How to Make Your Business Website Attractive and Accessible Businesses rely on their website to develop credibility, acting as a central hub for consumers. Some businesses sell products directly from their website, integrating an e-commerce store into their operations. Even if you don't sell products this way, though, a website helps to brand your businesses and develop trust. A low-quality website will send signals to consumers, creating friction in the sales experience. However, if you stick to some trusted methods of modern web design, you can ensure your site offers a seamless experience. So what are the main factors to think about for a business website? Mobile Optimization The growth in mobile usage has led to Google switching to mobile-first indexing. Over half of search traffic now takes place on a mobile device, so any website not correctly optimized will suffer. Check your site on a number of mobile devices, ensuring there are no flaws or issues with navigation, usability, and content sizing. Also, use the Google Mobile-Friendly Test tool for further reassurance. Clear Navigation Navigation can have benefits for both the business and visitors. The business can use navigation to highlight certain sections, moving visitors towards the pages that convert to leads or sales. Visitors avoid the typical frustrations found when sites are difficult to navigate and don't follow a logical structure. Clear navigation starts with the architecture of the site, so ensure pages are placed into coherent categories. Simple and Clean Graphics Web design has changed considerably over the years. Large graphics and complicated designs were common in previous years, but they gradually fell out of fashion. More focus has been placed on usability, with simple and clean graphics taking over. Most logos are quite simple and don't dominate the header. Graphics placed throughout the site should also service the page, avoiding distracting from the content you want users to consume. Organized Layout Clutter is another problem that affects many business websites. You may have a lot of information you want to convey to visitors, but it will be ineffective if you cannot create a user-friendly layout. If you have a lot of different services or office locations you need to promote, consider creating individual pages for each one. The homepage can be used to promote the most important aspects of the business, with navigation being used to direct people to other areas of the site. Call to Action Business sites can often provide useful information, but leave visitors unsure of the next steps. An e-commerce store will be clear, showcasing products for consumers. Other businesses, though, need to move visitors to the next stage of the journey using a call to action. A call to action might be a text link or a button, typically directing visitors to a lead capture form or a contact page. Many businesses are using websites that no longer provide the experience expected by users. A modern website should work across all devices, providing a seamless experience that is tailored for each platform. It is also vital that you offer a user-friendly site that can be navigated with ease. A bad website will stand out to visitors, making them aware of each action they are taking. Most quality sites, though, will not be too noticeable, with users able to find the elements they require and take any actions required. The simplicity of creating a website has made some businesses less aware of the user experience, so take the time to ensure you provide a quality service for every user that visits your site.

Bianca Frank Desig