Creating a successful website involves more than just registering a domain name and filling the space with content. Even if your content is amazing, you’ll still need to find a way to set it apart from competitors, drive traffic to your site, and create a design that’s not only user-friendly but eye-catching. This may seem like a tall order, but you can use these five tips to help make sure that your new website gets the attention it deserves!

1. Define your audience

One of the first mistakes that many new websites make is trying to please everyone, or offering information that’s too generic. As you start to design your site, take the time to clearly define your audience. Who are you trying to reach, and what are their interests? Outlining your audience’s needs will help you formulate a content strategy that will be far more effective. This can help your website stand out immediately from other, more general, competitors.

2. Go where your audience goes

As part of researching your core audience’s needs, you should examine what other websites, forums, and chatrooms they visit. This provides you with the chance to suss out the competition and create more effective content. At the same time, it provides you with an opening for marketing opportunities. Is there a particular blog or forum that your intended audience frequents? Try to publish guest content there or take part in discussions in the comments.

3. Join an affiliate program

Another way to reach out to an online audience is via an affiliate program. You may have thought about placing affiliate links on your own website to make money, but have you thought about promoting your site in this same way? By placing text links or banner ads on websites your core audience is likely to visit, you could drive more traffic to your own site. You only pay your affiliate if their readers click through to your site or purchase something, so it’s low-risk.

4. Design for mobile platforms

Naturally, even if you manage to drive a high volume of traffic to your site from other websites, this tactic will only be effective if your site is attractive enough for visitors to stay. Test your site design frequently. One thing to keep in mind is whether or not the site is easily accessed via mobile devices. More and more users are accessing websites using a smartphone or tablet, so you don’t want to alienate them with clunky images or small type.

5. Use email marketing to follow up

Finally, you should be tracking visitors and collecting contact information whenever possible. Visitors might visit your site without buying anything, and if you have no way to follow up with them you’ll lose that sale. Encourage visitors to sign up for free reports, email newsletters, special offers, or product trials. This will entice them to return to your site or share your offers with friends.

If you’re new to the world of web design and online marketing, learning a few IT skills can be extremely useful. With a combination of excellent design and an understanding of your audience, you’ll be able to test your site and make sure that it stands out for all the right reasons!