Getting Your Website Right

Internet connection speeds also become an issue when sites use flash technology. “Broadband in Australia is defined as people who have a connection that is 56 kilobits and above. So if you are on a 56 kilobit connection you’re still considered to have broadband but you wouldn’t notice much difference between that and a dial-up connection,” he says. A majority of the Australian audience still have a very slow connection. So a flashy site can be a big trap if it takes too long to load, because a visitor can easily close your site down and instead click on the next Google search result, says Schebesta.

The best way to avoid these mistakes is to take care when choosing a web designer. Look at their past work and take key words from the sites of their previous clients. Then do an internet search to see how they rank.

“It’s also important to consider your online marketing before your actual website development because a website is just one part of your online marketing. Your business is not just a website,” says Schebesta. “The key thing is to understand where your conversion and money page is before you start. Then work out ways to actually drive traffic there and create ways to build your database of prospects up—that’s the most important part of a small businesses website.” 

Who’s Got It Right?

According to Fred Schebesta, managing director of Freestyle Media, the following three SME sites are good examples of savvy web development.

1. Laser Sight Centres

Converting visitors into customers is a necessity, and these guys have that down pat. With a 4.5 percent positive conversion rate, Schebesta describes their success as “amazing”.

www.lasik.com.au

2. Frank Team

Specialising in career development and training, Frank Team have recently launched two blogs that are quite innovative and progressive in terms of online marketing. They also do a great job of providing content and getting people to come in and contact them through their website.

www.frankteam.com.au

3. Poker Champion

This Melbourne-based company sells poker tables and chips and ships them all over Australia. The online only venture generates a huge amount of traffic as a result of its search engine marketing.

www.pokerchampion.com.au