Cliff has been talking about the work I’ve been doing here on the site for some time now.  We’re still hard at work adding new features and functionality, but I’m happy to say we’re finally at the point where I can turn some of my attention outward.

In fact, this is the first post in a multipart series about Winning on the Web.  Admittedly, a small portion of what I have to say is common knowledge that simply deserves reiterating and is necessary to connect the dots.  However, the majority of the things I will be discussing are things that are not frequently brought up in the worlds of web design and SEO.  In fact, some of it flies in direct opposition to what your talented graphic designer, hard working foreign SEO firm, or bit wise web programmer will tell you.

I want to be clear from the start about what sets WealthNet Partners apart from other players in the world of internet marketing:  We make and market websites that actually drive business and increase sales. It’s that simple, but it’s not how most web developers and business owners approach the internet.  Many websites have flashy animations and cool layouts, but they function more like a brochure, billboard, or a TV commercial than an interactive tool that can capture your visitors’ information and customize what they see based on what you know about them.  So aside from writing great and unique marketing copy (which we absolutely do) and making sites pleasing to the eye (which we also absolutely do), we help people build email lists, interactive quizzes and surveys, shopping carts, and more.

With that in mind, the first thing you must know about winning on the web is an uncomfortable truth.  The best sites win. “That’s not so uncomfortable,” you say, “neither is it that surprising.”  Well, let’s dissect this statement a little further.  First, it says sites, not companies.  It is a painful truth of the web that many mediocre companies roundly trounce their competitors who offer higher quality goods and services, better customer service, at better prices.  So your offline strategy and execution do not necessarily translate into web success.

My point then with all of this, is that winning on the web begins with web site design.  Too many people create a site with 6-10 pages of marketing copy and then begin to ask themselves how to drive people to the site.  Instead, site owners need to begin by asking themselves, “What would the best site in my industry look like? How can my website add value for my customers and potential customers?” Then design a site that will make visitors want to come back and tell others about the site.

Throughout the rest of this Winning on the Web series, we will be discussing what makes a site great from a visitor’s perspective, how search engines are able to figure that out, and what you can do to convert your visitors into business.  Following these steps, your visitors will perceive your site as a tool, a salesperson, or even a friend, rather than a lifeless piece of digital marketing collateral.  We’ll also be sharing techniques for jumpstarting your search engine placement if you have a young site, and for ranking higher in search engines even if your site is not yet developed to the point you ultimately want it to be.