5 Key Elements of a Business Website

Owning a business that depends on internet presence to generate new customers or clients requires a comprehensive website that is clear and easy to navigate. Your customers should be able to identify what service or product you are offering quickly after entering your site. Your potential customer should also be able to find all the vital information about you or your company/business with little effort. It's important to remember how vast the internet is and how saturated with information, various websites, and services it is. If your website isn't clear and easy to navigate it only takes a simple click for the potential client, and your potential profit, to go elsewhere. You could be missing out on possible earnings, a loyal new client that can bring in referrals, a great review, or any number of other opportunities.

So, what exactly are the essential elements of a successful business website?

#1 - Contact Information

No matter who has happened upon your website, if they like what they have found it's vital for them to be able to locate a contact source. This could be for questions, for comments, for reviews, for purchases, or for many other reasons. If a potential client or consumer cannot find your contact information, even a simple email form, the chances of a sale, referral, or new contact goes down considerably. Successful business websites must have a contact option.

#2 - Clarity

If you are selling a product or service, that information should be clarified and crystal clear. If a customer can't figure out what they are getting, they will not make the purchase. If you are selling a service, be clear about what it is you do or offer. If you are selling a product, offer a description with enough information to satisfy a buyer.

#3 - Professionalism

Developing a clientele or customer base is necessary for business longevity in most cases. Therefore, you need to present your business in a professional manner. Since the appearance of your website is what makes the first impression to an internet customer, you want that impression to be positive. If you don't have the skills to create a professional looking website, plan to hire someone to develop it for you. The investment will be worth it.

#4 - Ease of Use

Along with great presentation, you want your business website to be fairly easy to navigate. Your customer, reader, or client should be able to get where they want to go without unnecessary frustration. If your website contains various pages or items, be sure the path to get to each is easily identifiable.

#5 - Excellent Customer Service

Any true great business owner knows that customer service is the crux to survival, longevity and repeat business. It's really as simple as treating people in a way that you would like to be treated. The golden rule still applies, and is more important than ever. Addressing customer issues promptly and with courtesy will take your business far. It is possible to offer a personal touch when doing business through the internet.

Overall, a successful business website takes common sense, pleasing aesthetics, regular maintenance, and some skill. There may be a part two as feedback and other ideas from fellow business owners and consumers filters in.