Most business people don’t understand the real difference between advertising and a website. All you have to do is look at most business websites and they’re just over-sized brochures. The real difference lies in the fact that advertising is designed to reach out to a mass market. Advertising tries to either draw in people who might be interested in your product or service or tries to convince people that your product or service is something they want.

Why a website is not an advertisement

When people go on the web, they already know what their problem is. They are looking for a specific solution. They are looking for answers. The best way to entice people to your website is to be THE information powerhouse on your subject matter. Whether it’s high-definition TVs or IT services, sales and marketing copy isn’t what people are looking for on the web. They are looking for information and answers.

Information-rich websites are the key to sales

However, your website can’t be the do all, be all, and end all on any subject. Ergo, the links page. This needs to be a source of information rich websites on your subject. Make sure they are blank links so people don’t leave your website. And make certain they aren’t selling your product or service.

The real value of a links page

I use a lot of links to Wikipedia. It’s a great source of background information and I don’t have to worry about losing business to it. I’m sure there are other sites with rating information, background information on your subject, or academic or government resources. Use them. They can help you make the sale.

And don’t limit informational links to your “links” page. Make certain you have plenty of links throughout your site either leading to outside information or internal pages with deeper or more detailed information. The search engines will love it and so will your visitors.

Bob McClain or WordsmithBob, has been a website copywriter in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, since 2000. He has focused on developing new, more effective approaches to web writing, web content, web copywriting and Search Engine Optimization. Starting with a BA in Technical Communication and a minor in Creative Writing from Metro State University in St. Paul, McClain has worked diligently to end the use of "corp-speak" and "technospeak" online. His approach is to “humanize” the Web, using real information to guide people to buy rather than turning websites into advertisements that people can easily ignore. McClain is also the creator of Cheap SEO Website Marketing, a website devoted to helping people with the best solutions to DIY SEO at an affordable cost with tips and software reviews. More at Cheap SEO Website Marketing

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Originally posted 2007-10-16 05:51:26. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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