Lots of business owners have made the mistake of thinking “If I build it (a web site) they will come”. Then after investing a lot of money, they realize that they have a web site but no one knows about it.

More recently more internet savvy business owners have put additional resources into marketing their web site that people actually do come and visit. But there is one more piece to the puzzle. If you build the most beautiful home in the world but don’t put any doors in, no one will be able to get inside to actually use and appreciate the home.

In the same way web site owners need to make sure that their web site is usable, that people can actually get in through the door and find what they’re looking for. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people about their sites. I start by asking them what they want the user to do on this page. Frequently they begin with “I want to show . . .” at which point I politely interrupt and ask the question again. Don’t think from inside the box. Think from the outside. I’m a web site visitor and I get to your site: What would I want or need to accomplish? Frequently the answer I get back is “I want them to call me.”

You can probably guess by now what my next question is. “Where is your phone number?” I ask. And am met by silence. Or by “You click on the contact us link” or by “Scroll down to the bottom of the page.” If your goal is to get people to call, then display your phone number in a large font near the top.

This is just one example of how you can make your site more usable. Think through the process. What do you want your visitors to do? And because we practice what we preach, if you’d like more information on making your site usable, call us at 720-275-4646.