There are literally thousands of different options, styles and formats to choose from when designing your service professional business website. But there are 5 things every site needs to be successful:

· Client-centric and easy to remember name(s)

Your website can have more than one domain name that directs potential clients to the single site. Your service professional business website should have at least two domain names. One being your name, which is the most likely thing a client will try if they don’t have your web address handy, e.g. www.bethmlyons.com or www.michaelport.com and should be something that speaks to the market you serve, e.g. www.techiecoach.com, or www.smallbusinessexcellence.com.

· Something that grabs your client’s attention

You have 3 seconds to grab your potential client’s attention before they leave, potentially forever. Engage their passion, inspire their imagination, and give them something of value in exchange for their email address.

· Language that speaks directly to your target market

Your site should speak to the needs and desires of your target market in language your client uses and understands. Offer specific solutions, and describe the benefits of they’ll experience from working with you.

· Success stories that establish you as an expert

Demonstrate your expertise. Share your personal story. Share success stories and testimonials from past and current clients.

· A Call to Action

You must have a clear ‘call to action’. What do you want your visitor to do? Your ‘call to action’ must be one which is easy and obvious for your potential client to take (sign up for your newsletter, special report, etc.).

If you include each of these 5 things, and you provide solution-oriented offers to the current needs and desires of your target audience, you’ll not only distinguish yourself from other service professionals, you’ll lay the foundation for ongoing web-based success.

Visit www.awardwinningwebcourse.com for a simple, step-by-step guide to developing highly effective websites.

By Michael Port, best-selling Author of Book Yourself Solid, The 7 Keys To Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle and Beth M. Lyons, the Techie Coach.