In such a modern and technology oriented world, it is important to make a solid online presence. No matter what type of business you are running, it is crucial to the survival of your business that you have a website. However, designing a website alone is not enough to make ends meet. Your website should engage visitors to stay and come back for more!
Before you start designing your website, start out by learning who your intended audience is. Most web designers make the mistake of just randomly designing a website. If your website is directed towards hip young adults, why would you design a website that the elderly would enjoy? Knowing your targeted age group, sex and occupation of your audience is what determines the success of your design.
No matter who your audience is, it is crucial that your website’s design is easy and straightforward to navigate. Don’t clutter your navigation bar with more links than is necessary. Keep your links easy to find and ensure that it is obvious where those links will lead. Don’t put contact info in your about company page. People want to know exactly what they are clicking on and not be left with surprises.
Keep your customers captivate by using interactive features throughout your website. For example, videos are the perfect way to gain interest in products that you would otherwise have trouble selling. People want to know how the products or services you are offering can be beneficial to them. Another great way to introduce interaction is by using an online chat box. Let visitors post their thoughts and comments using a chat box.
Avoid using any background music on your website. It is a turn off for most people and can be disruptive. Not everyone is accessing your website from a laptop. Most people use smartphones and oftentimes don’t turn the media sound off. This can become truly embarrassing or disruptive in different circumstances. Not to mention that music is an acquired taste and some people like rock music and others may enjoy jazz.
Flashing graphics are something you need to keep to the bare minimum. It is not only hard on the eyes, but refocuses a person’s attention. If you want someone to focus on your email address, you don’t want a blinking and flashing image of a pinup girl. It is important that you don’t appear to be an amateur web designer by using too much glamour to distract visitors.
It is crucial to the survival of your website that you give your visitors a reason to come back to your website. Host a contest or giveaway to keep people on edge and coming back for more. In the first stages of your company, you need to convince people that there are benefits for using your website. Eventually, you can tone down the giveaways, but until you gain return customers, keep up appearances.
Web design can be a fun and creative way to express your artistic abilities. However, it is important that you create a website that is appealing to the masses. Use the simple yet effective tips you’ve just learned for a website no one can resist!