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Connecting with your Website Visitors
by: Gene DeFazzio

Connecting with your Website Visitors

How will visitors interact on your website? Your first response might be that they don't really need to interact with you, this is not true. It is very important for web users to feel they are making a ''connection'' with a website rather than just viewing a static display.

The role that your visitors will play depends upon the message and/or product that you are presenting to them. Your visitors may consist of silent guests who are browsing the contents of your website but have no desire to interact with you. Or, they may be active participants who would like to collaborate with you and welcome any opportunity to do so.

For the silent guests you will want to provide quality content. They are there for a reason, usually they are seeking information about the subject matter that you are presenting on your website. If you are selling something these people are prospective customers. If you are disseminating information or data then they are probably weighing your credibility and will judge your site based on the content. Any response from them will be determined by what they see there.

As for the more active visitors to your website you will need to provide a means by which they are free to interact with you. These people are your primary source of feedback. From them you can learn how effectively you are promoting your message. This type of information is golden to a webmaster and should never be underestimated.

You can create an interactive environment in a number of ways: message forums, e-mail lists, surveys, contests, registration & order forms. In other words, anything that allows visitors to connect with you. This is the only way that you will be able to deliver the heart of the information that your website has to offer.

Responding to your Website Visitors

Make sure you respond to e-mail messages from visitors. This will let them know that you value their comments. They will also offer suggestions for improvements or point out things they dislike about your site.

Take these messages seriously and act on their suggestions if you feel they have merit. Remember that this is one of the ways that your visitors provide you with feedback. Listen carefully to what they have to say.

Always remember that your website exists for the benefit of your visitors. Without them your website would be meaningless. No matter what the purpose of your site is, your visitors are its life blood.

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Connecting with your Website Visitors by: Gene DeFazzio