Creating a Great Website
It might feel overwhelming trying to get your business or organization’s website ready for visitors. What kind of website do you need? And what will turn potential customers into ones that actually engage? Today, we’ll discuss 5 reasons why you need a great website and our 5-step process for creating one.
5 Reasons Why You Need a Great Website:
A study from Zippia.com found that roughly 88% of consumers use the internet to discover local businesses. They also found that 38.5% of website visitors form their opinion of a business based on initial user experience. If your website isn’t up to snuff, you could be missing out on potential customers and sales. Here are 5 reasons why you need a great website:
Your Website…
- Is the face of your business. Think of your website as a 24/7 salesperson, ready to greet any customer who wanders in from the interwebs. You want to create an experience that invites them into your world and tells them exactly what to do next.
- Validates you are real. If you’ve taken the time to create a great website, people will feel more comfortable with your brand. They’ll know you’re a real business ready to help them solve their problem.
- Tells your story. Stories set you apart from competitors and help attract the right people to your brand. There are probably other companies or organizations that do what you do, but your story is what makes you unique. It tells how you got your start and explains why you serve your customers the way you do.
- Connects you. By telling your story and giving potential customers the information they need, you build a connection with them. This helps potential customers begin to like and trust your brand.
- Educates your potential customers. Your website is the perfect place to tell potential customers everything they need to know about your brand. You can answer frequently asked questions, teach them about your industry, and so much more. If done right, your website will help visitors decide if your brand is a good fit for their needs.
- Guides visitors to act. A great website will help users know what to do next. A confused mind doesn’t buy, so you have to make it abundantly clear what you want your visitors to do. Then, you make it easy for them to complete the steps.
5-Steps to Creating a Great Website
Now that we know WHY your website is so important, let’s talk about HOW to make it great! Here are five steps to creating a website that converts visitors into paying customers:
Step 1: Set Your Website’s Goal.
Before you start creating your website, you need to set your website’s goal. Do you want to attract more customers, increase your brand awareness, or sell more products? Once you have a clear goal in mind, you can create a website that supports it. Now, you can decide what content to create, what features to include, and how to structure your site.
Step 2: Determine Your Website’s Function.
Now that you’ve set your goal, it’s time to figure out WHAT you want your website to do. Your website should be designed to help visitors take the next step. That could mean booking an appointment, placing an order, or filling out a contact form. Take some time to consider what actions you want your visitors to take once they land on your site.
Step 3: Know Your Audience.
To make a website that really connects with people, you need to get to know them first. What kind of people are they, and what do they care about? What problems are they trying to solve? By using language and imagery that speaks directly to your audience, your website can make them feel understood and valued. And when people feel understood, they’re much more likely to stick around and become loyal customers.
Step 4: Make Your Content Easy to Read.
When it comes to writing for the web, it’s important to remember that people have short attention spans. They’re looking for information quickly and won’t take the time to read long blocks of text. Make your content easy to scan by breaking it up into short paragraphs and using headings and subheadings. This way, people can find the information they need quickly and easily. Try to use plain language and avoid technical jargon or complicated sentences. And lastly, be sure to proofread your content for spelling and grammar errors. These can be a major turnoff for readers! By creating content that’s easy to read and understand, you’ll keep your visitors engaged.
Step 5: Use Web Design Best Practices.
A great website should be well-designed and functional. It should load quickly, be easy to navigate from desktop or mobile, and provide a seamless experience for the visitor. Stay tuned for our next blog as we go through 8 web design best practices!
Start Building Your Website Today
Creating a great website involves careful planning and attention to detail. By following the five steps outlined above, you can create a website that works for your business, not against it. If you’re ready to build the website your company needs but don’t know where to start, contact us today. We’re ready to help you create your path to success!