GREAT WEBSITES

GO DESIGNER
No matter what you’re told, you really don’t need to be constrained by code issues or templates when designing your site. Impress uses Graphic Designers to create the “skin” of the site before passing the design to our crack web developers to “cut up” and build. This gives a huge (although not unlimited!) flexibility in the designs that can be created.

STAND OUT
A great site won’t look like your competitors’ – because it will be original. Take inspiration from sites you love in briefing the designer – even if they are completely outside your sector, and don’t be scared to innovate. The internet does not need more identikit sites...

THINK IT THROUGH
The whole web creation process will be made significantly easier if you decide on key issues like navigational structure from the start. Remember that web coding is not like working in Photoshop – you can’t just move things around the page! Get it sorted from the start and your project will be smoother – and your web developer significantly more amenable!!

SEIZE CONTROL
Every website should come with a Content Management System which allows you to update the main content yourself – allowing you to take control of your own destiny and react quickly to changes in your market. Don’t accept a website without one!

EASE OF NAVIGATION
One of the most important contributors to a site’s success is good navigational structure. Ensure your customers can get to your most important pages within one click from anywhere in the site. Make sure they are also only ever one click away from doing the things you want them to – whether it be downloading a catalogue, making a donation or placing an order.

CARVE IT UP
Don’t overload your key pages with text. Get your messages across concisely and where necessary divide the content into several pages rather than asking users to scroll endlessly. Where a customer has volunteered themselves for detailed information, eg by clicking to view a specification or some top tips such as these(!), scrolling is acceptable!

MAKE YOURSELF IRRESISTABLE
Add features that keep your visitors returning – great for your brand. Online forums, blogs, and download centres are examples of features you can use to keep interest high. Always keep your content fresh and up to date to ensure yours is the site they keep coming back to.

INTERACT
The internet is no longer one-way: users expect to get involved. Add features that allow them to contribute and add comments, include competitions, let them download the information they need – use your imagination.

COLLECT DATA
Your site is a great opportunity to collect details of people who actively want to be informed about what you do - good practice in these times when “opt in” is king. Add tick boxes to your contact forms to allow people to choose to receive promotional emails, and add signups to newsletters and mailing lists.

THE POWER OF EMAIL
A great way to promote your site is by using targeted, branded emails. Use your customer database or buy some really targeted data – Impress can obtain data as specific as “males interested in DIY” or “Events Organisers in London” - and build html emailers packed with products and promotions to entice visitors to your site.

DON’T BE SHY
Putting up a site and not promoting it is akin to putting up a poster in the middle of a maze. How do you expect people to find you? A structured Search Engine Optimisation programme can help, as can email promotion, PR and all kinds of online and offline advertising. It won’t just happen so build a strategy and reel those customers in!

Events

BONITI AT DECOREX
21st to 24th September 08

BROKERSWOOD SANTAS TRAIN
December 08

tOP tIPS

COPYWRITING
Write clear, crisp copy that sells

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION
A voodoo art

GREAT WEBSITES
Successful planning, design and promotion