Think of your web host as your site “fashion consultant.” Ever looked in the mirror and thought “I could use a makeover.” Every season you carefully adjust your wardrobe to adapt to the changing weather and fashion trends. The same fringed vest that was a hit last winter would be a fashion disaster this year. And the wool poncho that was all the rage last fall is best left in the closet. The same thing applies to your web site. When you open it up, what do you see? Do you see cutting edge graphics, relevant copy and current inventory and prices?  Or do you see an out of fashion site rife with obsolete information and design?  With a little help from your web host, you can step out in style.

Web hosting provider lists the reasons why you might need a website makeover

How do you know when your site needs a makeover? Here are some things to look for:

1. Is your contact information current and easy to find? Nothing is more frustrating than to visit a site, credit card in hand, with every intention of buying a product, only to find confusing or non-existent information on how to complete the purchase or how to contact the online store. Include contact information on every page of your site so that it is very easy for potential customers to buy something or make an inquiry. Maybe your site is too hard to navigate. Is it easy to get info on your site with just a few clicks? If not fix it or your visitors will go somewhere else. Your web host can help you make sure that your site is “customer-friendly.”

1. Are you getting the same questions over and over from your visitors? Take a hint. While questions reflect that people have been to your site, if you get the same questions over and over then there is something that can be better explained. Restructure your copy so that information is easy to find. Maybe you need to do a complete rewrite of the copy so that it is clear and concise. Don’t use small fonts that will scare off the aging boomers (or at least give them the option of making the fonts larger). Bear in mind that web copy produces the biggest response when each reader can believe the message was written specifically for him or her. As you write web copy, pretend that you are writing to one person instead of to a large group of people. This will help you write in a less formal and more personal style. Computers come with built-in spell checkers. Use them! Poor spelling or incorrect grammar will send the wrong message to your visitors about the level of quality they can expect from you and your products.

1. Does your site have several “pop-up” windows? Let’s face it. Pop-up windows are just plain annoying. Ditto broken back buttons. If someone visits your site and they encounter numerous pop-up windows you will most likely lose them, especially if your “back” button is disabled because they will feel trapped. And people don’t buy things from companies that make them feel trapped.

1. Do you have a massive flash intro? In most cases visitors don’t want to see a fireworks display or a video download. And many won’t wait for the flash intro to load, which means that they never get to see the products you have to offer. If you have a flash intro, offer visitors the option to “skip intro.”

1. Is your site too busy? Flashing banners, graphics popping out of nowhere, distracting music and animated cartoons all used at the same time will annoy and overwhelm your visitors. There is a place for use of all of these elements, but don’t use them all at once; It’s just plain tacky.

Talk to your web host today to find out if it’s time for an ecommerce site “makeover.”  Your host can ensure that your customers have a marvelous experience every time they visit your site. And good customer service is always in style.