You only get one chance to make a lasting first impression – especially in this fast paced world of business. Now that everything has gone digital, the need for a high quality website is a necessity to businesses of all sizes. It’s essentially the only way to develop an online presence. Your company’s website acts as a business card of sorts (only with more information). It provides your target audience with a general understanding of what your brand is and more importantly…what your products or services can do to benefit them. A low quality website essentially sends the wrong message and sends customers running in the opposite direction.
Why Quality Web Design Matters?
First Impressions Matter: The Importance of Great Visual Design
Imagine searching for a product or service that you’re in need of. You find a website through a search engine and decide to check it out. However, when you click on the link, it takes forever to load, is confusing to navigate, and really does nothing to interest you. What would you do? The average person is going to move on to the other competitors provided in the search engine results. When you put yourself in the seat of the average consumer, you can better understand why a quality website is imperative to your brand’s reputation and company success. As such, investing in the overall design of your website should be top priority.
So What Constitutes a Great Website?
Best Website Designs of 2014
So now you understand the importance of a quality website, but what exactly constitutes a great website? Of course there is more than one way to skin a cat, and you obviously want your website to stand out from your competitors, but there are some key elements that must be kept in mind the entire time. Remember, the main objective is to make the site userfriendly and appealing to your target audience. So here’s what you need to make the cut:
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Easy Navigation – your customers need to be able to easily find the information they’re looking for in a short amount of time. Your site needs to be organized, have clearly labeled links, and multiple pages with pertinent information.
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Call to Action – What is the overall purpose of your site? What is it that you want your target audience to do once they’ve arrived at your page? Do you want them to call you, shop online, or visit your store? Whatever actions you want them to take, they need to be clearly defined on your site.
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Appealing Design – When it comes to design, you have to have balance. Too little input could result in your target audience getting bored easily, while too much could cause their eyes to go cross. Your designs should be appealing to your potential consumers without going over the top. Design Tip: Looking for a unique design that really captures the attention of your target audience? Look for professionals who have taken graphic or web design classes at Platt College or another accredited school for computer technology and arts.
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Great Content – whether you decide to add a blog or just post important information on various web pages the content should be of value to your ideal customers. The information provided throughout your site should be interesting and accurate.
Why You Might Need a Professional Web Designer
How to Hire Freelancers Online for Graphic Design Jobs
Many new business owners make the mistake of assuming they can create a free or low cost website all on their own. Unless you happen to have a career or business in graphic design, chances are you’re going to need the help of a professional. While free websites can pose financial benefits in the short term that does not always help out in the long run.
Free and low cost websites are essentially “cookie cutter” sites. Essentially they offer the same templates and formats to all subscribers. This means that your site could look a lot like one of your competitors.
52 Innovative UI Design Concepts to Boost User Experience
Professional web designers or graphic designers have the educational experience and natural abilities to help you create not only an aesthetically appealing website, but a user friendly website geared towards your target audience.
Remember, you only get one shot at impressing the average online consumer. Your company’s website acts as your calling card. Without careful thought, consideration, and userfriendly elements, your website will essentially blend in with the rest. To stay ahead of the competition, build search engine rankings, and increase sales, you must invest in making your website the best that it can possibly be.