Most companies doing business today have a web site, but are these sites really "working"? President of GCD Writing and Marketing Solutions, Gail Diggs, says: "In many instance they're not."

A "working" web site, while search engine optimization and obtaining the right key words are extremely important, does more than get first-time visitors. A "working" site, according to Diggs, gets people to come back again and again. GCD works hard to get your site to "work."

Content that is current is one of the most critical components of a "working" web site.

Diggs says: "Nothing makes me cringe more than visiting a site and seeing that the latest blog entry was recorded in 2007, that registrations are still being taken for a conference that was held months ago, or that some old event is still being "announced" as news. And, you'd be surprised by how often I see things like that."

Your web site is the last place people expect to find old information and, when they do, they often get disgusted and click away to the next site. Diggs continued: "Honestly, why would anyone take seriously the information on a site that doesn't appear to be monitored or updated on a regular basis?"

The opportunity to provide feedback and then having that feedback acknowledged is a second component of a "working" site. For example, if you have some sort of "Tell Us What You Think" button on your site, that's great. "But I encourage site owners to go the extra step of sending a short, personal note to the people who have taken time to provide feedback. This simple gesture lets the visitor know that their voice has been heard and that their thoughts are appreciated and respected", says Diggs.

Reacting to relevant news and events, is a third component of a "working" web site. This lets your readers know that you're living in the same world they're in and are going through situations similar to their own. Diggs suggests that doctors' sites post well wishes and educational information when someone famous announces that they have a health challenge that's relative to their practice. The key is to be relevant and, environmental news sometimes finds its way on the site of one of her clients who makes all-natural soaps and bath products.

Epecially if writing isn't your forte, however it is extremely important, maintaining a "working" web site can be quite time consuming. Diggs says: "At GCD Writing and Marketing Solutions we have the time and talent to make your web site work for you."