It is important that you understand what your web site strategy is before you actually design it. Otherwise, you may find that the design is completely wrong, and you will have to start over from scratch. As you probably know, there are basically two types of business web sites – content sites and mini sites. A content site includes lots of information and resources related to your niche, while also advertising your products or services. A mini site, on the other hand, focuses completely on your product or service.Both content sites and mini sites can be successful, as long as they look professional, have good sales copy, and a good marketing strategy.Content Business Web SitesLet’s first look at content sites. A content site may include articles, ebooks, tutorials, videos, or any number of other elements, all designed to inform and educate. People visit these sites because they want to learn more about the topic, and they like to take advantage of the resources that are found on these sites.Content sites can earn revenue in a number of ways, including selling your own products and services, promoting related affiliate products, and even displaying Google and Kontera ads.Content sites go a long way toward building trust with your customers and potential customers. It helps to establish you as an expert in your field, and people start turning to you for answers. Once you’ve established trust and credibility, people are more willing – and more likely – to purchase your products, or products that you recommend. With a content site, you are essentially pre-selling your customers through your content.Business Mini SitesMini sites are the exact opposite of content sites. Content sites are full of content, and mini sites don’t generally have what is considered content at all. A mini site may not be much longer than one or two web pages, and the entire focus of the site is on one product or service. A mini site is basically nothing more than a sales letter for the product.Mini sites are generally designed using standard HTML and very plain, as you want the focus to be on your text. They contain very few graphics, plug-ins, or any other glorified elements that are often used to spice up a content site. In addition, mini sites almost never include any links to other web sites, as outside links will lead the visitors away from the site.While content sites are often directed toward a wider market – those who want to educate themselves – mini sites are more tightly targeted to people who are ready to make a purchase, and the site just essentially tells them why they should purchase this particular product or service over others.Designing Your Business Web SiteRegardless of the site that you design, your web site is usually the first impression that your prospects have of you and your business. This is why designing a clean, nice looking site is so essential. You must think of it like a brick and mortar store. If a customer walked into a brick and mortar store that was a huge mess, they would be heading toward the door – without buying anything – fairly quickly. Your web site must be clean and professional, and the site should have one purpose – to make sales.Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design series, Web Design Mastery, an in depth guide to professional web design that is rapidly becoming the beginner course for professional web design. Just go here to learn more …http://www.webmastercourse.com/blog/go/webmastery/

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