10 Guidelines for Designing a Credible Website or Blog

Subscribe in a reader Blogging Tips February 8th, 2008

The advent of internet has drastically changed the information landscape. People are increasingly relying on ‘The world wide web’ for information and research. The fact that information from various sources is made available at the comforts of home is attracting more and more people towards it.

In today’s world, a website is the fastest and cheapest medium to reach a wide range of audience. A website is an absolute need for business, organizations or even individuals. A website has become one of the important identities of organizations and individuals. A good website attracts prospective customers and serves as an interface between the organization and its customers. There might be a day, when not having a website is not an option!

Designing a not ‘rocket science’ anymore. With the help of website generators and various tools anyone can design website. The internet is flooded with such tools and applications, a simple search with Google would do. The flip side is anyone can create a website and the burden is on you to differentiate yourself from the clutter. Creating a professional and good looking website involves a lot of thought process and research.

Here are some guidelines for successful website development:

• Design to look professional

A professional look is very important for a website. A professionally designed website will attract visitors and retain them. Take some time to identify the niche audience you are targeting, study them, understand their preferences and plan your design accordingly. Decide if you require a simple HTML site, an integrated dynamic site or Ecommerce application. The visual design must match the purpose of the website and never distract form the main theme. Your website must leave a good impression over the visitor at the first instance and build their confidence in the products and services you provide. Make sure your site is consistent from beginning to end.

• Make easy to verify the accuracy of the info on site The facts and information provided in the website must be accurate and verifiable. You can improve the credibility of your website by providing third party support for the information you provide. You can provide the links to citations, references and sources in support of your information. The references and citations must be taken from reliable a source. This goes a long way in inspiring trust and confidence in the customer. After all a customer doubting your information is the last thing your want.

• Show that there is a real organization behind your siteShowing that there is a legitimate organization behind the website is a very important in establishing the credibility of the website. Show verifiable information like the physical address or contact number in your website. Other features like providing reference to previous clients, posting office photos or listing a membership with commerce chamber can also help.• Highlight the expertise in your organization, in the content and services you provide

Stress the experience and expertise of your organization in your domain. If you are a product based organization provide facts (support them with third party references) that support your position as a market leader in your domain. Similarly you can list the fortune 500 organizations that you supply products or render services. Highlight the recent technologies, inventions or patents registered under your organization. By clearly highlighting your expertise you

• Show that honesty and trustworthy people stand behind your site You can provide a simple bio of the people working in your organization their family and hobbies. Staff photographs can have a positive impact on customers if used with care. Testimonials can also be used for this purpose.

• Make it easy to contact youOne way to make your website credible is by showing contact information like physical address, E-mail addresses and phone numbers clearly. You can even provide a simple form for the customers to get their reviews and comments. This helps you evaluate your performance and makes the customer feel you really care for his needs. • Make your site easy to use and make it usefulSimple things like providing the link to your home page at the bottom of each webpage can bring a professional look to your website. Your site should be easy to find, easy to read, and easy to navigate. The site graphics should be neat and catchy, and should not distract visitors from the central focus. A bad choice of color and graphics can leave a bad taste in the visitor’s mouth. Go for a right blend of technology, functionality, graphics and content to match the purpose of the website.

• Update your sites content oftenPeople tend to rate websites with up to date information higher than the rest. The content should be dynamic and should keep pace with the recent developments in the industry.• Use restraint with any promotional content

Avoid using promotional contents like ads in your website. If it is necessary to place ads chose the right place to ensure you differentiate the sponsored content from your own. Avoid pop-up ads at any cost.