You've got an idea of what you want to include on your Web
site...but how should you lay it out? Probably the very best advice
at this point is: Don't overdo it! While it's important to include
all the detailed information that you possibly can, it's equally as
important not to crowd too much onto your site. The reason? It's
exhausting for your customers to look through, and frankly, they
will probably leave your site sooner than you'd like them to, if you
bombard them with content and design.
Content Considerations
Technically, the term "content" includes anything that you put on
your site (graphics, text). However, for these purposes, by content
we mean text -- words, and how you put them together.
When writing for a Web audience, it is advisable to keep your
sentences short, punchy, and descriptive. Pack as much information
as you can into as short a sentence as possible. Make your writing
fun to read ("cool widgets"). Give your messages a salesy edge ("Act
now! 30% off! Free refills! Extra widgets!"). And most of all, make
sure that your message is clear ("Click here for pricing on widget
number one"). The customer should not struggle through the language
on your site -- it is there by necessity, not just for
entertainment.
Have Somebody Else Proofread Your Content
Even if you have read something over ten times, if you wrote it
yourself, chances are you will miss spelling and grammatical errors.
Before text additions to your site "go live," seek out another set
of eyes.
Graphics and Images
While it is tempting to include all sorts of zany graphics and
images on your Web site, we advise keeping the number down, and the
lines clean and simple. Use images that are pertinent to your
business. When possible, use pictures of the actual products you are
listing. Illustrative graphics can also be used, but customers
usually like to see exactly what it is they are purchasing.
Where To Find Photos and Graphics
Obviously, if it is your own product you need a picture of, you
can hire a professional photographer to take the images with a
digital camera or take regular photographs and scan them onto a
disk. You can also do either of these things yourself. If you do not
have a scanner, you can usually find one to use at your local copy
shop.
There are also photos and graphics (clip art) available on the
Internet. Some sites offer the stock images for free, and others
charge a fee. Costs can range from inexpensive to very expensive,
depending on the image and the service. We've recommended a couple
of free sites for you below.
Now, let your creativity flow!
