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October ABCs of Web Design Newsletter

Introductory comments

In my full-time contract gig, I redesigning a lead-generation site (did you know there are four types of web sites?). I know that I can drive traffic to the new site until the cows come home -- I am estimating increasing site traffic by 500%. However, getting them to do what I want them to do is another story. It makes no sense to drive lots of traffic to a site and have them leave without doing anything. So I am doing a lot of research on how to convert general site traffic into prospects – meaning paying customers. It is really fascinating stuff too. Did you know that where you put something on a web page helps a user actually “see” the information better? I am learning a lot and actually starting to apply this to web sites as a “test” and it is working! Look for an upcoming article this topic in the coming months.

Question of the month

Question This month’s question comes from an SEO class I recently gave for DigitalEve Columbus, several of the participants wanted to know how often you can submit to search engines.

Answer: Excellent Question. If you have a brand new site, start submitting to search engines and directories after the new site is published to the world. Don’t start submitting before the site goes live in case a spider comes looking and cannot access your site. Not good. After your initial submission, it could take up to six months for your site to be listed, but it usually much faster. Do not resubmit your site during this time. You could be penalized for spamming the search engine and you site banned from the listing. If you are not sure if you site may be listed with a search engine or directory, check before submitting. Most of them prefer you check their database before submitting. Once you are listed, I have found that if you have to reregister again, say after you completely redesign your site and change most of your content, you are safe to do so on a yearly basis. I have done this and have not been penalized in any way. For those who attended my class – thanks and good luck!

Wrap up

I am really excited about all the conversion information I am learning about – I can’t wait to start applying it in earnest. My next article is due in a few weeks – I am doing an update to my SEO series. Thanks for reading my newsletter!

Please send all questions to theresaw@columbus.rr.com.

To see the articles from my print web column, go to http://www.w-edge.com/articles.htm

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