Have you visited Amazon.com or Comcast.com lately?  When you got to the home page, most likely the first thing that came to mind was “Great, I’m here, now where can I find what I need?” 

 

Now think of a time when you came across a “less impressive” site?  Maybe it was done with obvious shortcuts, used one of the many overused templates on the web or just looked like it was done by a twelve year old.  Most likely what came to mind wasn’t “where do I pay?but rather “is this a real company?”

 

Having a successful web site on the Internet has everything to do with trust.If a caller to your site doubts your integrity, most likely they will exit your site and will never return.This article will outline some of the critical components to creating that assurance and building a profitable web site.

 

First, your web site must give the perception that you are real.  Your site visitor must get an immediate impression from your web site that your company is unique from all the others out there and run by actual people.  There are lots of ways to achieve this - through compelling and personal text on your site to unusual and identifying graphics and site layout.The core component is to never lose site (and don’t let your web designer lose site) of who your company is, and how you want to present that to your visitors. 

 

Second, your web site must immediately show people that you have a proven track record in your industry.Use effective copy writing and great testimonials to back it up.  Don’t hide your victories deep in your web site, make sure they are well displayed on every page for your site visitors to view. 

 

Finally, you have to communicate effectively through your web site that you can provide something to help fix your visitor’s problems.  Site visitors are busy and would love nothing more than to be able to stop searching and start moving toward a solution with what you have to offer.  Your well put together, credible web site is the calling card you need to make that happen. 

 

A web site can be created through a number of different vehicles and web site designers have all different levels of expertise.  Get your free report:  “11 Questions to Ask a Web Site Designer Before You Hire One” to learn what to look for in your web designer.