Wednesday, 2 April 2008

The 6 must-have website features for 2008

1. Blog

They’re quick and easy to update, can be informal if appropriate and can develop a large user base if the right content and appropriate sharing mechanisms are used. A blog can also be a way of encouraging two-way communications, engaging the user by giving them the ability to comment on posts and providing pre-purchase research resources for consumers. All of this of course providing sound commercial benefits which may include an increase in website transactions, more enquiries or more sign-ups – it depends upon your objectives.

2. Customer reviews

Taking the communication one step further and enabling customers to review you, your products and your service can open a valuable communications channel, whilst increasing customer confidence. Don’t be scared of bad reviews, they give you the chance to react and the opportunity to improve service, prove you are a reputable company and increase customer loyalty.

3. Regularly updated content

One key factor in SEO is frequent updates to your site’s content – search engines will love you for it and this will certainly help your overall SEO strategy and natural listings. Of course, content has to be relevant, but in turn this will build your presence as an authoritative figure in your field. Don’t worry about the time it takes to write your news everyday – Bluhalo can arrange that for you!

4. RSS and Atom feeds

Allowing users of your website to subscribe to your news and blog feeds not only helps to establish you as an authority in your area of business, but also encourages repeat visits and increased brand awareness and loyalty – all contributing to increased levels of sales.

5. Functional footer

A functional footer is often seen as just another way of increasing clicks within your website. But it’s more than that. A functional footer improves usability, is simple to build, is very en vogue and provides a high density of key words to contribute to your SEO.

6. Digital planning

Digital planning is the difference between a good website and a great website! Professional analysis of your objectives, target market and competitors will give you the perfect solution for maximising your ROI and gaining a competitive edge, providing recommendations tailored to your exact requirements and budget. Everyone needs digital planning, so speak to Bluhalo about how it can help you!

To continue with our marathon of web tips, click on one of the article titles below:

Make social media work for you
Hot 5 design trends
Blog successfully
Increase your website traffic

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