It looks like the San Francisco 49ers couldn't quite make it past the Baltimore Ravens in this year's Super Bowl. In business, we also strive to pull ahead and stand out among leading competitors. Winning customers in a business arena can be a challenge. So, when faced head-on with competition, will your website stack up or are you just throwing a Hail Mary?

1st Down - Branding: Does your website and homepage reflect your product or services and who you are as a company? If the first impression of your website does not resonate with your demographic, you have lost their attention at kickoff. A cohesive brand image and identity is essential to gain credibility among your consumers or clients.

2nd Down - Layout: Ease of navigation is key to pull readers into your content without overloading them with data and endless text. Think of your layout like a game plan where you want clients to look, click and how they drive into your website will steer them to take action or forfeit the search altogether. Simple, organized layout wins hand over fist against dense copy, dozens of tabs and multiple, competing messages.

3rd Down - Subscribers: Capturing visitors is a must; and integrating email marketing is the first step to turning these new subscribers and leads into loyal customers. Make the call to action simple and provide something immediate of value. Continue educating and send relevant communication for these prospects to stay engaged with you and your company.

Touchdown! Fans: Done all of the above? Fantastic. Now integrate a blog and social media channels that your business utilizes. Get up close and personal with customers and clients, hear their praise and criticism of your industry and learn to be transparent- love this. Knowing your audience on a personal level will be invaluable, and the insights can leverage your business ahead of the game.

Extra Point - Content Strategy: From the copy on your homepage, to articles on your blog and pictures and questions asked on social media, creating a compelling message and valuable content unites all elements of your brand. Know your voice, where you want to position your business in the industry and your customers' trust and loyalty will follow.

Need a conversion?
Think you may be lacking in one or more of these areas? No problem. Give us a call or shoot us an email today and we will get you and your website trained and ready for the big game.

How can you be a part of the fun festivities even after the 12 Days of Christmas, you ask? By Liking us on Facebook or Following us on Twitter, if you don't already. (You don’t want to be on that naughty list, do you?)

and follow me on Twitter, too! @amykauffman Happy Holidays!!

Web design has changed exponentially since the advent of web 2.0 in the early 2000’s. What used to be static-only websites have now been replaced with dynamic ones that incorporate many design features including widgets, social plugins and much more. Here are 12 tips to keep in mind when building or rebuilding your website.

1. Show value- give people a reason to visit your site and keep them there.

2. What does your website do? Are you informative, are you selling something? Include a call of action and let it be seen on the site!

3. Simplicity- Keep it simple while still getting your point across.

4. Myspace is out! That means no blinking text or magic cursors!

5. Popups- Do I really have to explain this?

6. Keep the home page accessible. I’ve been to many sites where once I click a link on the navigation bar, I cannot get back to the home page- so frustrating!

7. Follow in Apple’s shoes and drop Adobe Flash- it’s processor heavy and there’s no place to embed SEO.

8. I KNOW THIS MAY SOUND DUMB BUT DON’T CAPITALIZE ALL OF YOUR CONTENT.

9. Speaking of words and content, check your grammar and spelling please!

10. Use keywords and descriptive text that relates to your business. However, don’t over-embed keywords in your content- keep it natural.

11. Be accessible, yes add a Contact page and put an email, phone number, something!

12. Navigation is key! Keep a global navigation bar that allows accessibility to all of your pages.

I know the post reads "12 Tips" but I'm throwing in a BONUS, yay!

13. Social media integration- the key to the popularity and national/global success of your website and business.

How can you be a part of the fun festivities of the 12 Days of Christmas, you ask? By Liking us on Facebook or Following us on Twitter, if you don't already. (You don’t want to be on that naughty list, do you?)

and follow me on Twitter, too! @amykauffman