When you’re putting up a website there are hundreds of things you can do wrong. This all depends on what the goals are for the site. The site I am going to be addressing is one you actually want people to go to and find value in interacting with. In no particular order…
Being vague and fake with people
When you’re putting up content for your website don’t try to be someone or something that you are not. Be honest with people about who you are and what you offer. Be direct about why reading the content on your site is valuable and stay true to who you are.
Focusing too heavily or not enough on design
There is a very fine line each person has to walk when flushing out the idea behind the site. You should nail down the design aspect of the site based on what is important to your audience. If you are selling to designers you better have something that is super creative vs selling to an accountant. The feel of the site should appeal to the person you want to draw in. I suggest starting with something very simple. You know what they say, “Even a fool who remains silent can seem start.” Apply this concept to design.
Set it and forget it
If you want to have a terrible website no one goes to give “set it and forget it” a try. The whole concept behind the web is changing information. Writing new content for your site in the form of a blog is one of the biggest keys to success on the web. Can you think of any good website that does not have fresh content all the time? If you don’t give people a reason to come back they won’t. It’s as simple as that.
Not setting goals for the site
Pick a subject or genre and stick to it. Start writing about stuff you like and that you think other people may be interested in. If you can’t write then this is a good time to start practicing because if you don’t do the writing you are going to have to pay someone else to do it. If you like soccer pick a league and start writing about it. Offer a unique perspective and opinion.
Being a hermit
The internet is all about relationships. If you want to gain traffic to your website you are going to have to get to know other people in the community, from admins on popular forums to other website operators. Leave thoughtful comments on their websites and forum. Answer questions and contribute to the community. Working solo on your next big idea will probably just leave you with a site your mom goes to and that’s about it.
Not offering good content
It all comes back to the value of the information you’re giving away. Are you typing up garbage? If you’re not passionate about what you’re saying then no one is going to care even if you do build some traffic. Focus on Great Content that people will enjoy reading.
Summary
Don’t be a cry baby and be real with people. Write good content people want to read and people will link to it. Don’t forget to make friends with the people who are going to help you succeed in setting up a successful website.
