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A web presence is a necessary part of doing business today. A website is a digital business card, a conversion funnel, an online store, and an engagement tool all in one. However, the mere presence of a website isn’t enough to drive growth.
Why a well-designed website matters
A website’s design determines how customers find your website online and whether visitors click (or “bounce”) away or stay on your site.
With 91% of U.S. shoppers online by 2023, a high bounce rate means missing out on a lot of potential customers. A website that’s trustworthy and easy to use, on the other hand, makes shoppers feel confident making purchases online.
There’s a lot that goes into building a website that’s easy to find, easy to use, and looks good, which is why many small business owners choose to partner with digital marketing agencies like Giraffe Marketing LLC for website development and design.
Business owners on a budget can explore drag-and-drop website builders. DIY builders like the ZenBusiness website builder are an option for basic business websites with customizable templates and streamlined integrations with social accounts and Google maps.
What goes into a great business website
What sets well-designed business websites apart from mediocre ones? These are the elements that ensure a positive experience for your customers.
1. Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization helps businesses rank high on Google and other search engines. Designing an optimized website involves several elements including:
- Setting up a clear site structure.
- Using the right keywords, titles, and descriptions.
- Making your website mobile-friendly.
- Optimizing for local search.
- Getting reviews for your business.
2. Accessible Design
Website accessibility and SEO go hand-in-hand because many of the practices that make websites easy to find and use also improve accessibility for disabled visitors. For example, structuring content with descriptive headers, providing alternative text for images and keeping forms simple and easy to read.
3. Clear Site Navigation
Website navigation should be intuitive with descriptive categories and labels that align with user goals. Avoid hiding navigation with drop-down menus. Visitors are less likely to explore when options are out of sight, out of mind. Place navigation in the header, footer, and sidebar where users expect to see it and include a prominent search bar for users who know what they’re looking for.
4. Calls to Action
Calls to action, or CTAs, turn website visitors into leads. CTAs trigger an action such as making a purchase, subscribing to emails, or downloading information that captures a lead. Effective CTAs are short, simple, and strategically designed to draw attention. Consider where your customer is in the sales funnel and tailor CTAs to deliver relevant content.
5. Website Security
Website security is important for a business’s reputation, revenue, and search engine ranking. Users may be warned to stay away from insecure or suspicious websites. This makes it harder to reach and convert new customers. Small business websites should protect customers with an SSL certificate and use a free tool to scan for vulnerabilities.
6. Website Analytics
Website analytics provide small business owners with key insights into how visitors discover and use their website. With Google Analytics’ free tool, you can see how visitors came to your website, which pages they visited, and how long they spent. Business owners can use demographic data from website analytics to optimize web design as well as marketing strategies.
Your website is what represents your business online. Don’t you want to show off your best side? Let Giraffe Marketing help you design a website that engages and converts your customers with digital marketing designed for small businesses.
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