1. Static or Dynamic Site?

You may not even know what this means yet it is of vital importance. This site is dynamic. That means it is built using a database set up that allows for unlimited expansion that can often be easily controlled and edited by the site owner. The words typed into the pages and reference links are entered into a database and called up and the page is populated. This whole web site is made from 1 page used as a template. Clicking on a link simply tells the server what pages and words to call up to populate it visually for you. Wow Web Works now builds all sites dynamically as a rule. It also help you to easily edit your site online.

2. Simple Navigation

People need to easily find their way around your site. You will notice that most sites have either a vertical or horizontal menu bar. Going horizontal is good if the site has just a few pages to get to. It is limiting. On this site you will notice a vertical menu. This allows for much more room to grow.

3. Designed to Meet Your Objectives

Ever been to a web site that asked you to buy something but you couldn't find where to click to buy it? Isn't it frustrating? Even high end sites are guilty at times. We know better. Click here to contact us... (see?)

4. Conversion Rate

 So often we hear questions about getting site traffic and being found by the search engines. As important as this is, knowing how to convert visitors into buyers should be your primary task. You don't need traffic as much as you need sales. The site needs to be set up and designed to bring people into the interior and act in your favor. It is the primary objective of good site design and layout.

5. Color

Colors say different things to different people (duh). Is your primary audience male, female, adult or adolescent? Which colors breed confidence and assurance? In addition, there are "color safe" shades you had better pay attention to. We have a color tool to help you with that. Finally, what about the color blind? There are numerous kinds of color blindness. Not knowing this will keep that 15% of the population on the sidelines.

6. Links to the Interior

Not all of the most effective links are on the menu. You will see links sprinkled all around this site. Whenever your visitors click on one you have made a sale. It will take a number of those small sales to hear the cha-ching you are looking for. Lead them to where you want to go and then take them there.

7. Site Maps

Your site should have a site map - somewhere. The savvy like them to quickly size up a site and get to where they want to go. Ours is seen in the menu to the left or you can just go here...

8. "We We" and "Me Me" Disease

Many sites suffer from a severe case of having "we we" all over it. Face it, your visitors don't care that much about you. They care about themselves first, second and third. Don't be caught with a case of the screaming "Me Me's". "We do this, we offer that, we can provide a lot... blah blah blah." It will kill your sales. This works in brochures. It will kill your web site effectiveness.

9. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Once all the above are in effect bring on the traffic. An effective site should rank well and this is not an easy task. The right words need to be effectively placed on each page and still be worded for the live audience. This takes "word smithing" to be done right. You may be promised "I can get you #1 on Google" and if you hear that, run like the wind. Yet your site developer should demonstrate their ability to get your site ranked well. For example, our client, Ken Beadling Dentistry wanted to be ranked well for "Kalamazoo Dentist". See how well it came out...

10. Proactive Web Marketing

If you build it, they won't necessarily come - ever. You site designer should be able to help you find the tools you need to go after your customers instead of just waiting for them to show up. Effective email list marketing, using conventional methods and making networking contacts are all part of an effective package. We have some marketing ideas packaged for you in our blog on marketing. Check it out...

11. Long Term Partnership

We see it all the time, sites are built and the designer is never heard from again. You need a long term partnership. As surely as your site is built, it will need to be changed and refreshed. Changing sites rank better than sites that stay stagnant year after year. Your designer should be on top of his game as new things come on the scene and need to be employed. Hire a partner instead of just a web site designer and you will be rewarded via your pocket book.

12. Check References

There are a few area designers we are always being called upon to overcome. We should send them a finder's fee. Designers should have a list of references. Call them. Find ones that are not on the recommended list and ask them questions. Examine the sites built based on all the above.

13. See the First Paragraph for the final Baker's Dozen

Go there...