Earlier this year I was house hunting and it occurred to me how websites are a lot like houses.  Any realtor will tell you there are a few basic principles that help sell a house.  Well, those principles also help your website sell your business.

1)Location, Location, Location

Where a house is located is probably the most important thing in selling it.  Close to amenities, schools, public transportation are all key components to adding worth to a home.

While geography isn’t as important to a website, its location on search engines is!  Does your website come up when people search for your product or services?  If so, where?  Top of the page?  On the first page where people can find it, or third page where no one can find it?  Under what search terms?  At the very least, people should be able to enter your business name and find you immediately.  The location of your website on search engines is just as important as the neighbourhood your house is in.

2) Curb Appeal

So, you’re looking for a new place to live, you drive up to the address and…?  With some places your first reaction is “I love it!  It’s cute!  It’s gorgeous!  It’s us!”  With some others, your first reaction is ‘keep driving…’

A house with ‘curb appeal’ looks like it’s been cared for.  The yard is tidy, the trim is painted, the place looks clean and neat, like somebody cares about it.

A website is much the same thing.  It should look like someone is paying attention to it.  Information is recent, colours,  fonts and images are used effectively.  It looks ‘put together’.  There aren’t spelling mistakes, broken links or missing images.   Sometimes all a website needs is a little ‘yard work’.

3) Updated?

Have you ever gone into a house and thought you were in a time warp?  Like Dude — it’s 1983 all over again?

Although websites are fairly new, they’ve been around long enough to look dated.  With a house, a can of paint can go a long way.  With a website, new colours and images can put a shine on your business.

An updated website doesn’t have to include all the leading edge technology.  Sometimes all you need is some fresh colours and updated content.

4) Lay Out

I looked at a house that was beautifully updated, great location — but –  I realized the medicine cabinet (where I put my toothbrush) was directly over the toilet.  Yeah, I could see how my day was going to start…

It’s the little things that really turn people away from a home or a website.  Is your site well laid-out?  Is the information people are looking for clear and obvious?  Who you are, what you do and how to find or contact you should be clear and obvious on your site.  Don’t make them think!  Make it easy for people find what they are looking for.

So, Does Your Website have Curb Appeal?

Like looking at your home, it’s hard to be objective when looking at your website.  Just like there are homestagers and professionals to give your home curb appeal, I am a professional who can give your website curb appeal. My skills and expertise will get your website working for you!  Call me for a free consultation today, Lisa Armstrong 250-448-7935 Email info@workingwebsites.ca  or visit  www.WorkingWebsites.ca for more info!  I look forward to hearing from you.