Study reveals tips for better websites
I saw a great article recently which sums up what I have been thinking for a long time. The article, by EMarketer, summarizes a recent study which asks the question "Why Do People Go Online?"
And while the findings are interesting to read - if you look closely you will find tips for building a better, more effective website for today's online users.
2 sides to the story
What's interesting to me is that if you asked people in the website business what the top reason is they would probably tell you to shop online. So many business websites skimp on valuable information and just list products or services as though that is enough. Business owners often feel like their sales pitch should be sufficient to lure in a customer.
However if you asked anyone else they would probably give you a list of other top reasons they use the internet such as:
- staying updated on news
- connecting with friends
- killing time
- research
- be entertained
And the study shows that is exactly the case. Sadly, killing time ranks as the #1 reason to go online. Followed closely by educating yourself, connecting with others and research.
So what does this mean for folks who want better performance out of their website?
The answer is simple - QUIT SELLING AND START TEACHING!
What this survey drives home is the fact that people, for the most part, don't go online with the intention of buying things. They go online with the intention of learning something. Maybe it's about your product or maybe its about a problem that your product may solve. But in either case they are NOT looking to find out how great you are when they first go online.
Givers Gain
The best advice for building a website is to give away as much of your knowledge and expertise as you can in hopes of helping consumers learn more about what you do. The more people you help by providing them with information the better chance you stand of converting them into a customer.
Think about it - isn't that how YOU like to use the internet? We want to learn about how to fix YOUR problems and needs, then maybe look at some vendors who can help. Chances are you will check them out online before calling or making a purchase.
So if you can provide the information needed in step one of the online search behavior you stand a better chance of keeping someone with you through the natural cycle which happens online.
Author Bio
Andre' Savoie is the President of WSI's Mandeville, LA franchise office and is certified in Advanced Search Engine Marketing Skills by Search Engine Workshops and has also earned Google's AdWords Certification for Individuals. You can contact him via email at info@mywisconsultant.com.