If you have managed to develop a website or are in the process of developing it, it is a good time to think about marketing your website. If you have products or services to offer, people will need to find you. No matter how well your website is designed, you will still need to work hard to get yourself to rank in Google searches in order to attract website visitors. This is referred to as Search Engine Optimization.

SEO and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), which refers to the amount of visitors a website manages to convert into actual customers rather than just browsers, can be done at a basic level by business owners. Professional help can be costly, but the expertise gained in doing so can significantly increase your business success.
 
However initially if your business budget does not allow for professional services, applying these tips to your website can help your get business recognized online and be attractive to customers:

Include keywords...

When searching online for a particular product, most people take to Google or other search engines to fine the most appropriate website. Consider what wording people would use to find you, and make sure these phrases are included within your website content, titles, image titles, and meta tags. For example, if you are a designer wedding dress shop you would look to include phrases such as: designer wedding dress, wedding dress shop, unique wedding dresses etc so that those seeking your services can find your dresses in searches.


Clear images...

Clear images on your website can make or break your business.  Your content is the only way you can present yourself online to potential customers so it must be the best it can be. Clear text without spelling mistakes, which clearly describes what you do, your products or services, with keywords included is a must.

If you remove any doubt from a potential buyers mind, then you can easily convert them into customers. If you are selling products which can be worn such as jewellery, show the item being worn as well as your clear product images showing different angles.
 
Really think about how others prevent their websites, look at your competitors, how are they presenting themselves to attract customers?

A hugely successful website is clothing and accessories shop ASOS.com. This website is hugely successful due to the detail included for each and every product listing. Each product is listed with at least three images to show the product from all angles, it is then given a model shot to show the item being worn, and finally you are able to watch a catwalk video of the product showing how it looks when in action. This can remove all the doubt for a buyer, and their sales records prove it is a successful technique.

Simple easy to use navigation....

Website visitors will not convert into customers if they feel it is difficult to find the product they are after, or if the checkout system is long winded or difficult to use.
Make your products easy to find, and your navigation simple. People have limited time and want to find what they are there for as quickly as possible without hassle.

Review and critique our website...

Many assume you build a website, and the hard work is done. This is completely wrong. To make the most out of your website, you will acknowledge that tweaks will need to be made, and time given to ensure your site is the best it can be. Firstly ask your friends and family to look at your new site thoroughly. It is likely there could be a few spelling or grammar tweaks which will need addressing. When you have looked at your own site and products for such a long time, you become blinded and any feedback is a great benefit.

Invest  in some user testing, this can be done by a user testing company which can be found online. Set challenges for your user, either to find a certain product and add it to their cart, or perhaps find your contact details. They will then complete the task filming it and they will also give a narration to give any tips on anything they felt could be improved.
 
Basic website improvements can make the world of difference to your business. This will also reduce the work load for a professional SEO/CRO company should you wish to invest, meaning larger, more skilled SEO tasks can be focussed on.
 
About the author: Kirsten works for web hosting review company whoishostingthis? In her role she works with new online businesses looking to get online.