computer sales and computer parts - Cookstown
home
shop
pc repairs
computers
websites
about us
contacts
  
    Websites : How good is your website? Last update 16 March, 2007
 

>> Search engine "key phrases"
You need your website to be listed in the first 2 pages of search results. For example, for a Cookstown computer retailer, someone seeking a computer in Mid Ulster might type "computers mid ulster" or "cookstown computers". This must be tailored very specifically for your market (eg local, Irish, international) and takes time.
  >> Screen sizes and resolutions
 Look at your website in different screen resolutions. 1024 x 768 and above is the norm now. Only 14% percent of pcs users still work at 800 x 600 pixels(Ref). Makes sure it looks okay at both. A website should use the screen to it’s full potential. New 19” flat screens work at 1280 x 1024. Try your website at this resolution as well because small text on a standard screen can look very small on these larger screens..
  >> Speed
View different pages on your website using a dial up connection. Only 50% of Northern Ireland internet users are on broadband, so it’s critical the website loads quickly. You could be driving away 50% of your potential customers because your website takes an eternity to load.
  >> Firefox Internet Browser
According to February 2007 statistics, 1 in 6 users now use Firefox, as opposed to of Internet Explorer. Make sure your website functions correctly using both internet browsers. You will be amazed how many don't.
 

>> Scripts and plug ins
Scripts and plug ins are software that run within internet browsers. Flash is an example of a script. Scripts are turned off by default in the latest version of Firefox, because they may install viruses and spyware. You can turn them on for individual websites. It is expected that this will also hold true for the new version of Internet Explorer. Fancy graphics are impressive but make sure they don’t impinge on the mechanics of the site. Take a look at some major websites. See how simple they keep their navigation menus. Note that Flash is normally only used by third party advertisers.
  >> Google and Flash
They simply don't mix. Google search spiders totally ignore Flash and any of it's content. It means that any information contained in Flash "movies" will not appear in any search results. This can be alleviated by some "fancy footwork" but will cost a lot of extra time and money.
  >> Emails - where are they?.
Try different versions of your email. Eg info@e-cookstown.com, sales@e-cookstown.com, admin@e-cookstown.com, enquiries@e-cookstown.com. Make sure all your emails arrive with you.
  >> Advertising on your website?
Your site is your site. There is absolutely no need for links to the designer’s website on every page. It helps their website get rated higher by Google. It does nothing for yours except possibly cause distraction and send potential customers elsewhere. So if they want to advertise on every page of your website, let them pay you!
For further information contact Chris @ eCookstown