http://geek-freenet.net
This presentation outlines the top 10 mistakes small business owners (and web designers) make when creating sites, resulting in low visibility, engagement and leads. Watching (er, viewing) this will help you implement web design best practices and convert your site from an online brochure to lead generation engine!
20. Hiring a “Web Designer”
The art and science of online marketing are
very different (aesthetics vs. functionality)
21. Hiring a “Web Designer”
The art and science of online marketing are
very different (aesthetics vs. functionality)
Search and usability are often lacking
22. Hiring a “Web Designer”
The art and science of online marketing are
very different (aesthetics vs. functionality)
Search and usability are often lacking
A nice looking hotel in the middle of the desert
24. Not Implementing SEO Basics
Page titles- using most popular keywords on
the title of every page of your site
25. Not Implementing SEO Basics
Page titles- using most popular keywords on
the title of every page of your site
Keywords- ensuring these terms are also in
your content (articles, blog posts, services pages, etc)
26. Not Implementing SEO Basics
Page titles- using most popular keywords on
the title of every page of your site
Keywords- ensuring these terms are also in
your content (articles, blog posts, services pages, etc)
Back-links- listing your business in the right
places to get found by your clients
28. Not Using a CMS
CMS= Content Management System
29. Not Using a CMS
CMS= Content Management System
WordPress, Drupal and Joomla are most popular
30. Not Using a CMS
CMS= Content Management System
WordPress, Drupal and Joomla are most popular
Allow you to easily manage content yourself with
no technical knowledge
31. Not Using a CMS
CMS= Content Management System
WordPress, Drupal and Joomla are most popular
Allow you to easily manage content yourself with
no technical knowledge
We only use and recommend WordPress
34. Failing to Add Content
Most sites are online brochures
You should blog at least once per week
35. Failing to Add Content
Most sites are online brochures
You should blog at least once per week
Addressing needs of audience, not yourself!
36. Failing to Add Content
Most sites are online brochures
You should blog at least once per week
Addressing needs of audience, not yourself!
Outsourcing is better than not publishing at all
37. Failing to Add Content
Most sites are online brochures
You should blog at least once per week
Addressing needs of audience, not yourself!
Outsourcing is better than not publishing at all
Huge traffic (SEO) and reputation benefits
40. Omitting Local Address Info
Google places and other directories validate this
Mobile search use is growing 400% each year
41. Omitting Local Address Info
Google places and other directories validate this
Mobile search use is growing 400% each year
Builds trust and convenience with clients
42. Omitting Local Address Info
Google places and other directories validate this
Mobile search use is growing 400% each year
Builds trust and convenience with clients
List your address on the header or footer of every
page!
45. Forgetting a Strong C2A
C2A= Call to Action!
Tell visitors what the next step is and when (now!)
46. Forgetting a Strong C2A
C2A= Call to Action!
Tell visitors what the next step is and when (now!)
Make it easy for clients to contact you
47. Forgetting a Strong C2A
C2A= Call to Action!
Tell visitors what the next step is and when (now!)
Make it easy for clients to contact you
Use lead forms in multiple places, on every page
48. Forgetting a Strong C2A
C2A= Call to Action!
Tell visitors what the next step is and when (now!)
Make it easy for clients to contact you
Use lead forms in multiple places, on every page
Use a traffic magnet (e-book, video or tip sheet)
50. Failing to Engage Clients
Text is dead, online attention span= 15 seconds!
51. Failing to Engage Clients
Text is dead, online attention span= 15 seconds!
A picture is worth 1000 words
52. Failing to Engage Clients
Text is dead, online attention span= 15 seconds!
A picture is worth 1000 words
A video is worth 1000 clients!
53. Failing to Engage Clients
Text is dead, online attention span= 15 seconds!
A picture is worth 1000 words
A video is worth 1000 clients!
Video increases time on site
54. Failing to Engage Clients
Text is dead, online attention span= 15 seconds!
A picture is worth 1000 words
A video is worth 1000 clients!
Video increases time on site
Allows clients to get to know you right away
56. Not Tracking Results
You must track your search rankings, visits, leads
and clients to improve results
57. Not Tracking Results
You must track your search rankings, visits, leads
and clients to improve results
Google Analytics is free and easy to use
58. Not Tracking Results
You must track your search rankings, visits, leads
and clients to improve results
Google Analytics is free and easy to use
Test various methods and eliminate lame ducks
60. Missing Trust and Social Icons
People place great value on reviews and peer
validation
61. Missing Trust and Social Icons
People place great value on reviews and peer
validation
Use Yelp!, Facebook and social icons to build trust
and authority
62. Missing Trust and Social Icons
People place great value on reviews and peer
validation
Use Yelp!, Facebook and social icons to build trust
and authority
Trust icons such as BBB and trade associations
65. Using Vanity Domains
Google and people value keyword-rich domains
ClevelandBankruptcy.com vs. SteveJankinsLaw.com
66. Using Vanity Domains
Google and people value keyword-rich domains
ClevelandBankruptcy.com vs. SteveJankinsLaw.com
Many names still available, use .com and .net only!
68. What to Ask an Online Marketing Firm?
Samples of work in your industry- reference are better!
69. What to Ask an Online Marketing Firm?
Samples of work in your industry- reference are better!
Examples of clients’ search results (“Dallas Mexican Restaurant”)
70. What to Ask an Online Marketing Firm?
Samples of work in your industry- reference are better!
Examples of clients’ search results (“Dallas Mexican Restaurant”)
Is the site built on WordPress, or some other CMS platform?
71. What to Ask an Online Marketing Firm?
Samples of work in your industry- reference are better!
Examples of clients’ search results (“Dallas Mexican Restaurant”)
Is the site built on WordPress, or some other CMS platform?
Can you log in and manage content (update and add photos,
blogs, etc)?
72. What to Ask an Online Marketing Firm?
Samples of work in your industry- reference are better!
Examples of clients’ search results (“Dallas Mexican Restaurant”)
Is the site built on WordPress, or some other CMS platform?
Can you log in and manage content (update and add photos,
blogs, etc)?
Is there training and support provided?
73. What to Ask an Online Marketing Firm?
Samples of work in your industry- reference are better!
Examples of clients’ search results (“Dallas Mexican Restaurant”)
Is the site built on WordPress, or some other CMS platform?
Can you log in and manage content (update and add photos,
blogs, etc)?
Is there training and support provided?
Are there any on-going hosting or maintenance fees?
74. What to Ask an Online Marketing Firm?
Samples of work in your industry- reference are better!
Examples of clients’ search results (“Dallas Mexican Restaurant”)
Is the site built on WordPress, or some other CMS platform?
Can you log in and manage content (update and add photos,
blogs, etc)?
Is there training and support provided?
Are there any on-going hosting or maintenance fees?
Do you own the domain and website properties?