Beforehand: the first steps

1. Register for domains (Internet addresses) that could be relevant to your business as soon as possible.
2. Start by creating a simple page containing the most important information, and then you can begin to expand your website. You can create and run a website with popular content management systems (CMS).
3. Set up e-mail addresses and link them to your website.
4. Track visits so that you can find out when and from where visitors are accessing your website.
5. Define goals and organize your website accordingly. Goals could include: acquiring more visitors, receiving likes and shares from relevant target groups, receiving fewer telephone calls, increasing customer retention.

Attract new customers with a better website

The fact of the matter is: anyone who presents themselves well online and can make searched-for information easy to find on their website increases the likelihood of receiving website visits and also acquiring new customers. Your website is a modern business card. You can use it to introduce your products and services and display your contact details. This allows potential customers to get in touch with you and learn more about what you have to offer.

Providing information

A business website serves as a round-the-clock source of information. Every sub-page must fulfil a specific purpose, such as giving product information or contact details, enabling a purchase or providing a legal overview. Having an online presence also allows your customers to directly compare various services from different companies. This is why it is important to periodically check whether potential customers can find their way around the website and if visiting your website is a pleasant experience.

Availability

Once it has been created, the content on a website is accessible at any time. No matter the time of day, customers can find out more about what you offer, your prices and the best way to contact you. Customers can also leave feedback and questions at any time. Because unlike telephone contact, a company is always available by e-mail.

Standing out from the competition

You are probably not unique in terms of the services or business ideas you bring to the market. But a website can set you apart from the competition. You can give yourself an edge over your online rivals by ensuring that your site is easy to use, with an attractive design and exciting content.

Nine features for a successful website

How can you make your website a success? We have put together nine features that make a good site.

Individuality

Ensure that your company stands out from others. Highlight what makes you unique – e.g. your USP (unique selling point). Show customers why you are the right provider.

Design

A professional web design conveys competency and quality. With an attractive design, you can set yourself apart from your competition and create an identity.

Responsive web design

With responsive web design, the function, design and content of the website adapt automatically to desktop, tablet or smartphone formats. Program your website so that it is always displayed correctly on all devices.

Short loading times

Most Internet users will leave a website if it takes more than three seconds to load. Make sure that your content is only as dense as it needs to be. Pictures and videos in particular – if they are not compressed – can have a negative impact on the loading time.

Content

High-quality content is the basis for a successful website. Create your own content and avoid “copy and paste content”.

Structure

A clear structure with a navigation bar is a must. The user must always know where they are on the website and how to find their way around.

Interactions

Interaction options such as buttons, links or downloads can keep visitors on your website for longer and guide them through the content in a targeted way.

Website analysis

You need to know and understand your customers. You can investigate their click behaviour and how they move around the website with tracking tools such as Google Analytics. The insights from this can be implemented on your website on an ongoing basis, ensuring continuous optimization.

SEA

Search engine advertising (SEA) involves booking search terms that are relevant to your company, products or services. With the right search terms and associated display text, you can ensure you have the necessary presence in the search engine. Do a keyword analysis with a tool such as Google Keyword Planner.

Who judges whether my website is good or not?

Whether a website is good or not is not just determined by the user behaviour or customer feedback. Search engines such as Google have their own ranking system. The better your website corresponds to the Google parameters, the higher they will appear in the search results. When you take measures to ensure that your website appears higher up in the unpaid search results, this is known as search engine optimization (SEO). The higher up you appear in the search results for relevant search queries, the better your website is ranked by Google.