1. Simple Design
The worst thing you can do is to create a website that looks unnecessarily complex (or busy) with a lot of disparate elements, including lots of Flash or animated graphics. Also, it's okay to use lively colors but stick to just a few and make sure they are consistent with your corporate image. And remember, black type on a white background is elegant and is easy to read.

2. User-Friendly Navigation
Don't drive your customers mad by having them search your entire site to find the information they're looking for. Your site should have a simple and consistent navigation bar so that all the information on your site is just a few clicks away.

3. Attention-Grabbing Headline
Make a bold statement describing the MOST important benefit of your product or service. Design the headline with big and bold type to make sure that is the first thing that your customers see.

4. Attractive Graphics and Photography
Photographs have energy and they can help you convey your message effectively. It's always a good idea to use images of people enjoying the benefits of your product or services. Remember, you don't actually sell the product you think you're selling, you are actually selling the emotion that goes with it. For example, Starbucks doesn't merely sell coffee, they sell an entire sensory experience and state-of-mind inherent in ordering and consuming coffee in a stylish and relaxed environment. Likewise, you should tie your product to the emotional needs of your customers and use imagery that reinforces that.

5. Compelling Sales copy
Pay special attention to the words you use to describe your product or service. Stress the benefits and stay away from technical details. Draw them in with enticing sales copy and get them closer to buying.

6. Call to Action
Don't just list benefits without asking the customer to take an action and get involved! Three simple calls to action are: (1) "Order Now" (2) "Learn More" or (3) "Send this to a friend." All three should appear on your website's home page.

7. Compelling Opt-in Offer
First time visitors to your site may not purchase right away, but since they're on your site, they're obviously interested. Create a compelling incentive for them to give you their E-mail address. Offer a free newsletter or a free download. Ask them to sign up for a chance to win your product or service. Get creative and use that E-mail to establish a long-term relationship.

8. About Us Page
Buying online can be impersonal and people like to know who they're buying from. Create an About Us page that includes information about you, your staff and your business. Show pictures of yourself and your staff. Talk about your commitment to your employees, your community and, of course, your customers.

9. FAQ Page
Customers will invariably have questions about your product or service and they're not likely to buy until those questions are answered. You should anticipate any and all concerns that potential buyers may have and answer them. Use this page to alleviate concerns and doubts that buyers may have and use it to get them closer to a sale.

10. Contact Us Page
Make sure you put your address, phones and E-mail addresses on this page. You may even include a form where they can post questions. Also, displaying all this information shows that you are a professional business and not a fly-by-night operation.

11. Links Page
Establish a "link swapping" program. This means asking other business owners to link to your site while you extend them the same courtesy. This is the #1 way to attract the attention of Search Engines. Obviously, you'll want to link to businesses that sell a product or service that is complimentary to yours and which are relevant to the keywords under which YOUR customers will likely find you.

12. Tell-A-Friend Link or Page
Make it easy for visitors to forward your website URL to a friend who may be interested. This will help you spread the word about your business.