Anatomy of a Successful Web Site

Web sites that are built correctly are stronger and more healthy than sites that are not. When users work through the "internet jungle" survival of the fittest certainly applies. Users will choose the site that is the strongest and most healthy.

Here's how to determine if your site will survive.

• Establish a Strong Backbone: Every site should have a site map. A site map is a page that organizes every page on your site into a bunch of links. A user can rapidly browse through the entire site's contents from this page.
• Add Form with the Skeletal Structure: Intuitive navigation prevents the user from having to browse every link to find the information they seek. Great navigation will allow a user to find their page within 2 mouse clicks or less - every time.
• Beef up the Muscle: Your site's tools and content provide muscle and strength. Your users will remain on your site much longer if they are convinced they can find what they are looking for. Write awesome content to fit common needs and scenarios. Provide needed tools and systems.
• If I Only Had a Brain: Your site needs to be original and seem intuitive. It should point to the agent as the brain. You are the professional. Guide your site users to contact you because you are competent.
• Add Glamour with Great Looking Skin: Cover the site with a beautiful skin. We know beauty is only skin deep but it is attractive and often draws initial interest. The user will then find the muscle and brains and remain interested. Add great looking images and colors so the site stands out in the crowd.

Build a successful web site from the inside out. Keep in mind the real reason the user is coming to the internet: they want to find great looking, easy to find and read information.