One of the most important things you need to consider when thinking of your website is a good design and layout. Your website will be the center of your online business. It will represent your company. When you're doing business online, your customers cannot physically see you like they would if you had an actual store or office building they could visit. This means that they will be judging you by your website design and content, so this is where a well designed layout will come in.

If you were running a business offline you wouldn't allow your sales associates to dress in casual wear while they are dealing with your customers, would you? Professionally dressed associates tell your customers that you care about the quality they receive. This is because first impressions are vital, and with an online business your website is your first impression.

If your web design and layout is professional looking, it gives your potential customers the impression that you have given every detail the attention it deserves and that you care about being professional. It shows them that you are focused and organized.

Another important aspect of the layout is how easy it is to navigate. Nothing will send your customers running to a competitor faster than a website that is difficult to navigate. If the customer can't find the information or product they are looking for on your website quickly, then they are going to search elsewhere. Carefully consider your navigation when you are planning your layout.

You will also want to be sure that anything related to your company is designed and laid out well. Whether it be business cards, letterhead, or brochures, every small detail is very important. As your business grows, the above mentioned items will become the "face" of your business, and you don't want it to give the impression you only spent five minutes throwing it all together.

A professional quality web design and layout is vital if you want to make that excellent first impression because first impressions are what keep your customers on your site longer, lead to sales, and keep them coming back. If you take the time to consider the design and layout of your website before you design it or hire someone to do it for you, then you will bring success to your online business.