Struggling to think of great content for your website?
Don’t stress, this happens to pretty much everyone. It’s amazing how we can know so much about our business but when it comes to filling website pages with content, we draw a blank. As a website designer, one of my biggest goals is to create web pages that accurately and attractively represent a business online and such a large part of that is getting the right content in the right places.
One of the most common and thoughtful questions I am asked is: What are people looking for?
The details of the answer to this question can change depending on the type of business a website is for, but the basics always remain the same.
Location: Where are you located? From a simple address to embedding a MapQuest directions finder, making your location easily accessible online is a vital staple in website content.
Hours of Operation: When can people stop by? Are you available on weekends? By appointment only? Knowing when your services are available is essential for a potential consumer to commit to approaching your business. Even if they have more questions and would like to call, easily knowing when they may be able to reach someone is important.
Methods of contact: The option to contact you should always be made available whether by telephone, email, or even an online contact form.
These three fundamentals are easy enough to put together as it involves taking basic business information and making it available on various, if not all of your web pages, but what about filling out the space of your website even further?
These next few highlights will point you in the right direction.
Your home page: It’s all about the first impression here. It is most likely that people will reach the home page of your website first before viewing any others. The goal of your home page is to outline all (or close to all) that your business does. The content here does not need to go deep into detail about your business, but it should at least state who you are, what you do, and where people can go for more information about what you do.
Services/Products: You don’t have to sell online to get people interested in what you have to offer. Much like your home page, extensive details may not be necessary. Many believe that any content on a website should encourage people to pick up the phone or send an email to get more information, providing that more personal contact that often leads to good business relationships and sales.
About Us: This is as close to an online resume as any business will usually get. Here is where you may, for lack of a better term, legitimize your business. You may want to include your years of operation, business qualifications, and your mission statement.
A website can really be a call to re-examine your business, what it does, and what attracts people to your products or services, so while you’re working on it, have fun with it!
Still feeling a little stuck with it? Try writing down a list of questions you think you might be asked and answer them each, keeping it friendly and informative (avoid your answers coming off as one big sales pitch!) and you’ll be well on your way towards creating great website content that is enjoyable to read and speaks well of your company.
