5 ways to make your Web site work harder!

5 ways to make your Web site work harder!

It's important for professionals to keep their Web sites fresh and updated. Nothing's worse than a static site that never changes. But what should you change to make your site work harder? Here are some things to do:

1. Add a lead-generating offer. You can boost leads with a good offer. Write a quick one-page report on a vital topic. Make it easy to read (and write!) with some bullets and a few great insights. Post new reports every few weeks as ideas come to you. Ask visitors for a valid email address to download the reports. Then follow up by emailing them another offer -- a free consultation or another service, coupons from local businesses -- to further the relationship.

2. Replace stale content. Tired old info sends people away. At least twice a month (say, the 1st and the 15th) add news items, info related to your business, local events, and links to your latest e-newsletter and blog. Keep copy brief.

3. Take a good look at your home page. This is the first thing people see. The upper left hand corner is most important, so put the key info you want prospects to know in this area. Keep the home page to 6 to 8 major points above the scroll. Use headlines and bullet points that link to more detailed info. Make links to your Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles easy to find.

4. Check that your site loads fast. Slow loads make visitors go elsewhere. Music and flash applications take time, so you might want to get rid of them.

5. Make sure your site is easy to navigate. Confusing navigation drives visitors away. Ask people who have never seen your site to try it while you look on. Notice where they get tripped up, but don't help them out. Then have them tell you what would have made things easier.

Don't leave the state of your Web site up to the techies. A great site can do a lot for your business, but you have to stay on top of it.... Have a great month!

As your success partner, we're your best source of information about any and all financing options. We're always here to answer questions and to help you take advantage of new opportunities. We see our relationship as an on-going business building opportunity for both of us!

This e-mail is an advertisement for April Diehl. The material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment and/or mortgage advice, or a commitment to lend. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee of its accuracy. The material contained in the newsletter is the property ofPrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company and cannot be reproduced for any use without prior written consent. It is designed for real estate and other financial professionals only. It is not intended for consumer distribution. The material does not represent the opinion of PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. © 2010 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS #: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WY. Licensed by the Alabama State Banking Dept.-license #21004, Arizona Dept. of Financial Institutions-license #BK 0907334; California Department of Corporations- license #4130996; Connecticut Department of Banking-license #ML-13649; District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking- license #MLO13649, Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation-license #MB.6760635; Indiana Dept. of Financial Institutions- license #11169; Maine Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation-license #SLM8285; Maryland Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation-license #11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking - Mortgage Lender & Broker License #MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; Michigan Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth-license #FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Nevada Dept. of Business and Industry, Division of Mortgage lending-exempt license #732; New Hampshire Banking Department- license #14553-MB; New Jersey Dept. of Banking and Insurance-license #0803658; New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Dept., Financial Institutions Division-license #01890; North Dakota Dept. of Financial Institutions-license #MB101786; Texas Regulated Loan License-license #7293; Vermont Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender license #6127 and broker license #0964MB; Washington Dept. of Financial Institutions-license #520-CL-49075; Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions-license #214170. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. NMLS# 176918

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