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What features should my website include?

Aside from your main content, there are so many features available for websites that it's hard to know where to start. Consider who your target audience is, and what information you would like to convey through your website. How will you draw in new visitors, and how will you get people to come back again?

Here is a list of some ideas for website features that Design Sense Graphics & Web offers. Make sure you choose tools that are useful and relevant to your business, and that will enhance your primary message rather than distracting from it. Note that this list is by no means comprehensive. If there's something not on this list that you'd like included in your site, just ask!

Website Features Ideas

• Calendar (event info, availability checker etc.)
• Blog/articles
• Guest book
• Search function
• Member registration & login
• Newsletter signup
• Photo gallery
• Links
• Restricted access area
• Downloadable documents
• Online directory
• Appointment bookings

Media/Interactive

• Video
• Animation
• Slide show
• MP3

Web Forms

• Email contact form
• Quote request
• Application form (employment, membership etc.)
• Registration/booking form
• Order form

Online Store - ECommerce

• Custom product database
• Weekly/monthy specials
• Product of the month/week
• Related items prompt
• Reward points system
• Online vouchers
• PayPal & Credit Card integration

Social Media

• FaceBook 'Like' button
• FaceBook page blugin
• Linkedin profile
• Twitter latest tweets
• 'Share' buttons

Plugins/Widgets

• Maps (Google, Bing etc.)
• Weather

... and more!

Website Maintenance

Something that you should keep in mind when choosing your website features is how demanding they are to maintain. Don't choose features that need to be constantly updated unless you are willing to put in the work that is required. On the other hand, if you are able to put in the time and effort, a dynamic website can be a very powerful marketing and communication tool.