You are all excited about your new website, right? You’ll get new customers or members and sit back drinking lemonade as you watch your numbers go up, up, up.

That actually may have been true — fifteen years ago. Today, there are millions of websites out there and more coming every day (like yours). The more people use the internet, the easier it is for them to find information but the harder it is for them to find you. And once they find you, what do you offer that helps you stand out from the million others?

Here are some important strategies you can use to get results:

• You will need to have multiple ways of getting people to your website. Use online resources, print, web-only offers, social media, and promotions that drive people to your website.
• Let your message be crystal clear. Don’t make your site visitor work to figure out who you are and what you do.
• Drop the ego. It’s not about you — it’s about the people coming to your website. They aren’t nearly as interested in hearing how many awards you’ve won or how your sales are increasing. They come to your website with one burning question: how are you going to help them?
• Keep your content up-to-date. If you have outdated content on your site, you will be sending the wrong message. If you are a sole proprietor or have a small volunteer staff, it can feel hard to find time to update your site but dated content tells your site visitor you aren’t really there. Think of it like money being taken out of your bank account each time someone leaves your site because it’s dusty and ignored. If you are ignoring your website, so will they.