Since developing web sites over the past 11 years, I have learned a lot about not only web site design, but more importantly, about marketing.   A company’s web site is an extension of its marketing message.  Therefore, the web site needs to be developed in a way that reaches the company’s target market.  For those who are not familiar with this term, the target market is made up of those companies or individuals for whom a company markets its products or services.

THE HOMEPAGE FLOP
The number one mistake a company can make is to fill the homepage with information about the company.  If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times.  “NO ONE CARES AS MUCH about who you are AS MUCH AS WHAT ARE GOING TO DO FOR THEM!”  In other words,

* Are you saving them money?
* Are you saving them time?
* Are you better than your competitors?
* Is the quality of your product or service better?

The first page is the first message a web site visitor sees.  This is the first chance you get to impress so MAKE AN IMPRESSION!  Use visuals of happy people using your product.  Tout testimonials and positive features of your product or service.  Get someone to call you immediately with questions or to set up an appointment for more information.

By installing and integrating Google Analytics, you can analyze your “bounce rate.”  This is defined as the number/percentage of people that visit your web site and leave immediately. Obviously, the higher the bounce rate, the worse your homepage is at enticing someone to call you or visit more of the site.