Enabling Business Through Technology And Teamwork - The Wow Factor
Posted by Goody on 03/19/08 in Internet
The WOW Factor!
In preparing to write this column, I recalled that a few years ago I wrote a column called “Add a Sprinkler Head to your Website”. I wrote about adding cool graphics, insuring that your web pages were fast loading, and other features that were popular at that time. Today, all of the features I wrote about at that time are passé and would be senior citizens in today’s Internet.
So, after wandering around the Net and talking to some our great professional designers, I came to conclusion that we should all consider adding “WOW Factor(s)” to our current design or incorporating some of them in a new site design.
What is the WOW factor? In “Chuck’s” definition…”WOW is any feature that creates excitement, stretches the imagination and promotes interactivity”. Now the specifics and the WOW features that are currently available:
1. Logo Design. A website or any other form of marketing starts with the “image” and in our definition that translates into a creative but professional looking logo. Logos do not need to be static but can be designed to create an impression of “largeness” and professionalism. While logos should define and brand the client’s business, it does not have be just a set of simple graphics and text. Think outside the box!
2. Flash Intros. I used to be against having these because (1) they took a long time to load on non-high-speed connections and (2) could interfere with the site being registered by important search engines. However, new high-speed connectivity options and new flash programs eliminate those objections. I have seen flash intros that really influence me to go further into the site and see what this guy/gal is selling. Remember, you always want to get a site visitor to go beyond your home page to where the buying decision or call-to-action will probably occur.
3. Content Management System. More and more website clients want the option to make changes to their website and having a robust content management system allows them to make “real-time” changes. Not only does it reduce website design maintenance fees, but adds a “freshness” which the major search engines are always looking for. “Hey, you changed the pictures!”
4. Video. With the success of www.YouTube.com and the improvements in video cameras, it is quite simple to add video to your website to promote your business. By the way, you can add your business to YouTube.com for free and you will be surprised at the number of people who will look at your video if it a subject or an area that they are interested in.
5. Design. As with all marketing/advertising efforts, your website is your professional “face” to potential and existing clients. Don’t go cheap on your website design. You can go to websites such as www.wordpress.com to get a free template that you can, with a little effort (if you are somewhat a techie), create a website but the results will in most cases not represent your business as you would want.
6. Email that Sparkle. With the use of a very simple-to-use program offered by Constant Contact you send a professional looking email to existing clients or potential clients. You can view an example of their program at www.constantcontact.com.
7. Contact-to-Call. Another interactive option is “Contac- to-Call”. By adding a simple “clickable bar” on you site, you can have potential or existing client click on the button and call you using your computer, internet and your telephone (standard or cell). If you want to see an example on this works, go my website at www.sysconn.com and click on network support and click on the “contact us” frame. You will be taken to a contact form and at the top. When you depress the call button, a LIVE person is going to answer. There are a number of contact-to call developers and two that I like are: (1) www.jaduka.com and (2) www.jajah.com. Both are scaleable and very inexpensive to use and allow you offer toll-free services to your clients or soon-to-be buyers.
8. Live Chat. A number of businesses are adding a “live person chat” feature on their sites. A visitor simply requests a live chat and the operator replies. He/she is available to help or answer questions. Consider the impact of using this WOW feature if you are selling real estate and a potential home-buyer wants to ask questions! Two recommendations: (1) www.liveperson.com and (2) www.websitealive.com.
By employing the WOW factor(s), you can make your website interesting, interactive and create excitement for visitors and, by the way, you may make a sale!
Chuck St. Arnaud is the Chairman and CEO of the largest and oldest locally owned ISP in Coastal Georgia. He has written numerous articles on the Internet and his popular column titled “Ask the Webmaster” is published in the Savannah Business Report & Journal. Visit Chuck’s SEO (Internet Marketing) site at http://www.savannahweb.net
Tags: getting found, internet marketing, web site marketing, website design
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