthwhile, but even I was impressed to see just how much oomph it can bring to a website.
Aside from giving away free diamonds or bags of benjamins, there's really nothing else you can do on your website that can give it that much of an edge.
So blog. If you don't have one yet, start one. If you have one that you've been neglecting, show it some love. But there's no good reason to let your website get 55% less hits than it should.
Monday, October 4, 2010
What is Hosting?
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
If you have a website but no one is there to visit it, does it really exist?
This one's a lot easier than that “tree falling in the woods” question.
The answer is, definitely, “Yes.” Thanks to its host.
A host is a computer that stays on 24/7 and holds all the files that make up your website. It waits patiently for a web surfer to type your website's URL into his browser and then sends him your page. Whether it's morning, noon, or night, the host is in charge of serving up your website to anyone who wants to see it.
Every website needs one of these babies. So if you have a website, it already has a host.
Of course, if you don't have a website yet, then you A) need to get one, ASAP and B) will need a host to make it work. Don't worry, though, you don't have to go out and buy a special computer to leave on day in and day out. If we design your website for you, we can make sure it gets hooked up with a host.
Yes, hosts are pretty neat. When you're relaxing on the beach, enjoying a round of golf, or catching some Zs, the host is making it possible for the world to visit your website. You may never get to see your website's host, but whether day or night...whether rain or shine...whether you think the tree falling in the woods makes a sound or doesn't make a sound...that host is working for you.
If you have a website but no one is there to visit it, does it really exist?
This one's a lot easier than that “tree falling in the woods” question.
The answer is, definitely, “Yes.” Thanks to its host.
Hosts 101
A host is a computer that stays on 24/7 and holds all the files that make up your website. It waits patiently for a web surfer to type your website's URL into his browser and then sends him your page. Whether it's morning, noon, or night, the host is in charge of serving up your website to anyone who wants to see it.
Every website needs one of these babies. So if you have a website, it already has a host.
Of course, if you don't have a website yet, then you A) need to get one, ASAP and B) will need a host to make it work. Don't worry, though, you don't have to go out and buy a special computer to leave on day in and day out. If we design your website for you, we can make sure it gets hooked up with a host.
Always Working For Your Website
Yes, hosts are pretty neat. When you're relaxing on the beach, enjoying a round of golf, or catching some Zs, the host is making it possible for the world to visit your website. You may never get to see your website's host, but whether day or night...whether rain or shine...whether you think the tree falling in the woods makes a sound or doesn't make a sound...that host is working for you.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Learning About Websites from Walmart
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
In terms of selection and price, it's hard to dispute that Walmart has a good thing going. Walmarts, and Super Walmarts in particular, have such a wide selection of merchandise that they carry pretty much everything you might need.
But it's not enough to have everything. Walmart continues to be successful not only because of its prices and products, but also because of its careful organization. In most Walmarts I've visited, I don't have to walk around the whole store to find what I'm looking for. (Well, except that time I was sent on a search for a fondant roller. Long story.)
Thanks to careful store layout planning and plenty of labeling, customers can find what they need without making a day trip of it – which is important to busy shoppers.
Organizing Your Website
If you've got a complicated website with lots of pages and content, congrats. You've got an impressive gold mine that's likely to draw in lots of customers – just like Walmart does. And for those customers who are bored/procrastinating/internet obsessed, it offers plenty to explore.
But for those customers who are busy/multitasking/shopping around, time's at a premium. So making sure that your pages are logically organized makes your website accessible and user friendly for them, too.
When an internet user arrives at your website, he should have no trouble finding what he's looking for because of careful organization and clear labels. Navigation buttons to important pages should be highlighted and drop-down menus should organize the remaining pages.
The Best of Both Worlds
When you have a website rich in content and functionality that is also well-organized, you've got a site that will appeal to everyone. Customers who need to quickly check a price or get a quote can get in and out, while customers who like to browse will have plenty to look at.
It's just like when you go to Walmart. Walmart caters to both types of customers – the Express Line crew and the bargain hunters who stroll through the whole store and collect a cart full of goodies.
And by having both the selection and the organization that appeal to so many, both Walmart and your website can continue to impress both types of customers and bring them what they need.
In terms of selection and price, it's hard to dispute that Walmart has a good thing going. Walmarts, and Super Walmarts in particular, have such a wide selection of merchandise that they carry pretty much everything you might need.
But it's not enough to have everything. Walmart continues to be successful not only because of its prices and products, but also because of its careful organization. In most Walmarts I've visited, I don't have to walk around the whole store to find what I'm looking for. (Well, except that time I was sent on a search for a fondant roller. Long story.)
Thanks to careful store layout planning and plenty of labeling, customers can find what they need without making a day trip of it – which is important to busy shoppers.
Organizing Your Website
If you've got a complicated website with lots of pages and content, congrats. You've got an impressive gold mine that's likely to draw in lots of customers – just like Walmart does. And for those customers who are bored/procrastinating/internet obsessed, it offers plenty to explore.
But for those customers who are busy/multitasking/shopping around, time's at a premium. So making sure that your pages are logically organized makes your website accessible and user friendly for them, too.
When an internet user arrives at your website, he should have no trouble finding what he's looking for because of careful organization and clear labels. Navigation buttons to important pages should be highlighted and drop-down menus should organize the remaining pages.
The Best of Both Worlds
When you have a website rich in content and functionality that is also well-organized, you've got a site that will appeal to everyone. Customers who need to quickly check a price or get a quote can get in and out, while customers who like to browse will have plenty to look at.
It's just like when you go to Walmart. Walmart caters to both types of customers – the Express Line crew and the bargain hunters who stroll through the whole store and collect a cart full of goodies.
And by having both the selection and the organization that appeal to so many, both Walmart and your website can continue to impress both types of customers and bring them what they need.
Monday, September 20, 2010
How to Really Test the Effectiveness of Your Website
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Your friends probably all have the link to your website. And I'm sure you've probably asked them at one time or another, “So...what do you think of my site?” And chances are, depending on the types of characters you associate with, the response was something along the lines of “It's great!” or maybe “It's sweet!” or maybe even “Have mercy!” (if you happen to be friends with Uncle Jesse).
And yeah, that probably gave you a 10-second ego boost, but it didn't give you a whole lot of information about the strengths and weaknesses of your site's usability.
Next time the topic of your website comes up with your friends, here's how you can make it a little more productive.
That's What Friends Are For
Friends make great guinea pigs when it comes to testing out your site. Let's say the primary goal of your website is to collect contact information so you can add visitors to your mailing list. If the form for that is located on your “Contact Us” page, you need to make sure that a visitor to your site can get there quickly and easily.
So enlist a friend to pretend to be a customer. Set him up at the computer, tell him his goal is to get to the “Contact Us” page, and set him loose. And then just watch. Watch his face for signs of confusion or frustration, take note of where his cursor is and where he eventually clicks, and measure how long it takes him to accomplish the task. And if he's a really good friend, ask him to navigate to the form from various different parts of your website, and take note of how that goes.
This basically gives you the chance to see how a real person interacts with your site. Was it a quick and painless experience? Or was it a challenge?
Your Friends Might Be Too Nice
The truth is, if you ask your friends for their opinions about your website (or your clothes, or your haircut, or your significant other, for that matter), they're probably going to tell you what you want to hear. But if you ask them to use the site and watch them in action, you're more likely to find out the truth about your site.
Your friends probably all have the link to your website. And I'm sure you've probably asked them at one time or another, “So...what do you think of my site?” And chances are, depending on the types of characters you associate with, the response was something along the lines of “It's great!” or maybe “It's sweet!” or maybe even “Have mercy!” (if you happen to be friends with Uncle Jesse).
And yeah, that probably gave you a 10-second ego boost, but it didn't give you a whole lot of information about the strengths and weaknesses of your site's usability.
Next time the topic of your website comes up with your friends, here's how you can make it a little more productive.
That's What Friends Are For
Friends make great guinea pigs when it comes to testing out your site. Let's say the primary goal of your website is to collect contact information so you can add visitors to your mailing list. If the form for that is located on your “Contact Us” page, you need to make sure that a visitor to your site can get there quickly and easily.
So enlist a friend to pretend to be a customer. Set him up at the computer, tell him his goal is to get to the “Contact Us” page, and set him loose. And then just watch. Watch his face for signs of confusion or frustration, take note of where his cursor is and where he eventually clicks, and measure how long it takes him to accomplish the task. And if he's a really good friend, ask him to navigate to the form from various different parts of your website, and take note of how that goes.
This basically gives you the chance to see how a real person interacts with your site. Was it a quick and painless experience? Or was it a challenge?
Your Friends Might Be Too Nice
The truth is, if you ask your friends for their opinions about your website (or your clothes, or your haircut, or your significant other, for that matter), they're probably going to tell you what you want to hear. But if you ask them to use the site and watch them in action, you're more likely to find out the truth about your site.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Keep Your Customers Coming Back
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Everyone seeks ways to increase website traffic. From SEO to advertising, there are myriad ways to drive people to your website and get your name “out there.” But what about your current customer base? What motivation do they have to continue to visit your website?
Sending reminders to check back in on the website is a good first step to increase return traffic. Try including an offer for a “customers only” download. It creates a feeling of “exclusivity” and adds value to the customer’s account with you. Everyone wants to feel special, like they’ve got something no one else has. If you make this download something incredibly useful to your customer, they will jump at the chance to download a new tool their competition doesn’t have.
Consider incorporating Smartphone apps into your website, or other downloadable tools. If the download is something that will help customers find your products, utilize your services, or make payments easily, customers will keep returning to see what new, useful downloads you are offering. “Customer only” downloads show that you care about your clients’ time and resources and work to develop innovative ways to increase their productivity.
Everyone seeks ways to increase website traffic. From SEO to advertising, there are myriad ways to drive people to your website and get your name “out there.” But what about your current customer base? What motivation do they have to continue to visit your website?
Sending reminders to check back in on the website is a good first step to increase return traffic. Try including an offer for a “customers only” download. It creates a feeling of “exclusivity” and adds value to the customer’s account with you. Everyone wants to feel special, like they’ve got something no one else has. If you make this download something incredibly useful to your customer, they will jump at the chance to download a new tool their competition doesn’t have.
Consider incorporating Smartphone apps into your website, or other downloadable tools. If the download is something that will help customers find your products, utilize your services, or make payments easily, customers will keep returning to see what new, useful downloads you are offering. “Customer only” downloads show that you care about your clients’ time and resources and work to develop innovative ways to increase their productivity.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Most Popular Search Engine, Google, and How it Got That Way
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Google is, hands down, the world's most popular search engine. And we're here today for no reason other than to give it a shout out.
There are a lot of factors that make it the favorite. For starters, it's fun to say. (Go ahead, yell it. Goooooogle!) And it's easy to use. And it allows you to limit your search results to images or videos or maps or shopping results. And it's tied to a really great e-mail system, Gmail. And it's got other fun features like Google Analytics, Google Earth, and Google Docs.
But beyond all those perks, the number one thing that makes it stand out is its effectiveness as a search engine. When Google delivers results to a web surfer, he's usually satisfied with their relevance. Through continuous testing and improvement of its ability to sift through results, Googlers are finding what they seek on the Internet. And thanks to frequent changes to the algorithms that allow Google to deliver results, Google remains awesome even as new content is added to the web.
Google is, hands down, the world's most popular search engine. And we're here today for no reason other than to give it a shout out.
There are a lot of factors that make it the favorite. For starters, it's fun to say. (Go ahead, yell it. Goooooogle!) And it's easy to use. And it allows you to limit your search results to images or videos or maps or shopping results. And it's tied to a really great e-mail system, Gmail. And it's got other fun features like Google Analytics, Google Earth, and Google Docs.
But beyond all those perks, the number one thing that makes it stand out is its effectiveness as a search engine. When Google delivers results to a web surfer, he's usually satisfied with their relevance. Through continuous testing and improvement of its ability to sift through results, Googlers are finding what they seek on the Internet. And thanks to frequent changes to the algorithms that allow Google to deliver results, Google remains awesome even as new content is added to the web.
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