Hawaii Website Design – How You Can Use Microcopy on Your Website

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Previously, I discussed about Microcopy And Why It Matters. Today, I will talk about how you can use microcopy on your website. If you are not familiar with microcopy at all, I suggest you read my previous post first. Now, I will go over some examples on how you can use microcopy on your website and things to consider.

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  1. Error Messages

When it comes to error messages, you want to be able to provide sufficient information without intimidating the user. If you are able to create good microcopy, you can guide your users easily if they run into errors while using your site.

  1. Contact Forms

Usually, contact forms are not that fun. Most of the time, contact forms offer little to no feedback or can feel tiring to use. To liven up the mood, you can try to make your contact forms in a conversational manner. This will help you increase your engagement.

  1. Sign-Up Forms

In terms of sign-up forms, your goal is to attract more users. To generate more sign-ups, you can emphasize how many people are already using the service or that you can start an account for free. People love anything that is free so make your you highlight what your site can offer for freely.

Things to Consider in Microcopy

The primary rule of microcopy is to keep thing short meaning one or two sentences should cover it. Do not write lengthy instructions as it will bore your users. Here are some other things you need to consider when doing microcopy:

  1. Location

Deciding where to put short copy usually depends on its context. For example, you’re forced to use only a few words when you put it in buttons.

This also applies to form-field descriptions and error messages. Since you are working with very limited space, you have to explain what the user should do in a short and concise manner. Assuming that most of your users are already familiar with contact forms, you don’t have to write lengthy instructions to make a point.

  1. Vagueness

Are you being vague? If you are, then you should fix it right away. If you use vague copy, users will have a hard time trying to figure out what’s wrong. When it comes to error messages, there are good ones and bad ones. The good ones will encourage you to take action while the bad ones will make you want to throw your computer out the window.

Microcopy should give users “clues” about how to navigate your website. Therefore, when you incorporate a copy in certain contexts, make sure you’re not being vague at all.

  1. Engagement

The main goal of microcopy is to drive users to perform particular actions. To be able to increase engagement with your web visitors, make sure to know your audience well. By knowing your audience, you will also be able to write better microcopy.

You might wonder how you will be able to get your point across since you can only use few words. Aside from words, you can also rely on design and context as it will greatly help you in creating good microcopy. Next, I will discuss about improving user experience and increasing conversions. If you are wondering what other things your website needs, check out What A Successful Website Needs.

Hawaii Website Design – Microcopy And Why It Matters

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When it comes to designing excellent user experience or UX, we often focus on things like content and color scheme. However, these are not the only things that will help you create a great user experience. In order for us to make the UX even better, we must learn about microcopy and its importance.

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Microcopy is the term used for little clusters of text that don’t occupy vast amounts of space on the user interface. Examples of microcopy are ecommerce hints, error messages, labels in contact form. These snippets of text aims to help users do things. In comparison to the overall design of your website, it may seem that these words are insignificant. But collectively, these tiny words are a driving force and they can make a huge difference on your website conversions.

Whatever the user has submitted, microcopy lets the user know that the system is working and processing. A fantastic example of microcopy is when the label changes from “sending” to “done.” You will be able to engage with your users better when you write amazing microcopy. The incorporation of microcopy in web design allows user flows and better user interactions. Think of microcopy as your way of speaking to your users one on one.

Why Does Microcopy Matter?

Although microcopy is tiny bits of text, it doesn’t automatically mean that it’s easy to design. There are many factors that play important roles.

  • Increase Conversions

Whether your website is an ecommerce site or not, one of the things we aim for is increased leads and conversions. Incorporating microcopy in various parts of your website will definitely generate more conversions.

  • Guides Users in Finishing Tasks

When you have unnecessarily long instructions on how to complete a single task, users will get bored. They won’t read through it from top to bottom. So when you implement microcopy on your site, write it in short sentences that are clear and concise. Be obvious on how to finish a task so the overall user experience will be relatively easy.

  • Minimizes User’s Doubts

During buying, registration, or subscribing, microcopy can help relieve the doubts of users. One of the primary concerns of users are spamming. You can create a microcopy wherein you promise your users that you won’t spam them or use their accounts in spamming. Another concern for users is data loss, and through microcopy you can reassure them that their data will be safe.

  • Helps Users in Identifying Errors

When something goes wrong on your website, it’s very helpful to let the user know what exactly happened. However, if you aren’t specific about the error, it will be hard for your users to figure out how to fix it. By putting out clear and concise error messages, you are helping your users fix things without hassle. Remember: If you put out error messages and you’re using technical terms, make sure to relay it in a simple manner so your users won’t have a hard time.

Next, I will talk about how you can use microcopy on your website. If you want to start a website, these are the things to consider first. On the other hand, if you are stuck in a writing slump, Amazing Content Ideas for Your Blog might interest you.

Hawaii SEO – Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 3)

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When you think Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 1) and Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 2) are already enough. Wait a minute because part 3 is still coming your way!

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There are more tips to consider and read about them below:

6. The shorter, the better.

As a general rule, it is best to keep the length of your domain name short. In fact, the shorter, the better.

According to a data provided by DataGenetics.com, the most popular domain names, on average, are around 12 characters in length. So, ideally,  go with names with 6 to 14 characters. This data reiterates that you should always keep the domain names short and concise.

For sure, the shorter domain names are not available and they are probably sold for hundreds — even thousands — of dollars. If you cannot find a short domain name, make it, at least, brandable or memorable. Hawaii’s SEO www.stevemapua.com is only composed of 10 characters.

Nowadays, it almost impossible to come up with a one-word domain name. You can try to add a word or two into the mix. Two-word combinations are great website names. Just look at popular sites like BuzzFeed.com, LifeWire.com, TechCrunch.com, and many others.

Another tip is to never use an acronym as a domain name. Unless, of course, you are CNN, people will not easily remember the letters of your website. If you choose a longer name, people will have a hard time memorizing it. So, you should find the right balance. The name should be both short and memorable.

As I have mentioned earlier, keep it within 6 to 14 characters. Longer than 15 characters are hard to remember. Moreover, if it is longer, people are more susceptible to making mistakes and typos along the way.

7. Check if you aren’t violating any registered trademarks.

Once you have figured out the name of your website, it is now time to check for any trademarks. Within the U.S. territories, you can check www.uspto.gov/trademark and search the existing trademark database.

This is a good practice to do because it could be a stumbling block for your website in the future. Of course, you would not want to use a trademark that has been registered. Also, it is best to check social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook if the names are already taken.

You can also check trademarks.justia.com if there businesses already using your desired website name. To securely build your brand, it is best to do a cross search among different websites so people can easily find you.

If there’s one thing to avoid, those are the legal disputes and issues. Never use a name that is already registered. Stay away from trademarks!

To be sure, you can use a site called Knowem. Search your desired name and it will inform you if the domain name you want is available across different social media platforms. You will easily know if the name is claimed or not. If it is indeed taken, you can decide on another name.

Last part on Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 4)

Hawaii SEO – Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 2)

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Welcome to the second half on the tips on how to choose a domain name for your website. If you missed the first part, kindly refer to Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 1).

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Without further ado, below are 3 more tips for you.

3. Simplicity is key.

A good guage to test if your chosen domain name is effective is to spell it out. However, if you have to spell it out multiple times, there is something wrong. I shared on the previous post that the domain name should be easy to spell and easy to remember.

So, if your audience is having a hard time typing your domain name on their web browser, it’s time to choose another name. The main point here is to keep it simple. Of course, you do not want people to misspell your website and end up in a totally different site.

An example of misspellings and typos is the website Flickr, which is a image hosting website that allows people to share their own captured snaps. However, four years later, Flickr ended up buying the domain name Flicker.com because a lot of people tend to type the word Flicker instead of Flickr.

Be careful when you decide to choose oddly spelled words. You might end up like Flickr; the company had to buy 2 domain names to help redirect visitors to the main Flickr website.

4. Prioritize the “.com” extension.

According to Domain Name Stat, the top domain name extension is “.com”. In fact, 41.27% of the market share is under the .com category. Hence, if you are looking for a name, do not forget the most preferred name extension is still .com.

However, times are changing. If the .com name is already taken, you might want to consider other options. Other extensions included in the top 10 list are: .tk, .cn, .net, .de, .org, .uk, .ru, .info, and .top.

Numbers don’t lie because the .com domain name remains to be the most credible. If it is still unclaimed, then, go purchase a .com name for your website. People automatically associate .com to every website name. Even the people who aren’t computer-savvy, they would instinctively type .com.

5. Stick to brandable names.

Remember, your domain name will be your brand. Try to stick with your brand name or company name if they aren’t taken yet.

The domain name should speak for itself. Ideally, when you hear or type a name, you should automatically know what it is about. Just take a look at the list of the Top 500 Websites by Moz, and you will see that the popular sites are mostly brand names like Apple, Amazon, Adobe, Microsoft, Google, and so on.

Keywords also play a significant role. By using relevant keywords, people can easily tell what your website is about. For instance, in the same top 500 list, keywords are added to the domain names. Look at Imageshack; you can easily tell that this website deals with images.

The same is true for PhotoBucket and for iStockPhoto. People can tell that the websites are obviously about photos. Adding relevant keywords in your domain name can boost your rank in Google.

It will be difficult to find a domain name with your desired keywords. So, you may have to brainstorm on other creative ways on how to mix and match certain words.

 

Read more on Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 3)

Hawaii SEO – Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 1)

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When you think that you can just pick any domain name, you’re wrong. Picking the right domain name is that important. In Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 1), I discussed on investing on your own domain name.

If you think that people will flock to your site no matter what name you choose, it’s time to stop and think.  You see, the chosen domain name is a vital part of your website. It can make or break your website. So, it is extremely important to think about your prospects before purchasing a  domain name. Then, why is it important?

  1. The domain name will serve as your first impression. Your chose name is the first thing web visitors will see. When you picked a great name, it leave a lasting impression on the searches. Meanwhile, a bad domain name is something that is totally forgettable.
  2. It influences SEO. Remember, keywords are still an essential part of SEO. So, if you add relevant keywords to your domain name, this can surely give a positive impact on your website.
  3. It strengthens your brand. Lastly, the domain name will help you build your branding. If you select the right domain name for your website, it will lead to a better brand recognition.

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These are some of the reasons why choosing the right domain name is very important for every website. So, the question now is… How do you choose a domain name? Well, I will be sharing some tips below in picking the right for your website.

1. Strive to be different.

Your domain name is the unique identifier of your brand. Ideally, it should stand out from the rest. First, check if your business name is unclaimed. Using yourbusinessname.com is the best way to go!

Do a search on different sites such as GoDaddy, Domain, Bluehost to check whether your business name is taken or not. If it is, try a different variation of the name. For instance, you can add a dash (-) in between words. Do not settle for the misspelled version of your business name. This spells disaster!

2. List all your options down.

Another option if the possible names are taken is to list down keywords that describe your website. Write them all down, and try to experiment on the words. Mix and match them until you find the best possible candidate. Choose the domain name that is easy to remember and easy to spell.

In advertising, you don’t immediately find the perfect name. To name a product, marketing experts usually think of the top 10 possible names. Don’t just stop at the top 3 suggestions; extend your list into having 10 prospects or so. Then, choose the most appropriate one from your list.

After, don’t just rely on your favorite choice. Ask your family and friends what domain name they like best. Perhaps, they can even suggest better names for your website. At this point, you should hear out feedback and suggestions from other people.

 

Want more? Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name for Your Website (Part 2)

Hawaii SEO – Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 3)

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Paired with great content, a good-looking website will help you gain more traffic and more visitors in the long run. I have discussed that on Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 2).

WEB DESIGN DOESN’T NEED TO BE EXPENSIVE!

Here at Hawaii SEO, we provide a variety of web services. We have a team of experts that will design affordable templates for your website. To cater to your various needs,  Hawaii SEO’s Web Development Package is an all-in-one plan. This is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to stress about web designing and web hosting. To discuss other design options, please call (888) 852-0059 or contact us anytime.

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TIP #4: INVEST ON PHOTOS FOR YOUR WEBSITE

Aside from your website design, you can also invest on great photos. With modern technology, you don’t have to buy an expensive camera to make your website look better. In fact, many people nowadays use smart phone cameras to snap professional shots. If needed, you can even edit photos online. More on: Product Photography Tips

LOOK FOR STOCK PHOTOS!

If you do not have the time to take photos, no problem because there are stock photos. I have discussed professional stock photos on Hawaii Website Design – What Are Royalty-Free Images and Where to Get Them.

The point is that there are a lot of free stock photo available online. With so many websites that offer stock photos, there no reason for you to be NOT using high-quality photos on your website. Wether you opt to choose free stock photos or pay premium ones, it’s up to you. In the end, it’s a great investment if you have time to take photos or if you don’t have a budget to hire a professional photographer.

YOU CAN EDIT THEM TOO!

Learning how to edit photos is a valuable skill in this field. You can add texts on photos and make them Instagram-worthy snaps! Downloading an editing software is not needed. In fact, you can use Canva, which a website that offers free editing tools. There are plenty of free photo templates to choose from and different preset sizes to accommodate the many social media platforms.

#5 TAKE TIME TO DEVELOP NEW CONTENT FOR YOUR WEBSITE

Lastly, you should develop the contents of your website too! You can start by blogging regularly. I have discussed the need to blog on Why Is Having a Blog Important for Your Website?

At end of the day, content is still the driving force of a website. Web design is just a one-time investment, but content is something you have to constantly update. You have continually provide new content for your audience for them to revisit your website.

So, continue to learn and share your knowledge on things. The world is constantly changing; for sure, there is something new to learn each day. Share what you know to your readers such as video tutorials and quick tips.

If you need help with what to blog about, refer to Amazing Content Ideas for Your Blog. There are endless possibilities, and you just need to open your mind on new things. Knowledge is an investment that you help you your entire life.

 

Hawaii SEO – Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 2)

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Previously, on Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 1), I specifically stated that you should invest on a good domain name. Today, I will discuss more helpful tips so that you can spend your money on something worthwhile.

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TIP #2: FIND A WEB HOST

It’s not just the domain name that is a good investment, but it’s hosting plan. You can move or migrate your website to WordPress. There hosting plans on WordPress that will open new doors for your website. Plus, it is very flexible; you can customize your website the way you want!

If migrating to a new platform is overwhelming for you,  please contact Hawaii SEO. That is what we are here for! We can help you with a list of web services including hosting your website and looking for the perfect domain name for your website. Do not hesitate to contact us and learn more about Hawaii SEO’s Web Development Package. All you need to do is contact us at (888) 852-0059 and get a free assessment for your website.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WEB HOSTING

To understand web hosting and how it works, you can read the blog post on Understanding the Basics of Web Hosting. This will help you know the reasons behind getting a reliable web host. After, you can read Choosing the Right Web Hosting Service so that you will know the different plans you can get. From there, we love to discuss the best options for your website. Contact us anytime and we would be glad to help you with your newest online venture!

TIP #3: TIME TO REVAMP YOUR WEBSITE

This is your chance to make a good first impression with your website. To make it a memorable experience for your web visitors, web design is an important factor.

Of course, you don’t neglect content because after all, content is the most vital part of a website. However, at this point, you should lure people in. When your website looks sloppy, no one would ever want to read and comment on your articles.  Having a great design will enhance what you already have, which are the web host and the domain name.

Think of it as a cupcake. You have already the base done and it’s delicious for sure. However, you need to put an icing on top in order to perfect. By the adding the icing, which is web design, you are making your website more appealing to people.

If people see your gorgeous website design, they will be attracted to your website. Then, they would want to dig deeper and see the contents of your website. This is why website design is a great investment because it will lure people in. You will get people’s attention and you will make heads turn.

Whether you admit it or not, looking good adds to the overall package. When you look good, it adds to the credibility. So, the same is true for your website. Having an amazing look will make people visit your website more often.

Let’s continue the discussion on Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 3)

Hawaii Website Design – What A Successful Website Needs

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When running a website for the first time, you might wonder what it takes for you to become successful. Today, I will share with you the things you will need for your website to succeed.

Running a website is not merely about posting content, you also have to know various elements that you can incorporate to your website.  To be able to establish a successful website, you have to know certain tools and functions. Moreover, these things include:

1. SMOOTH AND EASY NAVIGATION

When your website loads, navigation is one of the first things your audience should see. Easy navigation is considered as one of the most essential parts of a blog. Having an easy to navigate website can contribute to your site’s success. Through easy navigation, you are helping your audience to navigate your website without hassle.

In creating an easy to navigate website, make sure your navigation is large and is placed on a prominent area of your site. For your fonts, it is wise to use fonts that is normally used in books or newspaper. If you don’t know anything about fonts, you can read more at Finding the Perfect Font for Your Website.

2. ABOUT ME PAGE

It is important to have an about me page on your site as it is an opportunity for you to introduce your website to first-time visitors. This will help your audience know you and your website better. Share what is the purpose of your website, why they should follow your website, and what else they can expect from you. In this page, you should include general information about you and your website.

To boost traffic in your site, you can also include a small selection of posts that features your most popular posts or unique posts. (See: Amazing Content Ideas for Your Blog)

3. SEARCH FUNCTION

To help your readers find what they’re looking for without hassle, you should have a search box or search widget placed on a prominent location in your blog. If you don’t have a search function in your site, you tend to lose visitors because they are not able to look for the content they want.

4. COMMENT SECTION

This is considered as a significant aspect of the blogging community. By allowing comments on your posts, you are able to interact and develop deeper connections with your readers. This will also encourage your visitors to linger on your website for a while. (See: How to Keep Your Audience Stay Longer on Your Website)

The comment section will also allow you to receive feedback from your readers. These feedbacks will help you in improving your future content.

5. EMAIL NEWSLETTER/SUBSCRIPTION

In order to quickly grow your blog, having an email newsletter is essential. By doing so, your visitors are up to date with new content, special events, or promotions. This is an opportunity for your readers to interact with your content and visit your blog regularly. You can also send information that are exclusively for your dedicated readers.

Related: Why Creating an Email List is Important for a Website

When enabling this function on your site, you can either choose between having a pop-up newsletter sign up window or use a widget or plugin. If you use a widget or plugin, make sure it is located in a prominent area so your readers can see it easily.

Now that you know all these elements, you can now incorporate it to your website. These things are truly essential in creating a successful website. Next time, I will talk about what is microcopy and why is it important.

Hawaii SEO – Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 1)

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Having a website is all about credibility. More than anything else, you should establish your credibility. In fact, Google considers three things: Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. You can even check Google’s  search quality rater guidelines.

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So, how do you make people  trust your website? You should show that you know what you are doing and you are expert in the field. To look more credible, there are things that you should invest on. Once you apply these things, it will definitely add to the credibility of your website.

TIP #1: BUY A DOMAIN

  • A domain name is the name of your website.  Personalizing your website address will establish your unique brand identity. Hence, your website will look professional and will be easier to find.
  • Having a domain should be one of your earliest investments. However, you should not rush getting a name for your site. Do not proceed with this step if you haven’t applied the tips, which I posted on Things to Establish Before Building a Website.
  • You see, if you sign up for a free domain, your website will usually have a mandatory worpdress.com or blogspot.com extension. Getting rid of this name extension will simplify things and it will strengthen your credibility. That is why a domain name is essential for the success of your website. More tips on Tips in Choosing the Right Domain Name

WHERE SHOULD I BUY A DOMAIN?

  • There are a number of places where you can purchase a domain name such as GoDaddy, Domain, Bluehost, and many more. These sites will ask you whether you prefer a .com, .co, .us, .net name extension. However, the .com still tops the list of the credible website name extensions.
  • Try your best to secure a .dot com domain name as it will help establish your credibility. If it’s not available, go for .net extension or .co extension. Avoid using less common name extensions as it will do more harm than good to your new website.

HOW MUCH WILL I PAY FOR IT?

Generally, domain names won’t really cost you a fortune. However, do know that .com domains are more expensive than the other extensions. Prices can even cost you hundreds of dollars if you want a short .com domain name.

If you need help with find the ideal web host, please contact Hawaii SEO. We provide a variety of web services including hosting your website and looking for the perfect domain name for your website, and more. To know more about Hawaii SEO’s Web Development Package, contact us at (888) 852-0059.

CHOOSE A DOMAIN NAME RELEVANT TO YOUR BRAND!

As a way to end this post, I would like to remind everyone to choose a simple domain name as much possible. Avoid words that can easily be misspelled by many. Make it easier for people to remember your domain name.

Do not make it too long and complicated for people to memorize. Instead, use your company name to ensure that the domain name unique and distinct from other brands. Your domain name is the best representation of your website so choose wisely.

Read more helpful tips on Website Investments You Should Spend On (Part 2)

 

Hawaii SEO – How to Keep Your Audience Stay Longer on Your Website

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Today, I will talk about how to keep your audience stay on your website longer and how to lower your site’s bounce rate percentage. What is bounce rate? Bounce rate will show you the percentage of audience that landed on a certain page on your site but bounced back right away without doing any other thing.

Do you know your site’s bounce rate? If you don’t know, I suggest you look at your site’s analytics. When it comes to running a website, you want your bounce rate to be low. It is not ideal to have a bounce rate that is higher than 50 percent. If you keep your bounce rate low, your site will significantly improve in terms of average session duration, conversions, and page views.

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Moving on, here are some tips that can help you keep your audience stay on your website for a longer period:

• MAKE SURE YOUR SITE IS EASY TO NAVIGATE

When a lot is going on a website, it can get confusing for visitors. A way to make your audience stay longer on your site is to keep your a well-organized menu. By having a simple UI, your visitors can navigate around your site without hassle. Keep it simple and highlight the pages you want your audience to check out. You can also incorporate navigation menus to your blog sidebar but make sure it is simple and neat.

• CREATE EASY-TO-READ CONTENT

Your audience will appreciate content that is easy to read. If you tend to post in an unorganized manner, you will surely lose your audience. By writing short and concise paragraphs, your audience will likely stick around longer and read your content until the end. You can also include images to help invite your readers through the whole post (see: What Are Royalty-Free Images and Where to Get Them).

If you’d like to know more tips about creating easy-to-read content, refer to Important Tips to Make Your Blogs Easier to Read.

• MAKE THE MOST OUT OF INTERNAL LINKING

Every time you make a new post, you should find organic ways to incorporate links to related posts found in your site. It is also essential to edit old posts so you can include related links to any new content that you make. When using internal links, make sure you only include links that are related to the topic. When you take advantage of internal linking, you are enticing your audience to stick around your site longer. This will also help you keep your bounce rate percentage low.

• IMPROVE YOUR WEBSITE SPEED

One of the crucial things you need to do to keep your audience stay on your site longer is to make sure your website is working fast. Your website speed really matters so that your readers can quickly move from one content to another.

If your website takes too long to load, your potential visitors will most likely leave your site right away. Using of images can have a huge impact on your site’s loading time. If an image is too large, you can compress it to reduce the image size. If you are currently using WordPress, you might be interested in Ways to Speed Up Your WordPress Site (Part 1).

Now that you know these tips, your overall website performance will increase to a large extent. Hopefully, your audience will stay on your site for longer as well. For my next topic, we will talk about the things you will need for a successful website.