There are more than 700 million Websites on the internet since the dawn of the web happened almost two decades ago. Google gets 2.7 trillion searches each month, 119 million tweets are tweeted per day, and every 60 seconds more than 5,000 web pages are created. Wowzers, when you really stop to think about it, being on the internet, pretty much a big deal.

However, did you know that many small to mid sized businesses still have a limited (or nonexistent) online presence? Because we are in the digital age, it's important to (if you haven't already) make an online presence that your customers can reach out to, especially since the world of marketing, shopping, and more are migrating in that direction. According to HubSpot's marketing grader, 72% of Websites receive a failing grade of 59 or lower. Don't let your Website be plagued by disaster. Take a look at these tips to make your Website an online presence all-star.

Personalize your Website. Even though your business may be targeting a large audience, you have to remember that not every customer is the same. Different clients have different needs, and it's important to cater to every prospective buyer individually. Wouldn't it be nice if your company's Website could remember each visitor's name, or what they were interested in so they don't feel like a first time visitor all over again? Creating this personalized outreach is a whole new experience for the user, one that can easily keep them coming back.

Don't ignore mobile. At this point, I think it's safe to say that most people browse the internet on their smart phone or tablet rather than a desktop computer, I know I do. In fact, by 2014 more people will access the web via mobile than regular PC, and 46% of all mobile users have issues interacting with Websites because they are not optimized for the mobile-sphere. A Website that is optimized for mobile is critical solely due to the growth trend within the mobile world. So, having a mobile site can increase the functionality and usability of your Website for those of us (apparently everyone) that use mobile devices to browse the internet.

Did you know?

• 3 times more smart phones are being activated every minute around the world than there are babies being born.
  
  

• 62% of companies that design Websites particularly for mobile increased sales. Go mobile!
  
  

• Smart phone and tablet users have already spent more time on their mobile devices than PCs.
  
  

• According to Google's Get Mo, mobile searches have grown by 400% since 2010.
  
  

• Most mobile users prefer mobile sites to applications for researching prices, product reviews, and shopping.
  
  

• 43% of mobile web users are unlikely to return to a slow loading site.

Sometimes simplicity is best. Many Websites over do it, or try to do too much at once. A cluttered Website can actually detract from your success, so sometimes less is more. Don't over use your multimedia by stacking your home page with pictures, videos, gifs, colors, or different fonts. This can negatively effect the usability of your Website, confuse your visitors, or discourage them, especially if they can't find what they are looking for. According to MarginMedia, 78% of users want to be able to find what they're looking for on your site within one or two clicks. Make sure your Website has an easy to use site navigation, and a short load time. People are impatient, and they won't stick around just to watch your Website load. They will just look elsewhere instead.

Publish content that is valuable. Truly valuable content is a great way to enhance your Website. If people have a reason to value your Website (like being educated about the products they are shopping around for) they will be more likely to return to your Website, and share your services with their friends, family, coworkers, and so on. The key to creating valuable content is:

1. Know who your audience is, and address their needs.
2. Use language that is understandable to your reader.
3. Use examples, data, facts to increase your content's credibility.
4. Write in a clear and concise tone.
5. Use multimedia that enhances your content.

Make your call-to-action clear and available. A call-to-action (or CTA) is an image, animation, or line of text that prompts the user to take action, usually by clicking. Your CTA can prompt readers really to do anything. Maybe they will sign up for your email list, download a free ebook, get a coupon, or even go to a webinar. The best part about CTAs are they can go anywhere within your marketing, like on your homepage or in a blog post. (Look for my example at the end of this blog!) :) Make your call-to-action stand out so that users will be drawn to click on your offer. Some things you may want to incorporate are:

1. Compelling imagery that makes people want to act.
2. A clear value ($250 off your next consultation!)
3. Copy that instills a sense of urgency.
4. A dedicated landing page.
5. A great design layout (think about size, shape, color, and alignment).

Are you ready to take your Website to the next level? Click below for a FREE Website redesign and review session to get started!