What are the signatures of award winning websites?

We all have run across websites which proudly display a seal or logo, declaring the site to be the winner of the 'XYZ Award for Excellence' or some similar accolade. Many such award winning websites have been conferred the award by a small group of people with a somewhat narrow view of just what makes it an award winning website. While there are some legitimate, distinguished types of awards, there are many more which really don't mean much. Some I've seen don't seem all that great to me, leading me to believe there may be some conflict of interest involved in bestowing such an award. Due to the proliferation of award winning websites, it seems appropriate to take a look at this from a slightly different perspective.

When you consider that there are billions of websites on the net, there must be a great number of award winners out there. However, when it gets right down to it, what should matter most to you is that your visitors and customers find your site to have award winning features that matter to them! That will bring you far more success than someone's gold star!

Let's take a brief look at the generic factors which can be applied to any website to good effect and help you build a large base of loyal and happy customers.

When a visitor lands on your page for the first time, you want to make a good impression. The composition and general appearance should be visually pleasing, enticing your visitor to want to stay and browse the rest of your site. Judiciously and well-placed images can go a long way towards creating that award winning website look. Just as when you stroll down the mall, an attractive storefront tends to catch your attention. You're more likely to stop and take a look at that shop than another with a display which is confusing or just uninteresting.

Easily navigated pages, laid out with tabs, text columns and ads in a standard layout allows your guest to intuitively understand the organization of your materials quickly. This increases the likelihood of your visitor continuing to browse, while making it a pleasure for returning customers to find their way to what they're interested in. Well organized website pages also send a subtle message: Such well organized materials reflects well on your company and implies that you are probably trustworthy. This puts you another step towards that award winning website look and feel.

Your visitors are looking for accurate, updated and informative content - and lots of it. This imbues you with credibility, marking your company as a good resource on your subject matter and creating a perception of you as an expert in your area.

High quality links within your content, as well as a 'resource page', organized by categories as applicable racks up yet more points. By this time, most visitors will be at least bookmarking your page for future reference.

A blog creates yet another reason for your visitors to return frequently. The casual visitor who takes a look at your blog and likes what they see, will continue to come back to see what's the latest interesting snippet. That's why it's important to post regularly if you want to ratchet up your award winning website quotient. When readers are able to post their take in response to your entry, it conveys a more personal feel to the relationship between them and you. Other warm and fuzzy touches include e-newsletters with an RSS feed option. The same holds true for free .pdf and video downloads. Increasing the number of contacts you can make with your visitors and customers eventually results in greater numbers of sales, because through these venues, your customers gain trust in you, your products, services and your company.

The last of our signatures of the award winning website? A responsive contacts list! This is most important in cinching that best impression. When a customer queries you and receives a prompt response within the day this demonstrates your commitment to your customers.

These guideposts will help you become an award winning website with your customers which is where it counts for your bottom line!