Whether your business is primarily a brick and mortar store or exclusively online, having a high quality website to serve as your internet store front is vital to your business growth and success. Today’s consumers are more savvy than ever. They’re informed and they know exactly what they want. A well-designed website can convert shoppers into buyers. But a poorly designed website can cause you to lose a potential customer forever.
There are a lot of do-it-yourself options for website creation and design. While these might be sufficient for some, they’re likely to fall short of the mark for businesses who intend to keep the competition on their toes. Because your website is the first impression your company will make on many consumers, you want to ensure it includes some of the web design best practices.
Best Practices for Web Design
- A Website Must be Responsive. Above all, you want a website that loads quickly and allows the consumer to begin reading, browsing or shopping. A cluttered website that’s overloaded with video and large images will move slowly, especially for those accessing your site from a mobile device or older computer.
- A Compelling Layout. The layout of your website should be interesting and creative, but not complicated. Use color and arrangement to appeal to the viewer’s eyes. A welcoming website layout will make them want to come back.
- Just the Right Use of Image and Multi-Media. Video marketing is one of the most popular forms of internet marketing at the moment. Short, informational videos can be effective on your website, but don’t overdo it. Use images and video where they fit naturally.
- Organized and User-Friendly. You don’t want viewers to have to go on a wild goose chase to find your products and services. Create an organized website layout that’s easy for viewers to use whether they’re on their home computer or mobile device.
- Error-Free Navigation. When linking to other pages on your website, double-check that the links lead to the proper location. Errors in the navigation of your website will negatively impact your credibility and cause you to lose sales.
- Keep it Fresh. Frequent visitors to your website will appreciate new content and images from time to time. Add these in a natural way, whether with the changing seasons or in conjunction with a new product introduction. If you have a blog on your website, add to it two to three times weekly.
- Make it Mobile. Have your designer create a mobile version of your website so users on-the-go can access, enjoy and promote it.
- Call to Actions. This is by far the most important element of any website. Be sure to guide your visitors into calling you, filling a contact form or purchasing your service or product.
Getting it Right
If you’re the slightest bit uncomfortable about your website’s design…if there’s any small doubt in your mind about its effectiveness, trust your gut and make a change. Work with a professional web designer to get it right. You only have a few seconds to make someone want to explore your site and convert into a real lead or sale or lead them to hit the “Back” button. A professional web designer will work with you to understand your business goals and, together, you’ll design a website that becomes an effective part of growing your business.
