Characteristics Your Website Must Have in 2015
There are about a million reasons why users should bounce from your site. Local Internet marketing experts have different philosophies about templates when it comes to website design. Regardless, there are a few features that make end-users bounce. Essential site attributes might seem like common sense. However, common sense has gotten lost in the shuffle. Instead of jumping on the latest trends, go back to basics to achieve results.
Basic Functionality Is Crucial for Site Success No Matter What
National and local Internet marketing strategy almost always revolves around your website. A site that looks good makes a good first impression. However, a functional site goes a step further. It allows people to turn from visitors into customers. The following site characteristics are a must:
- Clear Navigation
Make it easy for customers to navigate your site. Only use images where they make sense. Go back to a clear navigation bar, and do not muddle it was other items.
- Links That Look Like Links
Links increasingly confuse customers for a simple reason. They do not look like links. Instead of incorporating design elements that confuse end-users, go back to links that are a different color and are underlined. Make clickable links obvious.
- Readable Content
Keep fonts large and simple. Stick to typical fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri. Also, make sure there is enough white space to make web content easy to read. Busy designs and backgrounds can be confusing. Do not make site visitors have to reach for reading glasses to figure out what your site is all about.
- Mobile-Friendly
People increasingly use multiple screens for search features. A mobile-friendly site has turned from a plus to a must over the past year.
- A Clear Call to Action
Make it obvious what your business is all about. National and local Internet marketing is only effective if users understand how to become customers. Additionally, the best site can be a waste of resources if users do not understand how to become customers in a few seconds. A clear call to action is essential to maximizing ROI.
Site Visitors and Potential Customers Do Not Owe Local Business Owners Anything
Local Internet marketing experts know that potential customers do not owe small businesses anything. It is not the end-user’s job to figure out how to use a website. Sites should be designed to make an impression, and sites should be designed to be easy for any computer-literate person to use on almost any device.
Key Takeaways for Site Characteristics That Drive Return on Investment
Some site characteristics might look nifty, but they are unanimously hated by end-users. Put functionality before creativity. Additionally, do not forget the purpose of the site in the first place. A website for local businesses is meant to help convert visitors into customers and drive ROI.
- Make sites easy to navigate with a clear navigation bar.
- Make clickable links look like clickable links.
- Make site mobile-friendly no matter what.
- Make all written content easy to read.
- Make sure there is enough whitespace.
- Make sure sites have a clear and effective call to action.
