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by: John Simms
Many businesses want a simple website where they tell people what their
business is about, some information on the products they offer and a means of
contacting them.
However, content is vital in the growth of your Internet presence.
Information is your asset and all you need to produce it is the knowledge you
attain over time.
For some, they simply don’t know where to start. Here are some things to
consider that could lead you to providing great content and a value-adding
website.
1. Write what you know
Knowledge is power. Post articles to your website that show that you are well
informed in your industry. If you can position yourself as an expert in your
industry you can boost perceived credibility of your business on the whole.
2. Entertain
Everyone likes to be entertained.
For example, if you are marketing African tours, you might publish photo
galleries or post stories on the African people, travel tips, the climate, etc.
3. About Your Business
Are people interested in the current happenings in your business? Post news
items on your website. Eg. “New branch in Gauteng”
4. About Your Product
What do your customers often ask you about? What are their uncertainties? If
you offer a “complex” product, which requires much learning on the part of the
consumer, a website is a great place to teach them! This in mind, you might not
want to be too technical in your copy – tell them about the benefits, not the
features.
A great way to clarify uncertainties is to publish a “Frequently Asked
Questions” or a “Q&A” section.
5. Back to the Plan
Take a look at your marketing and / or business plan – what goals are you
trying to achieve and how are you trying to position yourself in the market
place?
6. Watch your competition
6.1. What are competitors offering through their website that you are not?
6.1.1. Determine why they publish this content, then think of ways that you
can improve it and use it on your website. Don’t copy – enhance.
6.2. What are you offering on your website that competitors are not
This raises two questions:
6.2.1. Is the information you offer really satisfying? Does it need to be
there?
6.2.2. And, if the information does give you a kind of competitive advantage,
how can you capitalize on that?
7. User Behaviour
Consider your Internet market – what do they do on the Internet.
7.1. Do they like to communicate with other Internet users about your
industry?
Consider having a forum on your website where you can allow website
visitors to do this.
| >> About The Author John Simms is an Internet Marketer for Eiledon Solutions, a web design
and website development company based in Cape Town, South Africa. Visit
http://www.eiledon.co.za
for more info and get a Free Quote Online. |
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