THE VIRTUES OF A PROFESSIONAL-LOOKING WEB SITE
 

by Charles Drake
http://www.drakes.vstorestuff.com

If you've ever tried to do business online, chances are you've either tried your hand at designing your own web site (with little success) or have paid someone else to do it for you. Either way is fine, depending on what your budget and talents allow, as long as you make sure you're getting the most professional-looking site possible.

The main benefit of a professional-looking site can be summed up in one word: credibility.  The more professional your site looks, the more reliable you'll appear-- and that's EVERYTHING on the Web.  An attractive, colorful site that's well put together can do every bit as much for your bottom line as accepting credit cards.  And, it will attract visitors and orders faster than a T-bone steak attracts German shepherds.

A few words about credit cards: you NEED to accept them, and the transactions NEED to be secure.  If you don't offer secure credit card transactions, you might as well invite customers to leave on your opening page, because that's exactly what most of them will do.  If you're planning to go from not accepting credit cards to accepting them, and you're getting hits, be prepared for your sales to skyrocket.

If your budget doesn't allow you to hire an upscale designer and you really don't know what you're doing, there's nothing wrong with using templates and other low-cost services that will let you put your own site together using their tools.  These sites, whether they're pre-made retail stores or simple discussion boards, can be put together in minutes without technical expertise.  And, they look good.

A professional site says you're trustworthy, dependable, established, and that you know what you're doing.  Think about the last time you were looking for a product or service online. Did you come across some sites that looked sub-par?  How willing were you to hand over your money to someone whose site looked disjointed or thrown together?

In a nutshell, an attractive, state-of-the-art web site is essential for success.  If you're not sure how good your site looks, have it evaluated by a professional, or peek at your competitors' sites.  If yours shrinks by comparison, look into having it redone.  After all, your site is your only image to the online world... shouldn't it say good things about you?

Author Charles Drake is founder of two great-looking online stores, Electronics Galore (http://www.drakes.vstorestuff.com) and The Sports Fanatic (http://www.drakesports.vstoresports.com). Visit the sites to find out how he did it, or stop by and shop these cutting-edge retail outlets.  Reach Drake at okeepitsweet@aol.com.