Web Design, Optimization & Applied Knowledge

If you ask anybody that knows me, they will tell you I am a bit of a control freak. Of all my unique qualities this is one of my least enduring ones. However, it is partially responsible for why I now build websites, blog, and consult with businesses regarding their web marketing.

In 2005 my friend Mike was building a website for a business I started. I had built a few personal websites in the past but I had no clue about what it took to build a functional business website, there is a difference. I wanted a site that was going to be the envy of all other sites on the internet. I wanted flash, bling and sparkly things. After all don’t web designers love to show off their talents!

I know my requests drove Mike crazy. I didn’t understand why he could not do what I wanted! Mike was a web designer, how hard could it be? I knew what I wanted and I wanted Mike to build it. Mike wanted to build site that was clean and functional. He tried to educate me on the basics of building a useable website. At the time I wanted no part in the education process. I was interested in growing my business but not the technical aspect of building a website for my business. Since that time I have adopted Mike’s philosophy on web design in my business model, clean, simple, & useable.

Of all the subjects I learned over the years, the one that I have been able to apply the most, as it relates to life and web design is logic. (Logic is the philosophical study of valid reasoning.) I did not realize it at the time but the lessons I learned from my instructor would be adapted in my personal and professional life to this day.

The following formulas are statements designed to validate if something is true or not.

If A is true and B is true than C has to be true.

If A is false and B is false than C is false.

If A is true and B Is false than C is false.

Let’s look 3 examples or web design and strategy myths using truth statements.

(A True) The person that built my website works at a technology company and (B False) therefore is qualified to build a business website. = (C Result) False

I have met more small business owners that have had their sites built by people that work at technology companies than I care to admit. Just because someone works at a technology company doesn’t mean they understand how to create a well optimized website and presence. In fact when I asked one business owner what position the person that built his site held at his technology based company, he replied customer service.

Thing to keep in mind.

1. Someone that builds your website should also understand your business model
2. Not all web designers understand internet marketing or optimization
3. Content on your website is more important than graphics and flash.
4. Designing an optimized website is more challenging and requires knowledge and work
5. Just because you have a website does not mean any of the search engines know that it exists
6. A website is good start but having an extended web presence that includes local directory listings, social media, and a blog with fresh optimized content is more effective.
7. If your going to market your business using social media make sure a blog is at the center of your social media universe
8. Your website is a direct reflection of your business

(A True) My website was optimized when it was built, (B False) im all set. = (C Result) False

Optimization of a website is the ongoing process of making sure your site is an option when someone searches for your product or service. If your serious about getting found online than making sure your site is optimized needs to be a priority. You can’t treat your website or presence like a project with a start and end date. Optimization of your website includes but not limited to:

1. Choosing keywords and phrases
2. Linking to other pages in your sites also known as internal linking
3. Linking to other websites with quality content also known as external linking
4. Having other sites link back to your website also known as inbound linking
5. Properly optimized page titles page titles
6. Making sure all your images have optimized descriptions and alt tags
7. Optimized page content

(A True) We copied our web strategy from a competitor of ours (B True) since they are successful on the web we figured we would also be successful, but we are not. = (C Result ) True

They say imitation is the best form of flattery, I agree to a point. It makes sense to monitor what your competition is doing. In fact I would even go so far as to look at the keywords and phrases they are try to rank for and use them as well. Keep in mind just because you copy what your competition is doing doesn’t mean you are going to get the same results as they do.

There are many factors that need to be addressed when creating a strategy that will get you found on the web. When it comes to web strategy one size doesn’t fit all business models. If you are serious about being competitive on the web, talking to a web strategy or  certified SEO consultant can save a lot of time, money and headaches. A consultant will help you:

1. Target keywords and phrases
2. Find good inbound link opportunities
3. Help you determine an strategy action plan
4. Help you implement that strategy
5. Stay competitive in your target market
6. Look for effective marketing opportunities

Their is a plethora of myths and bad information on the web regarding web design and inbound marketing. I am now able to apply what I have learned over the years and share that information with small business owners. Remember quality content is king  and simple clean design trumps flash and clutter!

Even though I regret how I treated Mike, I was able to take away a valuable lesson in web design and friendship, applied knowledge if you will. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, questions and comments.