Top 10 Business Web Site Mistakes

Today it takes more than just having a Web site to make the Internet work for your company. Sites are highly competitive, and proper site design has become an area of concern to businesses that want to use the Internet to the fullest. Below are 10 common Web site errors that occur. 

1. Inappropriate domain name: Pick a domain name that is memorable and relates to your business. Since people are likely to forget very long names, shorter domain names are typically better, but not always. For example, a name like Peter.com can be too vague and says nothing about the content of the Web site.
2. Poor design and functionality: Why have a Web site with content if no one can access it? Good design is largely based on consistency. Menus should appear in the same place on every page, links should all be the same color/typeface, and a logo of some sort should be clearly visible at all times.
3. Too complicated or too slow: Although flash animation may look amazing, it may be too complex for casual Internet users. Though aesthetics certainly matter, it must be in balance with functionality and ease of use for the typical user. Also, a more complex design takes longer to load on many computers.
4. Stagnant site: Not only is content time-sensitive, so is format and design. There will always be new tools available to make Web sites better looking and better performing. It is not cost-effective to create a Web site and let it sit. Update content regularly and take advantage of (appropriate) new technologies to make the site look better.
5. Broken links and 404 error messages: Make sure every link on your site works. You'll lose users quickly if they see a "404 file not found" error message or find broken or incorrectly labeled links. If you have a large site, consider adding a form so users can submit a broken link, which lets users know you are on top of any problems they discover.
6. No contact info: Users need to be able to contact you with questions, complaints, and suggestions. A Contact Us page, like an Internet business card, should be available from any part of your site. Also, be sure to actually answer these messages either personally or through an auto-reply.
7. Ignoring statistics: Detailed reports of visitor traffic are available for your Web site. This service may be offered by your hosting provider or obtained through a third party. By monitoring your statistics (such as visitors-turned-customers, users on broadband, etc.) you can tailor your marketing and design toward those who visit most or find weak spots based on who you are not attracting.
8. Free or cheap hosting: As attractive as some of these services are, realize that the reliability of your business depends on the reliability of your hosting. A good host service should have minimal downtime, offer services such as shopping cart systems, and have good customer support. Be sure to read reviews and apply for free trials (if possible) before you commit to anything.
9. Avoiding spiders: Spiders are what search engines use to find your page. You want to make sure your pages are designed so that you show up high on search engine rankings. This process is called search engine optimization. There are, however, ethics and strategies to SEO. Some practices (such as hidden text, redirects, etc.) will result in you being banned from search engines.
10. Not hiring a professional: Search engine optimization is complex. To move up in the listings on Google and other search engines, you may want to hire a professional, especially if your business relies heavily on generating business from the Web.

Top 10 mistakes of Google

Google is one of the biggest companies in the Internet today. It has been popular because of its search engine. Despite its size and popularity the company also has its own list of mistakes. Here are the top 10 mistakes of Google.

1. Gmail is recently experiencing outage and account inaccessibility. Is happens from time to time and Google has not yet addressed it until now. This will definitely tarnish the image of Google.You may check about the latest problem of gmail here. Stan Schroeder of Mashable published an article stating “gmail down panic mode on”.
2. Google Maps is another brilliant concept but it can also help terrorists with bad intentions do their strategic planning.May be you should know that “Terrorist Use of Google Earth Raises Security Fears” and “Google Maps aids terrorists”.Every technology have its own flaws but it can also be recovered.Their are so many severe questions on national securities.For example latest mumbai bomb blast terrorist “Kasab” is in arthur road jail sowill google remove arthur road from its map?
3. The Chrome is yet another web browser. Who needs another one? Google already partnered with Mozilla for the Firefox so there’s no point in adding another web browser.John Brandon says that “Is Chrome the first epic fail at Google?”You should also read the chrome fail discussion on the reddit.More over this is the comment from a user in a Google groups
   

   I just updated Google Chrome to the latest version, RC 1 i.e. non-
   beta. And now my Gtalk within Orkut states that it doesn’t work with
   this browser. Come on, both are Google products… They should work
   better together, not fail on such an epic scale.

   Update: Google is continuously working on project “chrome” and come up with some new features. I wish to remove this point after extensions updates in the  Chrome final release. (on beta and developer versions it have extensions features and we also developed Google ChromeExtensions for Gtalk , checking IP and Speed Test )
4. Google Finance is so US centered, you cannot find good information about other countries. There are competitions that are far better like Yahoo Finance.Felix Salmon questioned “Is Google Too Big To Fail?”.According to a blogpost “Minor disadvantages of Google Finance are that it doesn’t show all the popular ratios that Yahoo does, such as the PEG. For foreign stocks, it shows profit margin and operating margin information, but not the P/E or P/S”
5. Google Checkout is yet another mistake from Google. It is half-baked and it is so limited. Why should people use this when you have Paypal which offers more options.You check some advantages and disadvantages ofGoogle Checkout vs Paypal.
6. Picasa is a good photo manager but Picasa Web album is definitely a bad idea. The user interface is confusing.I personally like to spend $25 on Flickr Pro rather than using Picasa.
7. Google Web Accelerator is another bad product from Google. It has many privacy issues. It also causes problems with some websites not loading properly.37signals reports in fact that the Google Web Accelerator “Google is essentially clicking every link on the page — including links like “delete this” or “cancel that.” And to make matters worse, Google ignores the Javascript confirmations“.Moreover checkout some “Hard facts about Google’s Web Accelerator”.
8. Google Video is also a bad idea. It did not feature popular TV shows. And it is so slow.Have a look on Why Google Video Will Fail and
9. Google Desktop is posing security threats among users. The software pulls personal data from your PC.
10. There are too many instant messaging software out there. Google Talk is too late.More over foxnews recently discloses that ‘ViddyHo’ Virus Spreads Through Google Chat”.In case you have the time ,look over the some interesting facts about Google Talk.

Why you need a website.....?

Does My Business Need a Website?
With the economy at crisis levels, a natural inclination is to tighten belts and avoid extra expenditures. But as markets shrink, it's even more important for your company or organization to attract new business and retain current clients.
So what's the most cost-effective method of promotion? A Web site.

Q: WHY A WEBSITE?
A: First of all, the public now expects businesses and organizations to have a Web site -- one that can, at the very least, supply basic information and a means of getting in contact. A Web site has become nearly as essential as a telephone or fax machine or printed brochure.
But apart from fulfilling the public's expectations, a Web site will also help your business increase profits. Increasingly, people search the Web rather than the Yellow Pages when looking for a service or product. Yes, even in Israel.
If they don't find your business represented, they will find your competitor 's.


Q: WHAT CAN A WEBSITE DO FOR ME?
A: A few examples of immediate, practical benefits:
Expand the effect of a print ad. Addition of a Web site address to an ad, even a very small one, means that anyone intrigued by the ad can immediately access much greater amounts of information about your company. The effect is heightened when you add suitable photos to your site.
Save time. Much company time and effort is often wasted by repeatedly providing the same information either by phone or in person. Have a section on your site that provides answers to frequently asked questions.
Make it easier for potential customers to find you. Include a detailed road map on your site, and make things even easier for customers by indicating parking lots and bus stops.

Q: WILL A WEBSITE MAKE MY BUSINESS IMMEDIATELY MORE SUCCESSFUL?
A: Does a phone, or fax machine or brochure? All are tools for communication and promotion, but need to be used effectively. On the other hand, neglecting to have one of these tools can put your company at a serious disadvantage. No company operates without a phone. A Web site -- and the services it can provide -- is equally essential for a 21st century business.
To get some indication of how immediate your need for a site is, check out the Web presence of your competitors. None of them have Web sites yet? Lucky you -- you've not only got some breathing space, you also have a good shot at being the first to attract new markets. Your competitors already have Web sites? Get to work -- fast.

Q: GIVE ME SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW A WEBSITE WILL HELP MY SPECIFIC BUSINESS?:
A: The possibilities are limited only by imagination and budget, but following are some benefits that can be provided by even the simplest, most basic "brochure" site:
Restaurant:
People choose restaurants not only for their food, but also for their ambiance and convenience.
Show attractive photos of the interior, and sample entrees on a beautifully set table.
Have you had good reviews? Reprint them on your site.
Show your menu.
Advertise special offerings and services such as business lunches, catering, etc.
Post testimonials from satisfied patrons.
Include a printable map, which shows the location of parking and bus stops.
Professional services (attorney, doctor, dentist):
For these services, which can't use conventional advertising methods, a Web site is especially valuable. Here is an accepted way of showcasing your areas of specialization. Do you have publications? Cite them. Awards? Display them. Articles or case studies that demonstrate your credentials? Place them online.
Design services (architect, interior designer, home renovator, illustrator, etc.):
Here a picture isn't worth a thousand words. It's worth a million. Before & after pictures can tell your story -- without the costs of 4-color printing, plus distribution.
Realty services:
Here, too, pictures are a great tool. Show off properties with lots of full-color, large-format photos. Sites are easily kept current with new information and properties.
Retail store:
Even if you're not yet ready for the expense of full-blown e-commerce, a site can effectively promote your business. A user-friendly online brochure is easily done -- and saves thousands in printing and mailing costs.
You can publicize sales and special offers.
Looking for employees? Post the positions and let prospects contact you by e-mail.
Post a printable map showing your location.
Customer service is faster and friendlier when customers can contact you immediately, 24 hours a day, by e-mail -- rather than have to wait on the phone, listening to Muzak, and getting more impatient by the second.
Writers:
Post clips with copyright information, and refer editors to this page in your queries.
Promote published books.
Sell your books from your site via an affiliate link to an online seller such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. You'll earn up to 15% in referral fees, apart from royalties.
Non-profit organizations:
It's important to establish credibility -- especially when you're engaged in fundraising. Document your organization's progress, achievements, contributions. Once your site is launched and properly registered with search engines you may be found by sectors of the public that you'd never have been able to otherwise identify and reach.

Q: WILL I BE ABLE TO AFFORD A WEBSITE?
A: Prices vary widely, depending on the specifics of each individual site. But when considering the benefits that even the simplest Web site can provide, the question to ask is less "Can I afford to have a Web site?" than "Can I afford not to have one?"