The Value of Words: Tips for Effective Websites

Utilize graphics to reflect a professional image. An experienced Web designer can develop an overall style, color scheme, font type and background design to be used on all pages of your site. Visuals alone, however, will not convert potential clients into customers. And don’t rely solely on flash and animation to convert visitors into buyers.

Instead, pair a well-constructed graphic backdrop with well-crafted words. Educate and enlighten your current clients about new offerings and turn “window shoppers” into buyers with informative copy.

Express your value proposition: What is it that you offer your clients. How do you deliver your products or services? What is your industry experience? How do you do the job better than the competition? What do your customers say?

Other helpful hints:

• Use bullets, lists, and white space and action verbs to make your material more readable.
• Avoid – or explain – industry jargon.
• Include key words, those popularly searched phrases that your potential customers “Google” when they try to find you. Include different key words on each website page to increase your visibility on search engine listings.
• Update your site on a regular basis with new information, such as professionally written articles on industry trends.
• Include links to related websites and news articles relating to your business.
• Develop or use your existing logo on your website pages. Then incorporate it and your website design on all promotional materials, business cards and stationery. Include a tag line, a catchy phrase that describes what you do.

Joyce Litwin Zimmerman (www.joywriter.net) has extensive experience writing and optimizing websites for a variety of industries. She also provides copy for brochures, newsletters, advertorials, articles and more. She can be reached at 516-485-2152 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .