A visually appealing website alone holds little value. Likewise, a website that prioritises practicality over visual impact only attracts a few users. Therefore, what you require is a website design that integrates a harmonious blend of aesthetics and usability.
To construct an impactful website, you must first immerse yourself in the psyche of internet users. Once you grasp the users’ expectations upon visiting a website, you can commence the design process to provide visitors with what they seek. Below, we present some key points that you should bear in mind before embarking on the design of a business website.
So far, we have explored what renders a website’s design approachable and desired by both users and web designers. Now, let us illuminate the much-needed spotlight on the best practices adhered to by some of the finest small business websites.
1. Keep the website easy to navigate
90% of users utilise mobile devices to access the internet. Therefore, you must ensure that your website is equally compatible with mobile platforms as it is with others. If the website appears cluttered, poorly organised, and sluggish, users will not bother to navigate through the chaos to find what they desire.
A good website avoids confusing visitors regarding navigation and clickable elements. Therefore, when designing a website, prioritise the user’s perspective. The positioning of buttons, labels, images, text fields, and other details should be done in a manner that prevents them from standing out conspicuously.
2. Optimise website loading time
Loading time holds significant importance for any website. Visitors anticipate swift and complete rendering of a website’s content. It is estimated that the average loading time for websites should not exceed three seconds. Even a mere one-second delay in loading can result in a considerable increase in the bounce rate. Optimising the content on your website will significantly reduce its loading time.
3. Strategic CTA placement
Users visit a website to utilise its services. If your website can provide that crucial push to users, your business will generate substantial profits. A call-to-action (CTA) button accomplishes precisely this by motivating users to engage with your services
Try positioning your call-to-action (CTA) within the user’s line of sight.
4. Keep the design elegant and minimal
An extravagant website design, no matter how visually appealing it appears, can deter potential customers. Aim to maintain simplicity and minimalism in your design approach. Utilise white space and soothing colors whenever possible. Moreover, when presenting textual content, avoid lengthy paragraphs on a webpage. Instead, use bullets, varied font styles, formatting, and other techniques to make the content engaging and easy to locate.
5. Customer needs should be in focus
Running a business involves selling goods and services to customers. The finest small business websites are constructed in a manner that instills a sense of welcome for users upon visiting. In this regard, leveraging your website’s “About Us” section to emphasise your customers’ demands and needs can play a crucial role in attracting more visitors.
6. Think about SEO
SEO determines the success or failure of any website. Regardless of the quality of your website’s design, if it fails to achieve a high rank in search results, it becomes futile. However, this does not imply that you should disregard it completely. Engage a reputable SEO agency to optimise your website, ensuring favorable search result rankings and increased traffic.
7. Information availability is crucial
The ability to offer relevant information to its users with just a few clicks is the most important aspect of a website. If users have to go back ten pages to reread an article on your website, it indicates a flaw in its design. Thus, you should ensure that your website’s layout enables every web page to be within the user’s reach.
Conclusion
Striking the right balance between appearance and functionality is the key to designing a website. When you invest financial, mental, and physical efforts in building a website for your business, you strive for the best of all worlds. After all, a website represents your entire business portfolio, and you aim to create a great impression on your customers.
Contact Freestart Digital to create a fully responsive, SEO-orientated website that exceeds your business and your customer’s expectations.
