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Search engine optimization, or SEO, is a major element that factors into the performance of small business websites.  SEO involves a variety of areas when properly done but the results are highly effective towards increasing revenue as targeted traffic leads to more customers.  The following measures ensure that your website is enhanced through authentic content, inbound links, optimized navigation, and faster load speeds.

 

 

One focus for small business websites is to create authentic content that will resonate with users over a long period of time.  The best way to do that is to imagine what information your users are eager to find then generate useful content that fulfills their request.  Make sure the content is well written and never use content from another website as Google gives a lower ranking to pages with duplicated content.

Ideally, the goal is for each page to have different content and keywords as that reaches more users.  Next, look into optimizing the navigation of your website as there may be pages given more importance solely because of inbound links.  Alter internal linking to shift the indexing of pages on Google so pages with valuable information rank higher for users to easily find them.

Inbound links play a role when it comes to improving search engine optimization but make sure you use quality links.  Links from disreputable sources are strongly penalized by Google which results in a lower search engine ranking.  What other SEO measures improve the performance of your website?

 

 

An area where small business websites are judged on their performance revolves around how efficiently they convert visitors to customers.  Today, most of the people online only give a website about 5 seconds before they get annoyed with pages loading slowly.  Always make the speed of your website a priority or all of the SEO measures will be a waste of time as users navigate away.

Many businesses apply marketing techniques to reach customers who use a laptop or desktop computer without realizing the movement towards mobile devices.  More searches are performed on mobile devices than ever before as smart phones and tablets are a popular outlet among many people.  The goal is not only to engage customers in your business with an Indianapolis website design but to win them over so they stay loyal to your services or products.

 

 

The attention span of most customers is very short, especially those who use mobile devices to search online.  The key is to remember that people are usually on the move when browsing with mobile devices so the website must be quick and simple to navigate.  Users expect the mobile version to be readable content where they learn more about your business in moments.

 

Additionally, the mobile version of your website may be the first place a potential customer learns about your business.  Ensure the contact details are easy to find and provide users with a click-to-call feature.  This feature enables a customer to call and get information without the hassle of searching on a smaller screen.

 

One technique that encourages members to stay engaged with your business is to give discounts or special offers to mobile only customers.  When customers are given an incentive to return, it motivates them to visit your website frequently which generally leads to better conversion rates.  Does your Indianapolis website design incorporate techniques for current and potential customers to connect with your business?

 

 

Millions of people use social media since most cell phones have social media apps already installed on them. Social media is an effective channel to engage customers and share updates or special offers about your business.  It only takes one person to share a post about your business that reaches existing and potential customers so utilize these mobile techniques to retain the attention of your customers!

The process of designing small business websites requires focus and attention to many areas to get leverage over other small businesses.  Occasionally, business owners choose a cheaper route when it comes to website design.  The result usually ends up costing the business in the long run as a visitor finds the website unappealing and navigates to a well designed website.  What web design mistakes should be avoided to ensure your website captures the attention of visitors?

            

 

Most small business websites hope to engage a visitor with an enjoyable experience while providing function so they take action.  Often, the challenge becomes a balancing act of what information you want your targeted audience to know about your business first.  Place important information in key areas but don’t overload it to the point that the design looks busy and confuses the visitor.

 

One significant step in this process is to identify your target audience then design the website to attract that type of visitor.  A common mistake is when a website attempts to attract all types of visitors.  When that happens, the website may turn out jumbled since it requires different design features to gain the attention of various visitors.  Instead of reaching more people, the website is at a higher risk to lose potential customers due to a poor design.

 

 

Another aspect that small business websites should avoid is any issues associated with navigation.  Once a visitor lands on your website, they should be able to navigate around effortlessly since most people have a short tolerance nowadays.

 

Oddly, the last mistake common to some websites is a lack of contact information.  A majority of the time it’s essential to have that information on every page so a potential customer never has to search for it.  Always think of your target audience and the image of your business throughout the entire design process.