Next Testimonial

We’re seeing a boom of bee lawn requests. Thank you for continuing to monitor and adjust our Google ad campaigns.
- Russ, Minnehaha Falls Landscaping

Avallo created my logo years ago, and when it was time to create a professional website, Avalllo was there to help once again. They put forth as much energy, creativity, and attention to detail into the website, as they did with the logo. It was so easy to work with Julie and the designers. They are pros, don't waste time, hire them as soon as you can.
- Dan Schultz, Flourish Realty

Julie and the Avallo team are super easy to work with, and the end result is fantastic! They recently completed a website for my dad's business, and we couldn't be happier. They also trained us so that we could make content edits, which will save us a great deal of time and money. They are a great team of pros and very easy to recommend!
- Beth Lasseter, Minneapolis

"Thanks to Avallo we have a website that looks great and delivers results. Avallo Panel enables us to manage content ourselves without always having to go through a third-party.
We have grown our health insurance business through our internet presence thanks to Avallo."
- J.W., Hopkins

"I've been working with Avallo for a couple of years and continue to be impressed with their products and services. As a graphic designer I have found a great resource for web development. With the Avallo Panel, I can now empower my clients with websites that they can change frequently and update themselves. My clients love it and I love it! Thank you Avallo!"
- B.W., Madison, WI

"I cannot say enough positive things about Julie Hamilton and her staff at Avallo. Julie and her team built a beautiful site for Arlyce Cleveland, Ltd. and throughout the entire process she was available to answer questions, make any requested changes, and ensure her or her team were available to assist my staff in anything we needed. I would recommend Avallo and Julie to anyone!"
- Arlyce Cleveland

"Thanks so much for your constant attention to us. Your customer service is always impressive."
- B.K., Minneapolis

"I have been traveling lately; visiting customers and training users for our products. A couple have noticed the change in our site – they said ‘Looks great. You guys are truly professional.’ Thank you!"
- Todd Schaeffer

"The team at Avallo really excels in customer service. It was a pleasure developing our website with the team and the best part is their Dashboard that allows you to change your website rapidly with ease.
We would recommend Avallo to anyone that desires a first class website!"
- D.H., Maple Grove

"I trust Avallo. Their programming works. They're fast. They're responsive. They're a good value. And they're easy to work with. I think of them as a partner, not a vendor."
- J.E., Brainerd

"I. AM. THRILLED.!!!!! To be able to do an EASY seminar sign-up, like you've created, and to be able to change it -- WOW, a dream come true! It was very cumbersome before. ...wow, I am so happy! I've run out of superlatives for Avallo Panel and YOUR help!"
- J.M., Minnetonka

"Julie's team at Avallo created a beautiful new website for my company, including features that I plan to use in the future, after I grow my business a bit more. The site is professional and the maintenance application I use to make updates is easy and intuitive. The site does everything I need it to do and looks great. Thank you for delivering a professional polished product."
- Kyle, Owner of Defensive Women

"We had a person call asking for a quote, and the reason he called was because he thought our website was the best. Good job!"
- M.M., Plymouth

"We’ve got nothing but positive feedback on the website. You guys are the best! I’ll look forward to the app quote.... Much appreciated!"
- Matt, SouthWest Transit

"My website traffic was low, and so Avallo recommended search engine optimization. Not only did my website traffic increase, but Avallo was also able to modify the company website and corporate logo in a very short time frame. Thanks Avallo!"
- W.T., Plymouth

The website still runs great. I love the cms system and I love that it synchronizes beautifully with my single sign on system. We have extended the website that you developed to allow a board members only section.
- Jon P.

Previous Testimonial

FAQ #1 - What should I have on my website?

Sep 10th, 2010 3:09 pm

I'm going to be making my debut into the blogosphere with a series on Frequently Asked Questions. It's only appropriate considering I'm the one that answers the phone. As a result, I answer questions. Frequently.

This week, I will tackle a question that is asked at the beginning of most projects: What should I have on my website? This question isn't very easy to answer in a general sense. It really depends on what the ultimate purpose of your website is. Is your website there to inform, entertain, or sell products?

Below is a list or a guideline of different items you could include in your website to interact with, educate, or entertain your users. There are definitely more, but this is a good start:

Content: This one is obvious, but I need to mention it. Content should be concise and include information that your clients need to make an educated decision about your company.
Pictures: Another obvious one, but it's something you need to consider from the beginning. If you don't have high quality or professional pictures, hire someone. Photos that are taken of your business or products always have more of an impact than stock photos.
Forms: Even if your website is a static brochure site, you should include a way for customers to interact with you. A simple contact form is the easiest way to do this.
Links: Links to any social media you may be using: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. In addition, include links to other resources pertinent to your industry.
Videos: People are more likely to watch a short video than they are to read copy. It can be a great way to show demonstrations of a product, tutorials, or testimonials.
Communication Tools: Forums, Polls, Instant Chat, Reviews, etc. Including these on your website encourages your customers to interact with you, and shows that their opinion matters.
Blog: Not everybody wants to blog, and not everybody needs to blog. But in some industries, it can be a good way to become an "expert" in your field.

Hopefully this list can help get you started with what should be on your website. I will be back next Friday to answer another question. If you have a question you would like answered, send me an e-mail. If your question is featured on my blog, I will send you a free t-shirt!