In today’s increasingly wired world, it is more important than ever for small business owners to design an effective website. For many potential customers, a website is the first exposure to the company and its offerings. For this reason, it is crucial that you make a positive first impression. In addition to utilizing visually appealing graphics and an ample amount of white space, it is essential to incorporate these four web design elements into your business website:
User-Intuitive Menu
A user-intuitive menu will encourage further engagement with the customer or potential client. If a prospective customer cannot navigate the website without becoming frustrated or confused, they are likely going to give up and go to a competitor instead. It is recommended to try out your web menu on a small focus group in order to determine its user-intuitiveness and then use that feedback to make the necessary changes. Users want to know where they are at on the website as well as have the ability to get back to the homepage with just one click.
Responsive Design
When courting potential customers, it is vital to have a responsive website. Research has shown that nowadays over half of people searching the web are doing it from their phone, tablet or other devices. If you’re not implementing responsive design, you’re effectively ignoring over half of your potential customers. Not only will you be inconveniencing your users, but you are missing out on SEO opportunities. Search engines are now giving incentives to sites with responsive design to try to make the web more optimized for mobile usage.
Optimal Processing Speed
Speed optimization is a crucial component to any company website design. The speed at which the site and its parts load contribute to the overall usability as well as the search optimization function. A slow website will deter customers and kill the bottom line of any business. Speed sells because it conveys an aura of professionalism and superior business products. Do not let a slow website cause you to lose out on potential business.
Call to Action
Whatever the goal of your website is in relation to your overall business plan, there must be a call to action for first-time visitors. Possible calls to action include signing up for more information or the actual purchase of a product. Regardless of your ultimate goal when cultivating new leads, the call to action must be obvious on your website and should be placed in highly visible and heavily visited area of the site.
By designing a user-friendly and visually appealing website, you can ensure that your business will be off to the best possible start. Free Press Marketing offers free consultations for business owners looking to build a brand new website, or update their existing site. Contact them today and schedule an appointment.
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