Website Reviews Submitted by Brian Bearden, Zephyr Salvo Studios 713-481-3321 / 832-594-5390 / www.zSalvo.com / brian@zsalvo.com Just like your review your Phone Systems, Office Computers, Software, etc to make sure they are up to date with your business…It’s time to do a review on your website. Your first impression to the world, 365 Days a year, 24/7. So how do you go about doing your own website review? Here are some tips from someone who reviews hundreds of website every month. Ask yourself a couple of questions: Who is your target audience? Is it different now than when you first designed your website? With this question, you are thinking about the type of customer you want to reach with your website. Do you sell a product or service that will be purchased by a homeowner, a mom, a purchasing manager, a maintenance manager on an offshore platform manager? Each of these audiences is different and your website should address your specific audience. Last week we discussed the different audiences that visit your site: Prospective Clients, Current Clients, Potential Employees, Stakeholders, Investors, Media, etc. Does your current site do a good job reaching these segments? What is the primary message you wish to convey to your audience with your website? Big question. Think about this one for a little while. This will affect the copy and design of the site. Does your current website effectively portray your message or is the current site your typical old brochure type site that is about you? How does your website compare to your competitors? Your website will most likely not be the only one out there selling your type of product or service. How does your company separate itself from your competition? Take a look at your competitors. How are they are going after the market? How does your current website stack up against your competition? How is your current website designed? Microsoft Front Page site? A template site that your purchased and dropped in your logo and information? A 100% FLASH based site that takes a good time to download? Does your current site follow 2009 design guidelines? Website design technology changes all the time. Can you find your website by using Google or Yahoo? 80% of internet traffic starts with search, if you are not being found, people are not visiting your website. Can you update your current website? When was the last time you updated your current site? Important for both the search engines and to make people want to come back to your website. Now I know you are a busy business owner who does not have time for all of this. What I suggest is that you do is pick up the phone next and CALL IN @ 3p Tuesday at 713-STEVEN-K (713-783-8365). I will be glad to provide you with a free on air website review. Let me tell you what I see that could be improved, updated or that is working for you. About Our Show Expert: Brian Bearden is a Director and website redesign guy of Zephyr Salvo Studios. He has a true passion for the web and is glad to share is advice for making your website the best it can be. Visit www.zsalvo.com or www.upstreammarketing.net to see a sample of his design portfolio or call 832-594-5390 to schedule your free website consultation. Daily website design tips from Brian Bearden on Twitter: @brianbearden