TIP #1. Content -- yes, Content is still king. Your visitors may not read every word, but interesting, informative and useful content that is regularly updated is what brings them back to your website often. Good content that is refreshed gets your site into top search engine rankings.

TIP #2. Creativity -- ask what will make your website unique? I am not suggesting that you or your designer make it so unusual that it doesnt make sense. You want a site that is creative and unique enough that visitors remember it and bookmark it. What will differentiate you and your site from the masses?

TIP #3. Consistence -- establish a consistent look, so visitors know that they are still on the same website. By keeping consistent navigation and placement of elements, you will provide an enjoyable, rather than a frustrating, experience.

TIP #4. Clarity -- when someone visits your website, is it clear right away what the website is all about? Are the navigation tools descriptive and clear? I have visited clever sites that use interesting icons that dont make any sense. We do know the icon for the shopping cart, but what does a frog or a star mean? Avoid including any elements on your site that are clear to you but may be confusing to your visitor.

TIP #5. Convenience -- how convenient is the information that a visitor is likely to be looking for? I suggest including contact information on every page. On longer pages, I always include links back to the top plus links at the bottom to make it easy to move around. Another helpful feature for finding information is a Search box on each page.

TIP #6. Color -- when choosing color schemes, keep in mind that how visitors view your site depends upon the type of monitor they are using. I am often surprised when I see my sites on other screens and laptops. If you have a lot of content, work on making it readable. White on black is striking, but difficult to read.

TIP #7. Communication -- communicate in a friendly, conversational manner. Make sure you have an easy way for visitors to contact you, and when they do, be sure to answer their e-mails as promptly as possible. Offer a newsletter or a tip sheet and ask for feedback.

TIP #8. Community -- this follows from TIP #7. Another way to build community is to offer a forum or discussion board. If you have an informational product that deals with a hot topic like marketing, you can enroll those who purchase it in a Yahoo group.

TIP #9. Current. -- it is super important that your site is updated and kept current on a regular basis. There are tools that will post the actual date, but I am referring more to sites where the copyright is listed as 2001 and the events happened in 2002. It is obvious that the website is out-of-date, so smacks of non-professionalism.

TIP #10. Control -- by applying the previous tips, you will create a satisfying experience for your visitors. They will feel that they are in control of their visit. The truth is that the more control we give others, the more they will give back to us. And, they will not only return often, they will tell others about the website and urge them to visit.