What is it about your favorite website that you love so much? What keeps you coming back time after time to the same news source or online retailer? Chances are that you have never really noticed what makes these sites so great. Sure, they may have excellent products or services, but if you had trouble using the website, you would simply shop in person. The truth is that a large part of the most successful internet marketing is done on an invisible level. So next time you visit your favorite site, pay attention to what it is that draws you back time after time.

Ease of Use

The most important aspect of successful internet marketing is ease of use. You can have the best products on the face of the planet, but if your website makes it impossible for your customers to find what they need, you might as well be selling out of your garage. The key is to go out of your way to make their internet shopping experience a simple, uncomplicated one every time. This means that a large part of your marketing efforts will go completely unnoticed by the people you are trying to please. So don't expect any thank you notes. Do expect increased profits.

We have all been to websites that promise great products but have endless dead links and ill-conceived pages. If you helped to design your own website, keep in mind that you will be somewhat biased in respect to its usability. You might think that those menu options are perfect, but a customer with no knowledge of your product or service might not be able to find what they want using your directions. Ask the opinions of people outside of your field. Remember that your best bet is to consult with a professional web designer.

Quality Copy

A large part of successful website design is web copy that will grab your reader's attention and answer their concerns, while portraying you as an expert in your field. Hiring a professional copywriter to give you some web content is one of the best things you can do for your customers and for your bottom line.

Contact Us

Your contact page is an essential part of your website. Remember that not everyone who finds you online wants to communicate with you via email. Always list your mailing address, phone and fax numbers, as well as an email form for comments or questions. In addition, including your picture on the website personalizes the company and makes you more approachable.

FAQ

When most customers have a question, however, they consult a frequently asked questions page, so be sure your site has one that is complete. Again, the help of a professional copywriter is essential here. This person can address the answers to people who are not experts in the field and translate your information into an accessible format. Be as detailed and specific as you can in your FAQ page, directing customers to other pages in the site.

Targeted Audience

Finally, target your audience. You know to do this in your outside advertising, but you can also target the visitors to your website. For example, if you run a site for pet products, create a section entitled "Attention Bird Lovers" or "Ideas for Large Dog Owners." These areas should feature products specifically for these customer categories. You can also include professional articles here for added content.

If you use these invisible but effective techniques for creating a user-friendly website, visitors will turn into customers without knowing what hit them.