Some webmasters feel uncomfortable
helping their users navigate off their Web
sites, fearing they will suffer a decline in
traffic. But nothing could be further from
the truth. Providing reliable and helpful
links will only encourage users to visit
your site again and again because your
site has become an important source of
information.
Remember that many visitors might enter your Web site
through a search engine such as Google. Consequently, they may
miss a key navigation link or directive element. Make sure they
know where they have landed.
Hyperlinks
Remember that each Web user spends an average of only 52
seconds on any individual page, so provide plenty of hyperlinks
for their convenience. Readers use links as a guidepost in scanning and as a way to access additional information.
Hyperlinks not only allow visitors to quickly find information
on your Web site, but also allow them to link to external sites
they may find useful in addition to your own. Some webmasters
feel uncomfortable helping their users navigate off their Web
sites, fearing they will suffer a decline in traffic. But nothing could
be further from the truth. Providing reliable and helpful links will
only encourage users to visit your site again and again because
your site has become an important source of information.
Furthermore, a thoughtfully designed Web site with effectively written content will build credibility and establish your
site as a “click-worthy” online presence. In that spirit, take the
time to ensure the sites you link to are legitimate and worthwhile. Keep in mind that the sites to which you provide links
will contribute to the overall impression your site makes. The
company you keep says a lot about you.
That the Internet is here to stay is self-evident. Thus the amount
of information available will continue to increase at an exponential rate, as will the time we spend online. In this growing cacophony of information overload, your site must not simply contribute
to the noise, but become a beacon for those looking for answers.
Writing specifically for the Web may take some adjustment,
but the advantages of conveying more information in less time
will make the effort worthwhile.
Sherry Budziak is president of .orgSource. She may be reached at sherry@orgsrc.com.
Join the conversation at www.theforumeffect.org.
