Try thinking of website as a business’ hardest working employee that carries the company’s message 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Often a customer’s first impression, this “employee” should look and perform at its best at all times. Understanding the importance of web design is a business necessity, especially if your current website is under-performing.
Designed to attract
Web design, the process of creating websites, including layout and graphic design, is an integral part of any successful inbound marketing strategy. With features like blogs, contact information and special offers, websites should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. By understanding the importance of web design, an under-performing website can be transformed into a resource that informs.
Attract visitors by understanding the importance of web design
Smart web design is a crucial element of any inbound marketing strategy. As visitors begin the Buyer’s Journey, a business’ website is their one-stop shop for information, special offers and more. At this juncture, an under-performing website can be a business’ Achilles heel.
“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand,” said Paul Rand, the art director of IBM and UPS’ logos.
Studies show that whether or not potential customers trust a virtual “ambassador,” depends on the look and feel of a website’s design. A whopping 94 percent of people cite bad web design as a reason they do not trust a website.
Essential web design elements
In establishing a web presence, many businesses focus a lot of time and attention on the content and pictures of a website. However, understanding the importance of web design is the essential basis for assuring those elements are optimally presented.
- Clean, simple layout
A complex website can cause a confused reader to search elsewhere. Remember, it’s best to keep it simple stupid.
- Navigation aids
A website with good navigation creates a seamless experience for visitors. Try using icons, page search and indexing to aid navigation by helping visitors locate information quickly.
- No pop-ups
Since few people enjoy pop-ups, strive to make sure ads and registration forms are as unobtrusive as possible.
- Fast-loading
If someone has chosen to click on your website, the last thing you want is lose them before the page opens. Forty percent of visitors will abandon a page that takes more than three seconds to load.
- Minimal text
Less is always more in keeping content king. To improve a website’s readability bulleted lists are a suggested feature.
- Call-to-action
When creating a call-to-action always think of these four elements that will improve response rate: size, shape, color and position. By understanding the importance of web design, your business can gain a competitive advantage your rivals. If your website is new or in need of a redesign, these essential web design elements will help build your company’s virtual ambassador. For more information about ways to improve web design, please call us at 516.535.5353 or email us at sales@fatguymedia.com.
