Have a unique look - You don't want to spend time and money for a site that looks exactly like your competition. There are many companies that can set up a site for $100 or less, but the results match the price point. Promote your business by working with a professional to develop a site that meets the specific needs of your audience while visually communicating what makes you stand out from the pack.

Be dynamic - Change your home page on a regular basis. Update photos, articles and pictures so return visitors see something new with each visit. Consider adding some visual movement by including animated graphics that direct your audience to updated content or new products.

Be simple and effective - Don't annoy your visitors. Make sure your site is easy to navigate. Think about how you want the viewer to progress through your site and don't hide the important information - keep it up front and off the sub pages. Text should be clean, clear and readable on all screen sizes and monitor resolutions.

Show your stuff - Studies have shown that content relevant pictures keep viewers inside a site longer and encourage further exploration of the site. If you plan on selling products online, an accurate representation is essential. If it doesn't look good onscreen, why bother showcasing it? For services, well-chosen images can communicate the reward of a successful process or solution. The cost of professional images, custom or stock, will pay off in the long run.