Being “successful” online is subject to many definitions, but here at SnapHawk we know that most business owners want to see a monetary payoff. This payoff can come through a variety of channels depending on the goal you’ve set. Perhaps the aim is to get a customer to make a purchase through your e-commerce site or maybe you want visitors to sign up for an e-mail newsletter. Whatever the goal, one thing is clear: potential customers need to not only land on your web page, but they need to stay on your web page.

This is both obvious and overlooked. At SnapHawk, we’re big believers in the power of Pay-Per-Click advertising and web analytics to help increase traffic and boost sales. Our expertise is search engine marketing and the product we market is your website. In turn, your website needs to market your product or service. Having the world’s most successful pay-per-click ads won’t matter if users can’t navigate or understand the content they land on.

Believe it or not, you already have the tools to determine whether or not your website makes the grade. Begin by asking yourself this question: “Would I hang out on this website?” I read that on a blog somewhere and it stuck with me. As you delve deeper into this concept, consider these questions:

• Do you often have trouble finding things on your own website? 
• Is there a feature on another site that you find very helpful? 
• Can you think of site you find difficult to navigate? 
• Is the most important information easy to find?

If your page frustrates you, you can bet it’s not going to be a cake walk for your readers. With so many other destinations just a click away, you can’t afford to turn off readers with very fixable mistakes.

Ultimately, your website should encourage users to “pull up a chair and stay awhile.” The longer they stay, the more likely they are to buy what you’re selling. If you’re still unsure about your site read this article. 

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Edited by: Melissa Miller