I recently developed a new website to promote my books and other services offered by my company. When the site was first designed, I e-mailed the web address to over 500 of my friends and clients for their opinions, feedback and suggestions for improvements. The response was great, with most people replying within a few days.
Some simply said that the site was excellent and they really liked it; others went through it with a fine-tooth comb, picking up some spelling mistakes and a few links that didn't work as well as they should. Some others gave great advice on what they thought the site needed to make it more customer friendly.
All in all, within a day or so, I had received an abundance of information from my customers and friends about my website. These suggestions definitely improved the site, and there were a number of ideas put forward about aspects of the site that I had overlooked.
People like to be asked their opinion. They will give you their ideas and views freely. Sometimes their ideas and suggestions will be good and sometimes they will be shockers, but whatever the suggestion, take them all on board. If you are uncertain about a particular recommendation, ask a few other people for their opinion. Smart, successful people are never afraid to ask the opinions of others about any aspect of their business.
When developing a website, remember that the end user will determine whether or not it works. This makes it a very logical step to ask a few customers for their thoughts on anything your business does but, in particular, on your internet presence.