by Jim Smoot

Created on: March 19, 2007   Last Updated: April 04, 2007

There is a lot of software that is available that make it possible for virtually anyone with a computer and an internet connection to have a web site. In business, it's almost expected of you to have a web presence. However , a poorly designed web site may say things about you and your business that you really don't intend. Here are a couple of mistakes that will hurt your image , and a couple of tips that will help you clean up your site.

First and foremost is poor writing. I have seen too many sites that looked good at first glance , but when I started reading I lost all confidence in doing business with the company. Misspelled words, poor grammar, lack of punctuation , misuse or lack or use of capitalization, are far too common these days. Most software that handles text have a spell checker included. Use it. Then have someone else read what you have written. Even if you do have an awesome product and are a great company to do business with, you will lose customers with bad writing.

If you've taken the time to put together a web site, you must have a reason for doing it. If you have something to say, say it. Get to the point. I don't want to read long unending paragraphs. Short paragraphs that actually say something are what I'm looking for. If you take to long to say it, I will leave. Chances are I'll quickly find someone else offering something I'm looking for.

Make sure I can find my way around. It's very frustrating to follow a link, and arrive someplace with no clear way to return to where I can from. If I have to go to the home page and start over, there's a good chance I'll start over someplace new.

Speaking of links, do yours work? If I click on it, will it take me where I want to go. Make sure you check every link. A lot of design software includes a link checker. Use it. If you're not careful with your own web site, how can I trust you to be careful with my order?

Include contact information, not just an email address. Include your name, address, and phone number. Doing business on the web with a company you don't already know is largely an issue of trust. I need to feel like I can trust you. If you appear to be hiding something, our dealings are through. Make me know that if there is a problem, you can be reached to make things right.

If you've done much reading on the computer, you know that it can be harder on the eyes than reading of paper. Do your visitors a favor and make it as easy as possible for them. Do not use flashing or scrolling text.

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