We live in an era where people increasingly adopt technology and where the internet and tech have become major assets for small businesses. Every successful business owner today regardless of the industry in which he operates has a powerful presence online and a professional website.
Unfortunately, for one reason or the other, some business owners rely only on the appearance of their website which according to them is the only thing that matters. A website however is one of the most important tools which enable business owners to get more customers and it takes more than just a good look to generate more leads and convert them to loyal customers.
There are important aspects websites should have that separates a good website from a bad website, or a good website from a great website. Below are some qualities that a great business website should have.
1. Great user experience.
People won’t stand a website that takes eternity for pages to load because they don’t have time to waste and it's mad annoying. Users need to find what they search for easily and quickly. So make your website easy to navigate and enable users to find what they search for at first sight.
Your website should enable users to know exactly where they are on your website and have easy access to where they would like to be. Hence make your menu easily accessible from any page and remember to keep the most important information accessible in just a few clicks. Remember that functionality and smooth navigation should characterize your website.
2. Contextual visual design.
Your website represents your brand online meaning that the way people perceive your website will enable them to have an idea about your business. Make your website appealing enough to attract more people to it and make them want to spend more time on your website.
People are usually visually oriented, as a result you need to ensure your website design has a fancy look and is at the same time relevant to your company. The colors you choose, images, videos, text and so on should be contextual.
Make sure your website design is professional, trustworthy and present visuals that are relevant to your company.
3. Simple and clear content.
The information you include on your website and how you place this information is an important element when building a great website. Make sure the information is contextual, informative, concise and interesting to read.
Most visitors will link to your website thanks to the content you propose. Reasons why people are really meticulous when it comes to bringing out information for their website. Besides, your website content helps in SEO placements.
Don't overload your website with text, just include the necessary information at the right place.
4. Mobile friendly.
Remember we are in a mobile world and people prefer portable devices because they can take them everywhere. So you want to build your website in such a way that people can have access to it anywhere, anytime without necessarily using a desktop.
Make sure your website is responsive on mobile phones, tablets, and desktops and easily adjusts to fit any of the aforementioned devices. It should also be web friendly and work well on all major browsers.
5. Calls to actions.
Some people may visit your website, scroll through and not know what to do next. For this reason, it's important to include clear calls to actions which will tell your visitors what you want them to do next.
So clearly define to visitors what you want them to do. Do you want them to call, follow you on your social media pages, purchase a product or read and share the information you provide?
6. Information accessility.
Make essential information like phone numbers and addresses on your website easily accessible. Some visitors may not have time to scroll down the entire site especially when they search for something in particular.
If visitors are not able to easily locate any needed information, they’ll leave your website as soon as they come and immediately turn to another business. you’ll lose them in no time.
As such, every key information of your website should not be hidden but placed in an area that is easily accessible.
7. Branding consistency.
Like earlier said, your website is the direct reflection of your brand. Your visitor should immediately make a visual connection between your physical storefront and the virtual one.
Make each page of your website design and content consistent and relatable to your physical business.
Building your website with branding consistency contributes to the memorability of your brand, adds a level of credibility and enhances the image of your overall business.
8. Conversion.
The primary purpose of a website is to bring in new clients to the business and enable them to do business with you. Proving visitors with tools they need to do business with you will be a plus for your website and will generate more leads.
Aside from designing your website to generate more leads, you should make services available for new as well as existing clients through increased awareness of all the services you offer.
Your website’s ultimate goal should be to engage your visitors and keep their attention through every page as well as influence them to contact you and do business with you.
9. Intuitiveness.
A great website is designed in such a way that users know exactly what to do at first sight and are able to find what they expect. They should be able to access information, navigate through your website, and complete a task without any interruption.
Your website should give a visitor access to essential information, landing pages, call to actions to enable visitors know what you want them to do, and include forms they have to fill .
Your website should anticipate what users want and cater directly to their needs.