Attract and retain visitors to your website25 May 2006
Almost anyone who has ever used the world wide web has probably found themselves on one of the main search engine sites, whether Google, Yahoo, Ask and so on. Despite the fact that a search term is unsuccessful, a survey by iProspect found that 82 per cent of users will refine their search but stick with the same engine to continue to surf.
Because of the potential to capitalise on user loyalty such as this, Yahoo has revealed plans to overhaul its homepage in a bid to boost its competitiveness with other search engines in attracting and retaining users search after search. In order to improve customer experience of the homepage, Yahoo is adding clickable tools which will enable users to customise certain elements of the page.
Although Yahoo and other search engine sites have grown into globally successful companies, businesses of any size can also benefit from monitoring and improving the usability and appeal of their website's homepage.
Tips for the homepage
When considering how to improve or enhance a website homepage, it is a good idea to think about the kind of features that would appeal to you personally when surfing on the net. Make a note of what looks good, which sites are easy to use and have good navigational structures and so on in order to exploit them on your own website.
For small businesses looking to attract potential customers to their website, keep them there long enough to make a sale and encourage them to come back for more visits, simplicity is the key.
- Plan carefully: Retain a focus on the needs of the end-user and plan precisely the layout and link details.
- Keep page design simple: Avoid hectic moving text or images, too many bright colours and sounds. These take longer to load, in which time the visitor might lose patience and leave, and are confusing when it comes to navigating the site.
- Be clear about who you are: Ensure that contact details are easily accessible. Rather than making visitors trawl through the website pages for an address or phone number, have company details or a link to them visible on the homepage and at the bottom of each other page.
- Double check content: The homepage is often a customer's first impression of a company. As a result it is essential to ensure that there are no typos in the text, or problems with formatting for example in order to maintain credibility.
The key is to identify who the target audience are and what kind of features and design they would probably appreciate. But if the thought of designing your own web page sounds daunting, it is worth checking out an easy-to-use package such as BT Web Design Studio which offers step-by-step assistance.
Post a comment
As usual, we would be delighted to hear your comments or questions about this article. Comments may be published on this or any other BT site.
