Bad websites stick in our mind, not for the better but as a lesson for what not to do. Case in point, when the front page looks like this
You may have heard the old saying that it takes 7 seconds to judge someone on the first impression. However, research shows it takes 0.2 seconds to judge a website.
Who would you choose?
Should your business have a website?
Small businesses usually opt for social media. However, this is not effective for gaining presence. If someone was to search for a local hairdresser, the search engine would match those with a website first. A website is important to not only establish a local presence but a worldwide one as well.
Social media can only go so far
This doesn’t all come at a heavy cost. Google my business offers you the opportunity to have a local presence. For more information contact us for more details.
What makes a good website design?
It isn’t just the visual appeal that you should consider. What does your business do, is there a unique selling point that makes you stand out from others?
Maybe you’re a local business that has a great deal of support locally but wants to branch out. A website that sticks true to your message will bring better reception than a generic by-the-numbers wall of text.
Mobile effectiveness is just as important, as people are browsing by mobile more than ever it’s paramount that they get the same experience as on the desktop. Take for example google maps is the same right down to speed and access.
If your business has a website, have you thought about mobile responsiveness? Do you know how mobile-friendly it is? Google has a tool in place if you want to check.
A good website design is Airbnb. The site has a responsive search engine that makes searching for holiday destinations easy. A minimalistic approach resonates the message clearly; that you can “Book unique homes and experiences all over the world”
Recommendations
Don’t rush.
A survey found that 80% of micro-SME’s have a website not fit for purpose. If you are just starting out or are considering taking the plunge, do some research first. Have a look at some websites you enjoy visiting and question what they do that interests you.
Understand your brand colours
Colour says a lot about your business. They should always reflect your brand colours or be reflective of what you want to achieve. Depending on how you approach your customers are you a vibrant, energetic company or do you deal with more sombre affairs?
Camden Town Brewery is a good example; they use a striking colour palette that conveys a sense of energy and readiness.
Be mindful of the page layout.
A lot of websites fail to be engaging. A good layout will keep someone interested in the journey to your product.
Corum who is a watch manufacturer does this well. Browsing the site is intuitive and functional.
Good websites are always changing
We are constantly evolving our website to make it more straightforward. The following is how we updated our supplies page:
- Autofill data for repeat purchases take the tedium out of repeating password information.
- Guest Checkout for those that make one-time purchases.
- Order Confirmation page gives users satisfaction and peace of mind the purchase was successful.
Finally, knowing your customer is just as important. What drives them to your business?
The best companies have a clear message that can be translated both offline and online.
Take it from us
Direct365, supporting you and your workplace.
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What websites do you think are the best?
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