More often than not, business owners looking to build a website are thinking that it entails flashy visuals and fancy features. But when it comes to web design, it is essential to remember that first and foremost, your website is a 24-hour sales tool. For your site to be an asset to you and help grow your business, it has to be effective.
Conventions
While a web designer’s first goal maybe creativity, it is essential that they never sacrifice usability. Your new business website may look impressive, but a hard to use website can be bad for your business. “Standard web conventions” are a set of rules or guidelines that ensure clarity and usability, while also making sure that they align with the visiting customer’s expectations. Just like we expect the doorbell to be next to the front door, web users expect websites to look and function a certain way. These conventions help them navigate a site with ease. Some of the items included in this list are logo placement, main navigation, content hierarchy, link styling, button design, and website color scheme.
An Easy Website Navigation System
When someone is visiting a new website, it is like landing in a new town. If you’re trying to get to the local hardware store, the easiest way is to look at a map to point you in the right direction, so you don’t get lost. While you and your team may know the ins and outs of your company’s website structure, your visitors are foreigners. And they are looking for signs to get them to the page they need. So by providing them with an easy to follow navigation system, you can ensure they find what they are looking for on your website.
The Main Navigation Bar
The main navigation bar or the main menu outlines the main sections of your website. You will need to make sure it’s noticeable and easy-to-use. The majority of the time, you should find them in the upper left-hand corner, centered, or top right-hand corner of the website header. If you have an extensive menu structure, it will be wise to use sub-menus and organize the menu items accordingly to the topic.
Keep Text Short and Sweet
Whether it is through headlines or the main body content, the text is the primary way to communicate the message of your website. Precise wording is essential to making this message understood, and concise writing is key to ensuring it is followed quickly. If users are confused by your text or it’s too lengthy, they may become frustrated and leave. Using proper headings will allow the website user to scan and find the information they are looking for quickly.
Provide a Powerful Call-To-Action
Call-To-Actions are buttons and callouts that prompt user action and guide visitors down intended traffic funnels. A call-to-action is your way of getting users past your homepage. It prompts them to do something– whether it’s learning more, sign up, contact us, or participate in a trial. A compelling call-to-action button is a difference between visiting traffic and returning customers. Be sure your call-to-action buttons stand out from the other content on the page without being overpowering. Keep the language simple but exciting. Finally, use a font that is easy to read and compatible with all devices. A compelling call to action should entice readers to click, as clicking is the key to converting visitors into customers.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Ever wonder how to get your site listed on the first page of Google? It’s called SEO. In today’s world, SEO is a crucial part of your marketing campaign. It trumps any other strategies when it comes to pulling in prospects and boosting profits. So keeping your website optimized and Google-happy is one of the most important keys to success. After all, if your website isn’t optimized, it won’t rank in search results—or at least it won’t rank well.
A solid SEO campaign can be very beneficial to your website. Remember that search engine optimization is a never-ending process, and it’s something that even your slightest competitor is working on to get ahead of you. So, if you don’t keep up, you’ll fall behind fast. The last thing you want is for your competitors to out-maneuver you by ignoring this valuable tool for business success. Monthly audits will give you a good idea of where your website is ranking against your competitors.
Because Search Engine Optimization is an essential factor in digital marketing, 716 Co. offers a free SEO Audit to anyone with a website. Our main goal is to help you grow your business online. With our free SEO Audit, you will receive a detailed report about factors that could be hindering your search engine rankings. If you would like to claim your free SEO Audit, please visit our SEO page and fill out the short form.
Responsive Website Design
Responsive design, or mobile design, gives visitors a great experience regardless of the device – phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. The first and possibly most important decision is choosing a responsive design approach; rather than a dedicated mobile website as were more popular in the past. Responsive web design will indeed require a smaller investment than a separate mobile site and in the long run, will be more cost-effective. Just about everyone is looking things up on their mobile device. Whether it may be a laptop, tablet, or phone, so you need to make sure your site is ready. If your website is not responsive, you will lose potential business from mobile searchers.
The worldwide web is being accessed more and more on mobile devices and less on desktops. Designing your website to be mobile friendly ensures that your pages perform well on all devices at all times.
You can use this free tool from Google to check your website’s mobile compatibility: Mobile-Friendly Test from Google
Questions/Concerns
If you are interested in more information, a free SEO Audit, or would like some feedback from us about your website, please contact us today! We will be glad to assist you in any possible to help your business grow.