If your website is just a mess of HTML code, with no real plan and no real means of easy navigation, then now's the time to start learning how you should go about creating your website. Here is a list of points that you should always follow when creating a business website.

1. Remember What Your Website Is For

This is a key point. Chances are that your business website has been put on the web to do one thing: Sell your products or services. So always keep this goal in mind. It's surprising how many website designers seem to forget that their goal is to sell.

A personal website can get away with all the cute little animated gifs, and the multi-colored text, but with a business site, it's a whole new ball game. So don't overload your site with slow-loading technology, because people just aren't prepared to wait.

 

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2. What's All This HTML Stuff?

HTML is the language of the web. But don't worry, there are some good 'What You See Is What You Get' website building programs like Website Wizard, so you don't need to be a master HTML programmer to create a website.

But it is a good idea to know some basics. You don't want your website visitors to feel as if they're in the hands of an amateur, so give the right impression by learning the basics of HTML. Pick up a book or come to a one-day HTML Intro class at Executive Training Resources.

3. Create an Easy Navigational System

Don't make a site that needs a rocket scientist to figure out how to get from one page to another. Your website should be easy to navigate at all times. An important thing to remember is that not all of your visitors will arrive at the main page. So, what options will you give them to navigate your site?  

Don't force your website into a linear navigational pattern. By this, I mean don't force people to visit certain links. They should be free to visit any page they want, so remember to provide text or graphical links to every page. If you're creating a big website with lots of pages, a site map or index page wouldn't be a bad idea.

4. Give Your Site a Constant 'Look & Feel'

When someone clicks on a link to another one of your pages, you want them to know they're still on the same website. Therefore, maintain a constant look and feel to your website. This can be done by creating a HTML template, and just filling in the blanks for each page. With Website Wizard you can choose from hundreds of professional-looking templates, photos, color schemes, and more! This way, your visitors soon become aware of how to navigate your website with ease, which they will love you for.

5. Fresh Content Is the Key to Repeat Visitors

Update your website as often as possible. By constantly updating your pages, you're giving a reason for visitors to return to your site. If someone returns to your site, and notices that your pages have been updated, there's a good chance that they'll continue to browse through your site. If they see your site hasn't been updated since their last visit two months ago, then you can guarantee they'll be gone with the click of a mouse button, probably never to return again. Why not add a 'What's New' section to your website? This way, people can see 'at a glance' exactly what's new.

6. Grab Their Attention FAST!

Within a few seconds of visiting your website, your visitors need to know the benefits you'll be providing for them, otherwise they're just likely to continue surfing somewhere else. The best way to do this is with your headlines. Near the top of your main pages, add a powerful headline that will catch the attention of the visitor. If they're interested, then chances are they'll continue exploring, or at least bookmark your site for a later visit.