Websites are one of the most important assets of a business. In fact, entire businesses would not be able to function without them. An effective website should be able to satisfy its intended function by conveying its key message while simultaneously engaging the customer. It is estimated that users form an opinion about a website in less than a second. Several factors such as the website’s appearance, content, functionality, and usability are what influence their decision. Below are some guidelines that will help when considering your next web project.
APPEARANCE
A beautifully designed website makes it memorable. A good website is designed around a theme that matches its industry and personality. However, it is also a representation of a business’ brand and is both polished and professional. An aesthetically pleasing site is far more likely to generate a positive impression and keep visitors on your site when they arrive. As businesses small and large continue to populate the internet, a business’ goal when developing a website should be one that attracts and keeps the customers attention.
CONTENT
Along with having a website with good aesthetics, it must also have substance. Your audience is looking for information that will help them make an informed decision, so your content must be informative and relevant. The content of your website is an opportunity to increase visitor confidence in your brand’s products and services. Short and organised copy is the key to grab your visitor’s attention without overwhelming or boring them. The content of your site must also be updated because dead or static content will not bring back any new clients.
FUNCTIONALITY
The functionality of your website is also a key component of what makes a good website. Every component of your website should work quickly and correctly. A poorly constructed website will only leave your visitors frustrated and will likely opt to look for another company. Call-to-action components such as hyperlinks, contact forms, search bars, etc. must all be properly working in order to have an effective website.
Another key aspect with functionality is making sure that you have a responsive website design that can adapt depending on the medium that the visitor is using. Whether that be through a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile, having a responsive website will help in gaining more customers.
USABILITY
A sometimes overlooked component in a good website is the usability or (UX) user experience. Your site must be easily readable, easy to navigate, and easy to understand. The layout must be consistent all throughout the site. For it to be cohesive, web pages must be fast-loading or you’ll lose more than half of your potential visitors, and the navigation must be easy to understand so that visitors can easily find the information that they’re looking for. Remember, your website only has less than 10 seconds to make a good impression on a visitor – so everything must be clearly laid out for them to have a pleasant user experience.
Following these simple guidelines will help direct you in the right direction when considering building a website. And if you already have an existing website, it’s good to ask these questions if all of these components to see if what you have is up to scratch.
Partner with Anomaly for innovative web design solutions that drive success. From compelling visuals to seamless functionality, our web design services are tailored to amplify your brand’s online presence. Contact us and take the first step towards a stunning website that converts visitors into customers.
