how to make your website shine

Suzanne McDonald | Content Strategist

Designated Editor Speaking Series

How to your

website shine

make^

#SparkandHustle | @Sue_DesigEditor

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suzanne’s experience

6 years

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Masters in Journalism & Mass Communications

BA in Journalism

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Communications hasn’t changed

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Tons of readingSaving you

^

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your site should reflect

Your passion

+

The value you bring to your customers’ lives

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key^

You’re missing

the boat

If your website isn’t guiding business decisions

new media

^

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key areas to address4^

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We’ve come a long way baby!

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Websites age in dog years

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Usability & simplicity

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Best & worst sites

Top tip: Stay out of the way

The most critical website flaw?

Pitfalls to watch for• No call to action• Clutter• Falling in love with the art

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Tools to get it done

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Do you understand your audience?

What’s it like to walk in their shoes?

What’s keeping them up at night?

What’s their life like if you’re not there?

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Where are they

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What are their concerns?

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Just ask

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Just ask

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Best & worst sites

Top tip: Speak to specific people

The most critical website flaw?

Pitfalls to watch for• Marketing-speak• Cannot insert a discrete noun• Aiming too broad

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How do you relate?

Need to open the door

to welcome your

customers and prospects

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Credibility

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Connections

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Commentary

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Quite cool

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Best & worst sites

Top tip: Speak to specific people

The most critical flaw?

Pitfalls to watch for• Underestimating the power• Not integrating social with website• Not listening and learning

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Tools to get it done

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Be prepared to fail and willing to fail fast

Look at your competitors for insights

Heed criticism & learn to love it

Give yourself time to think & be creative

Ask your customers for feedback always

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Commentary

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What’s working

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how easy is it to use your site?

‘Put your mom in front of your site and see if she can figure it out’

− Tim AshSitetuners.com

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Best & worst sites

Top tip: Check your fear

The most critical flaw?

Pitfalls to watch for• Underestimating the power• Not listening and learning• Set it & forget it

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Tools to get it done

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key areas we’ve addressed4^

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critical^

Let web 2.0 help guide business decisions

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Designated Editor Speaking Series Now go make

website glow

YOUR^

Thank you!