What requirements does your company website need to meet?

Having a website as an independent professional is important, but its proper functioning is at least as important. With these three steps you ensure that your website performs optimally.

1. Get found

Your website can look really slick, but it is of little use if it is not visited. To optimize your findability, there are a number of things you should pay attention to:

• Use sufficient text. If your website contains less than 250 words, it will not be checked by Google. Make sure that all text provides added value. Text that only functions to fill the site is not appreciated by a reader.
• Search terms in headings and titles. Google scans the titles and subheadings of your pages. Therefore, use as many terms as possible that people could search for. Make sure that you do not overuse the keywords. It is not nice for readability to see a certain word appear in every sentence.
• Quality text. Make sure that the texts on your website are correct. Avoid spelling mistakes and make sure that all sentences flow well. A text full of mistakes is disastrous for your credibility and image.
• Mobile-friendly site. Since April 21, you can miss out on website visitors if your website is not suitable for smartphones and tablets. Websites that are mobile-friendly are given priority in Google's search results.

2. Be inviting

Now that your website is attracting visitors, you must ensure that people take the time to view your website. In this way, you ensure that your website is inviting and that you interest people in your service:

• Overview. Within a second, it must be clear what the website is about. With a clear homepage, you increase the chance that people will click through and actually read your information.
• Think about your target group. Despite the fact that Google is bending over backwards to increase your findability, it is important not to forget who you built your website for. Therefore, focus on your target group, do not write your texts for Google.
• Make use of website trends. If you have a modern website, visitors will get the impression that your company is also modern. Avoid flashy banners and ensure unity in both the use of color and the rest of the design. A major website trend is flat design: a minimalist 2D layout. Apple and Windows are major predecessors in flat design.

3. Exude confidence

When someone views your website, they should get the feeling that you mean what you write. The last thing you want is for people to become suspicious when reading your website. This is how you make a website exude confidence:

• Be open and honest. Of course you want to sell your product or service, but you will not simply be believed when you say that your product is going to change the world. Exude transparency and be honest about your company. You are also required to provide a Chamber of Commerce number and your contact details must not be missing.
• Experiences. Show what you have achieved as a self-employed person. For example, you can post photos of your results or mention which clients you have worked for.