Well in the case of a web designer and an online marketing strategist, its not only important to have an effective web presence, but also keep it updated on a regular basis.

So as of this week, we converted the old Vision Of Success website, into a new, upgraded site, using WordPress as our platform.

The key behind Vision Of Success has always been to be a community that offers you tools and resources. I’ve always provided dozens of pages of information, and a variety of resources to help you make marketing your small business easier.

So for me, using a blogging platform was the right step.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

This is my starting point. I will be adding a video and several other resource boxes to the left navigation side of the site. But for now, it’s released and is my new starting point.

I would appreciate your comments below. I’ll take them into consideration as I change and grow in the coming weeks. Thanks!

When we look at our own site, we know and understand what we do. We know right where to go, and what everything means. But does your client? When they enter your site, can they navigate around and get exactly what they are looking for?

Take a look at these 10 common design mistakes, and take a second look at your own site. 

1. The Home Page Website. Do you look at your home page as your front door? Think again. If people are finding your through search engines and referrals, they are just as likely to enter on one of your other pages. Is every page welcoming?

2. Poor design. Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a particular look. But is it the most beneficial? Do you stand out from your competition? If you’re in a particular niche that uses a mass design firm, be careful of looking like everyone else. It’s good to have your visitors say WOW.

3. Poor programming. Some designers work part time or until they find their next job. They concentrate on graphics, paying little attention to coding and the detail. Make sure your designer is well rounded in all parts of designing a site.

4. Don’t Fix What Ain’t Broke mentality. You’ve had a generic site for years. It’s not bringing in business, but it’s not costing you much either. Why should you fix it? If you’ve ever had this thought (and I meet a ton of people like this) maybe its time to find out what a website should truly be doing for you.

5. Testing. Do you have a site that is informative to your customers, or just provides them with the information you think they need. The only way to make it better is to keep testing, and respond to what works.

6. Provide everything – including the kitchen sink. Do you sell products and services? Do you host seminars and events regularly? If you don’t have a shopping cart function, you’re missing a ton of sales. People buy things when they find them – even if its 2:30 on a Saturday morning. Be there when they’re ready, not when you are.

7. All the bells and whistles. Who is your target audience? If its in the tech industry, you may be okay adding the latest programming. But if you’re targeting people that look at your site from a home-based computer, don’t assume they have the latest technology. If a site asks to upgrade or download something to make it function, they won’t stay – or be back.

8. Too many chefs. You have one company for marketing, one for web design, one for hosting, one for programming – and they all have a different idea. In some cases it can take months for one idea to make it through several different contacts. Take charge and make decisions. Action is more important than preciseness when it comes to being online.

9. Using the latest tools. Are you using social sites, profiles, forums and blogs to interconnect your website? If not, you’re missing one of the most important parts to being online.

10. Create a strategy. Talk with an online marketing expert and really build for your future. Understand what your website could be doing for you, and set up goals and deadlines for taking action. Make 2009 the year you succeed online.

Your site is your image to the world. When people enter your site, they make a decision in under 10 seconds whether to stay on the site, or move on. Frontier Cabins approached us after living with a homemade website for a number of years. They were ready for a clean updated look, and a more professional appearance.

Their new website focuses on their cabins through photographs and a virtual tour, and gives potential visitors more information on what to do in the Wall, South Dakota area. We focused on providing a site with quality information, and a visually stimulating look and feel. 

We also incorporated a backend management system that gives Joan the ability to change out certain information fields – like the specials located on the home page. The more you have control over, the easier it is to run your business.

Thanks Joan and Frontier Cabins for becoming a part of the Vision family!