There’s lots of chatter on the Internet now about Web 2.0 (and even the rumblings about Web 3.0 now – sheesh). It seems that there are new apps and bells and whistles popping up daily.
Still, the first rule of design still seems to apply even outside the realm of design:
Keep It Simple, Sweetheart.
Look, people are online for one of two reasons: Entertainment or Information.
If they’re online for entertainment, then your business is about entertaining them. You develop games, record music or videos, write jokes or stories.
If they’re online for information, then your business is about GIVING them that information. Blogs, reports, white papers… things they can use right now. Give them the information they’re researching. For free.
Yes, give it away for free.
Don’t go giving away the whole cow when all they really need is a pint of milk. Just give them the pint of milk. If they like it, they are more likely to come back to you when they need to buy some heavy cream. One day, they may even return to buy the cow.
Content – useful, relevant, desired information that consumers need to help make purchasing decisions – also helps to boost your ranks in the search engines. Incorporate your keywords so it’s easier for them to find you when they key in those search terms.
Keep content up to date. Take out what is not current. Add to it from time to time. Just remember to write for people first, search engines second. You’re selling to people, not computers.
(This is a sample tip paraphrased from my ebook “The Pocket Patti Guide to Websites and Online Marketing”, on sale until August 31.)
Tags: content, keywords, relevant information, web content, web design, website, websites
