This year has revealed a great deal of challenges for all industries from professional services to education, causing everyone to rethink how they conduct business online to increase earnings, visibility and maintain customer relations. In short, your website should be an extension of your administration by incorporating the following proven features:

1. Interactive Web Form – Provide your visitors with the ability to register for an event, file a work order/maintenance request or apply for a job. Allow visitors to opt into your contact database either through a custom-built application or a 3^rd party email marketing solution.
2. Online Payments – Time is money and if you must sacrifice opportunities by blocking off time for appoints that could potentially become a no show, then be sure to enable a pre-payment option with a statement informing customers that they must cancel 24hrs ahead of time or risk being charged a portion of the full amount in case they don’t show. Get your money up front through gift card sales or “Buy Now” call to action coupons.
3. Simplified Navigation – Typically people will over-sell the “Who We Are and What We Do” statement and get caught up with a mile-long drop-down list from the main navigation. Try if you can to place all pertinent information within 3-clicks from the home page. Compartmentalize the subject matter into as fewer pages as possible then divide the page into 2 or more columns and add a sub navigation on the side. The goal is to eliminate the number of clicks and make it easy for users to find what they need relatively quickly.
4. Target Audience – Watch out for the ADA Compliance ambulance chasers, the firms on a prowl for websites that fall short of the basic requirements of global accessibility. Let’s face it, there are some business models and/or subject matter not suitable for all audiences however since you’ve made it available online, then be sure to review standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The last thing anyone needs is an unforeseeable expense that can be avoided with the proper planning and foresight.
5. Cross Browser Compatibility – With all of the connected devices in use, it will be in your best interest to be sure that your website is up to date with insuring a consistent experience with all users.

A website is more than showcasing the thing that you’re selling or the information you are presenting. In fact, a website is about identifying the needs of your prospect and communicating the value-added services you offer them in a clear, specific and persuasive manner.

At Z Marketing & Designs, LLC, we work with business leaders to create corporate brands and marketing campaigns that are engaging, attract new prospects, and establish a sense of credibility for their business. Our goal is to make it easy for customers to find and do business with you!