Read & write

 If you want a website that people are interested in, then you need to give them things to do when they visit your site. Interactive sites do quite a bit better than static sites. This guide will help you identify a few things you can add to your website to help it be more successful.

Most successful websites give their users a way to find information on the site. This is often done with some type of search bar. A search bar is like a mini search engine that searches only the content contained within your website. Most of the major search engines will provide a free piece of code that you can use to do this for you. It is preferable, however, to do your own coding because the search engines often display their ads in the search results. If you do not know how to code, many WordPress themes include search bars.

 Another good idea is to give your visitors a free gift for visiting your site. Many websites offer a free eBook or sound recording that can be downloaded. Make sure that what is downloaded is useable to your readers. For instance if you provide a zip file, give your readers a link where they can download a free zip/unzip program. Nothing is more frustrating downloading something you can't open. Make sure your gifts are practical and provide something of value to your readers. 

 Some websites are very popular because they contain message boards. There are a few open source software programs out there that you can use on your website. They require little effort to set up and are completely free. If you use them, however, make sure you have some type of a spam filter in place. Why? Because when your message board gets popular it will attract people up to no good --- spammers! Post an established set of rules on the board for people to follow. Another thing, always moderate the comments. This will keep you informed with what people on your site are talking about and will also let you catch any rule breakers.

 Try putting a blog on your website and then update it regularly. Many bloggers set up blogs with only one or two posts. They then let their blog sit there without updating it. If you are going to create a successful blog then you must update it regularly. The best way to keep readers coming back is to post new and fresh articles every few days. Some successful bloggers post weekly top 10 lists; others provide their readers with contests or quizzes. Give some thought to adding a regular feature that would work well with your blog. 

 Designing an interesting and informative website that people return to often is not easy. It can be accomplished if you are willing to expend the the necessary time and energy to get it done. Use some of the ideas in this article when you design your blog or website and you'll find that they really work.