HomeTown Web Pages   147 Montclair Drive
Advance, North Carolina 27006

As a web site developer, I am quite often troubled by the many business websites that are simply cutting edge "flash and dash" yet make it nearly impossible for the customer to effectively use the site, or do business with the company.

This is just a short list of just a few items to check to insure your website is working for you and not  against you.

Does your site load quickly or is it highly graphic intensive? Do I need to have special plug-in installed such as FLASH, Shockwave, or ADOBE Reader? If yes do you provide a link for your customer to download the plug-in. Does that special and unique feature serve a definite purpose or is it just "Cool to look at"? Quite often it is annoying on the second visit.

Is your address and location clear and visible? Do you state where you provide your  products or services? Are you seeking - Local? - Regional? - National? or - International? customers? If you are local can your customer easily find you or do they need a map?

Is it easy for customers to ask questions?  You should always have a clearly marked contact or e-mail link on every page and an address and phone number prominently listed on your site (see item number 1).

Do you have clear examples of your product, are clearly list the services you provide? How easy is it to order from you? If you take orders on your site your shopping cart button or order form link should be highly visible and clearly labeled. Make accepted payment methods, shipping charges, and shipping clear and to the point. Link the order form to a  confirmation page so the customer is assured that the order went through. 

What if the customer is not satisfied with the  product? Are your return policies clear? Who  is responsible for shipping if something is returned? Do you allow refunds, or just exchanges? What if the item was damaged during shipping? You need to make the customer feel secure in placing an order with you.

If your website does not look professional, answer their questions, and make it easy for people to do business with you, they will quickly move on to a site that does and never return. So take the time to make sure your website works for your and not against you.