Here are 10 mistakes that could be costing you customers every day:
Don’t go live until you know your target audience
Before launching your website, research your target audience’s interests and preferences. Consider that demographic, for example a younger audience expect vibrant imagery, whilst an older audience may appreciate an easy-to-read font.
Better to please some of the people all of the time
Don’t try to target everyone, find your niche and know what their expectations are. Trying to please everyone usually ends up with you pleasing nobody.
Unclear Call-To- Action
Even if you’ve got a great homepage which tells your target audience what you’re all about in under 5 seconds – that won’t be enough if your call-to-action isn’t clear. Whether you want them to buy a product, subscribe to a service or sign-up to your newsletter – make it clear – with a big uncomplicated button. E.g. “Buy Now”.
Crowded homepage
Simple and elegant homepages allow visitors to find what they want quickly, and if they can’t find it within a few seconds you’re history. Supply all the important information on your homepage, with easy short-cuts and links to more elaborated descriptions.
Outdated Content
Blog sections and news sections should always have something new every week (preferably at least twice) as this shows you’re on the ball. Fresh content also enhances Search Engine Rankings and helps drive traffic to your website.
Poor Functionality
In today’s world, it isn’t enough to have a website that just looks good on a computer screen. It also needs to adapt to the latest and greatest mobile gadgets; as the increase in consumers using these to browse the internet is exponential. So much so that being a mobile-friendly website is now a major consideration in how the Google Algorithm ranks your website.
Not making that great first impression
DIY websites may be cheaper than employing a professional digital agency to build you one – but it’s a complete waste of your time and effort if it doesn’t attract traffic and convert that traffic into customers. You seldom get a second chance to make a great first impression.
Broken links
There is nothing more annoying to a visitor. Asking people to follow a path only to disappoint them is a sure fire way of losing a customer for life.
Writing for SEO not customers
The days of stuffing article and blogs with keywords is officially over. Sure, keywords still have a place but they should be secondary to interesting and unique content. If you’re stuffing boring content with keywords – Google are watching – and they won’t be happy!
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Chris and his team will send you a weekly email offering high-value insight and advice about a variety of marketing and business development topics related to the tourism industry. We address specific destinations, tours and activities, and the hotel industry. We also provide important travel industry news and updates.
