5 Elements Your Website Must Have To Build Relationships, Be Irresistible and Increase Sales
Is Your Website a Money Engine?
The core of your online presence is your website. Ensuring that your site is really working for you, meaning it engages, informs, develops relationships, flows well and promotes action, is vital to your online marketing success.
Is your website a passive, pretty placeholder or worse yet ugly and useless?
This question may seem harsh and at the same time it’s so important to really think of your website as a money engine for your business (you do have a website because you hope to get more business, right?). In order for that to happen, you must have several elements in place.
One of the biggest mistakes I see online marketers making is not really thinking about their overall web flow and strategy.
So, take a moment and ask yourself three questions.
- Why do I have a website? (I.e. what is my ultimate goal?)
- What do I hope to achieve when people visit my site?
- Is my website doing what I hoped it would do?
Often people understand that a website is a vital marketing tool and at the same time, they fail to utilize this tool to the fullest. If you’re not getting the results you had hoped for from your website, chances are you’re missing one of five vital elements.
Truly successful websites engage, inform, develop relationships, flow well and promote action. They are irresistible.
If your website is a passive, pretty placeholder chances are it looks good but doesn’t really get any action. (Note: Some designers will sway you towards designs that appease their artistic talents but the design doesn’t support flow or results/sales.)
If your website is ugly and useless chances are it’s cluttered with too much information, the design is not appealing and people are confused when they visit so they do nothing. (Note: This generally means your site lacks overall strategy as well as individual page strategy and this can be the case for passive, pretty placeholder sites, too.)
Here are some signs that your site is working for you (and 5 vital elements to successful websites).
Your website:
- Engages: This means people can interact (perhaps via your blog). Your information is clearly stated so potential customers can find what they are looking for easily.
- Informs: This means you provide information that is useful to visitors (this could be resources, links to your blog, or details on how your products and services work.).
- Develops relationships: This means people begin to get a sense of what you can offer them (including your “free taste” or possibly video/audio messages to connect – again, depends on your strategy.).
- Flows well: This means there is a logical, proven flow for your content (people can find your “free stuff” easily and they can find information for various services or products easily).
- Promotes action: This means you invite visitors to do something that engages, informs and develops your relationship (offering a “free taste” and inviting them to take the next logical step to do business with you which results in sales.).
If all of these elements are in place and you’re still not getting results it usually because of one or two things or a combination of both.
- Your copy is not connecting with your ideal clients in a way they are responsive to (it’s not irresistible).
- You’re approaching your website with an attitude of “if I build they will come” with no strategy in place to regularly drive traffic to your website.
You can ensure your website is really working for you by having a clear strategy, incorporating the 5 key elements of successful websites, improving your copy (making it irresistible) and regularly marketing your website. Often it only takes minor adjustments to get turn your website into relationship building money engine.
April 20th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I just love the way you always give rock-solid information. It’s sometimes hard to realize that you write the website for the CLIENT rather than for yourself.
Great article, Lisa.
Sue Painter
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April 20th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Hi Sue,
Thanks so much. Yes, it’s a shift for many but one that will increase the effectiveness and that’s the point…I think.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 21st, 2010 at 12:04 am
Lisa
Very nice summary – it was good to go through each step and see what I have and what I need. I know I really need more interaction and you’ve prompted me to think about adding some more audio – perhaps in the form of short clips of some of my talks – maybe even some video… so thanks!
Trudy
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April 21st, 2010 at 6:21 am
Hi Trudy,
Yes, audio and video really help to build relationships. I’m glad you’re inspired.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 21st, 2010 at 6:28 am
Hi Lisa,
Over the last couple of years I have taken a very hands off approach to my website. I knew that it needed attention, but became very overwhelmed when attempting to work on it.
The information you shared in this post is a very helpful resource to begin looking at my site more strategically. It also helps that I signed up for the Manyon Makeover
No more overwhelm!
Thanks for sharing!
Ellen
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April 22nd, 2010 at 7:30 am
Hi Ellen,
Thanks so much for your feedback. I was absolutely delighted to help you with your Manyon Marketing Web Makeover and you’ll have our recording and your action items very soon. You’ve got a great platform to build from and I’m proud to know you. LOVE that fact that you’ve achieved Celebrity Organizer status — your appearance on Dr Oz was excellent and I’m so impressed with the magic you work for entrepreneurs.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 21st, 2010 at 8:17 am
Lisa,
Thank you for the great information. I will soon be developing a website for the doctors going through my program. Glad to have seen this resource before spending a ton of money on something that doesn’t work.
Dr. Robert Fenell
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April 21st, 2010 at 8:26 am
Great resource to use for auditing our website. Thank you for your valuable expert tips. I have a friend that is currently using your services. She is excited to use all of the suggestions you gave her.
Kiyla
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April 21st, 2010 at 9:11 am
You’re the pro Lisa!
Every time I read one of your articles I am reminded of the obvious (but often overlooked) things that can really boost business.
Thank you for this very clear and powerful reminder of what I need to do to make my website amazing!!
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April 21st, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Hi Dr. Fenell,
I’m glad this is useful. There are many other articles on the blog about content, too. It’s always a great idea to start out the right way. Saves time, money and energy.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 21st, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Kiyla,
Thanks for your feedback. I am blessed to work with the coolest people ever.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 21st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Laura,
You are so welcome. As always, glad to be of service.
You are doing amazing things and such an inspiration.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 21st, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Great information, Lisa! ? Katherine
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April 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 am
Great summary. I’m going to print this off and walk through it step-by-step and compare it to my site. I may be calling you….
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April 22nd, 2010 at 7:21 am
Hi Debbie,
I’m glad it’s helpful and I’m here when you need me. I’m still doing the special deal on Manyon Marketing Web Makeovers, too (7 page review for the small investment of 1 page).
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 22nd, 2010 at 7:26 am
Hello Kinet,
It sounds as though you have a site that combines your blog and website ( a common practice now and very smart because of RSS leverage). If your topic is engaging and provides value and no fluff, length shouldn’t be an issue.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 22nd, 2010 at 7:27 am
Glad you found it helpful.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 22nd, 2010 at 7:28 am
Thanks for your feedback. Yes, I’ve found that being straightforward is the best way to go and experience helps ensure that tips and techniques are proven.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 22nd, 2010 at 8:42 am
Lisa,
Thank you for the helpful tips and good information, as usual!
I just launched a new website and hopefully covered everything,
but you gave me good things to think about. It’s a process!
Linda
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April 22nd, 2010 at 9:44 am
Hi Linda,
It is a process and always a great idea to have a team that can work together. When your web designer understands relationship based Internet marketing it really helps them work nicely with your copywriter to create content and flow that gets better results.
Ultimately your website will always evolve as your business does. That’s the beauty of being an entrepreneur. Never a dull moment, right?
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 22nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Such solid, clear information, Lisa. Thank you for telling it like it is. Makes me even more excited to begin working with you next week!
Much love,
Jenny
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April 22nd, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Hi Jenny,
I’m excited to connect, too. AND, I really appreciate your feedback. Being clear on web strategy and setting sites up to build relationships, get clients and make money is what it’s all about.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 23rd, 2010 at 2:31 pm
As ususal Lisa you are fabulous!!! Great stuff!!! Thanks
Cheers
Terri
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April 24th, 2010 at 12:44 am
Thanks for the fabulous, comprehensive information – I am about to develop my third website – Living Leaders – and this gives me a great audit tool to check in against before I spend my valuable $$.
One of my current sites is more a less a brochure http://www.leadingvalue.net and doesn’t flow well or encourage anyone to take action – but we all started somewhere!
Great stuff
Heidi Alexandra Pollard
The Living Leaders Advocate
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April 24th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Heidi,
When I first started out, my website was pure flash with no opt in or breadcrumbs to build relationships– all pretty no splash = no cash. So, I’ve learned to adapt and evolve as needed. I was able to keep a lovely look that’s consistent with my brand, interface my blog and now it’s working like a charm.
We all have to start somewhere and the key is starting.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 24th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Lisa,
YOU are the PRO. I am always so thrilled to read your blogs, because I always walk away with great insights and information. I love your reminder that developing a website is a “process” I am in the “process” again and I am allowing it to unfold and not panic.
Thanks for the post and I look forward to working with you!
Anita
Anita
xoxoxo
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April 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Hi Anita,
You are so welcome and than you for the kind words. I do love what I do and I’m so blessed to have people like you in my life.
Yes, your website is a process. It has to evolve with you as you evolve in your business. I think may people overlook this and fail to embrace the concept.
You’re on the right track and I cannot wait to see your new site when you’re done.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 25th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
What a fantastic ‘check list’ Lisa. Thanks to you, MPC, Christine and the other members of our tribe it’s good to know I have most of these things in place. I also know where I need improvement (the ‘irresitable’ copy!) and will work on that. Thanks again for your generous help.
Lynn
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April 25th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Hi Lynn,
You are welcome. Yes, websites are an ongoing process and I recommend a quarterly audit of all content to make sure it’s still up to date with your vision.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 25th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Lisa,
Thank you once again for providing such valuable information in a really easy to understand format. The perfect checklist for a website.
Mitch Tublin´s last blog ..Entrepreneurs Find Inspiration From Sports
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April 25th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
As always, Lisa, great information!
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April 25th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Mitch and Terry,
You are welcome. I’m always happy to help. My hope is to deliver valuable information that you can apply right to your business right away.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 26th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Valuable information as always Lisa! Thank you for sharing the 5 key elements and the reminder that it’s not all about “pretty”. I look forward to your next post.
Christine´s last blog ..Blog Link Exchange | Link Exchange SEO
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April 27th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Christine,
You are so welcome. Your posts are always appreciated as well. And now with the new ComLuv plug in, people can easily access you when you poste here, too. I love the collaborative nature of this plug in.
Write on!~
Lisa
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April 27th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Lisa – Your information is always so valuable AND immediately actionable!
Truly fantastic…
I am totally going to pick up that plug-in as well.
Thanks!
Phil
Phil Dyer´s last blog ..Enter the Entrepreneurial “No Fear” Zone…
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April 27th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Hi Phil,
I appreciate the feedback. Yes, the plug in is cool, too.
Write on!~
Lisa
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May 1st, 2010 at 10:48 am
Thanks, Lisa, for addressing this topic in a clear and concise way. Now I know why you wanted me to read it
. I’m so glad to have your help with our website!
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May 2nd, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Lisa,
What a FANTASTIC blueprint for a website that gets results! I am going to use this as a step-by-step checklist to make sure my website is set up as effectively as possible! Thank goodness I also have you to help me get my copy into shape!
Jessica
http://www.jessicaeavesmathews.com
Jessica Eaves Mathews´s last blog ..Thank you Sir, May I Have Another?
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May 2nd, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Hi Deborah,
You are so welcome. AND, you are appreciated. It’s really important to me that the projects I am involved in WORK for the clients I’m blessed to assist.
Write on!~
Lisa
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May 2nd, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Hi Lisa,
Really useful advice, since I am just about there with my new website. I will be in touch soon to work together on it.
Best,
Renée
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May 3rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Great article, Lisa! I’m going to have to take a second look at mine and make sure it id following these principles!
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May 3rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Jessica,
Thanks so much for your feedback. I am glad this helped and honored to work with you.
Write on!~
Lisa
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May 3rd, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Renee,
I am here when you need me. I’ve found that websites are a never ending process and there are always ways to improve.
That’s what makes my work so much fun.
Write on!~
Lisa
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May 3rd, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Hi Patricia,
This is a great guideline and, of course, I’m always happy to assist.
Write on!~
Lisa
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October 3rd, 2011 at 10:45 am
WOW! Fantastic insight as always! Thanks for being consistent with your generosity in sharing your wisdom!
Jennifer Longmore´s last ..Align with Your Soul Family
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October 3rd, 2011 at 11:51 am
Jennifer,
You are welcome. I’ve very passionate about helping people realize how to effectively connect with ideal clients via the Internet and specifically their websites. If it’s not building relationships, getting clients and making money, it’s pretty much a waste of time.
Write on!~
Lisa
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