Global Reach
BC Ventures Internet Marketing Resource Site

10 Rules for a Successful Website

The Success of a site depends on many factors but generally there are 10 rules that must be followed to successfully drive targeted traffic to your site.   Each of the sections below contains ideas that will help you easily maximize your site.

1. Web Design- A pretty site that cost $1000+ to develop will not guarantee your success.  In fact design is probably the one of the less important elements, depending on you target market.   There are however considerations that must be followed to be successful.  
2. Target Market- Just as in any marketing effort you must know who your audience is before you market on the Web.
3. Content- This is key to a successful site.  Studies have shown that surfers spend an average of 56 second on a site.   Without something to keep people on your site longer all of your other efforts are in vain.
4. Search Engine Readiness- Knowing who your target is and having something relevant for them on your site is just the beginning. Search engines play a key role in your success.
5. "Virtual" Partnering- Search Engines alone will not ensure that you are found.  To draw a particular niche target or to even make sure that you are found if your target is more general you must use additional tools.
6. Viral Marketing- So you have succeeded in attracting your target market, how do you capitalize on this.   You must get the people that have visited your site to recommend it to others.
7. Site Freshness-  If your content does not change people will not come back.  You cannot truly succeed if you depend solely on new visitors.
8. Lateral Marketing- The Web is full of choices.  Sometimes it is beneficial to market in your competitions own back yard.
9. Pointer Sites- Your main site might just need some help from other sites you create to drive traffic.
10. Local Resources-  If you are a local business using traditional marketing methods to promote your site are an important item to remember.