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What Makes a Website Successful?

In today’s marketplace, it’s not just enough to have a website, small business owners need to have a website that makes a statement. It should be creatively and aesthetically appealing, as well as strategic and functional. Be sure to follow these guidelines when designing and developing your website and it will be a greater success.

  1. Does your website integrate and reinforce your branding? First impressions are everything. If your website doesn’t infuse your brand identity strategically or creatively, it will look like a generic site.
  2. Is your website user friendly and easy to navigate? You have 4-6 seconds to leave a good impression with a visitor before he leaves your site. If you are successful, he will stay on your site for a longer time which can translate to a new lead.
  3. Does your website have the right content? If your copy isn’t informative or doesn’t resonate with your target audience, they will leave as quickly as they came.
  4. Does your website encourage visitors to follow your company? Newsletters, Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, Google+ and other social media platforms are great tools to build your credibility and clientele. Your website should make it easy for visitors to follow you and stay up-to-date with your company to help build loyalty.
  5. Does your website initiate action? Your website should help to cultivate a next step, whether it be making a purchase on the site or filling out a contact form to receive more information, a quote or schedule a service. A direct call-to-action is critical.
  6. Is your website search engine optimized? What good is a website that can’t be found? The answer: It’s no good, actually. Your website should include Google Analytics, META, keyword relevancy, page titling and backend HTML optimization, to name a few.
  7. Is your website built with the latest web techniques and standards? HTML5 and WordPress are some of the most recent and popular approaches to web development. Your website is a direct correlation of your business in the eyes of the consumer so you don’t want to fall short with first impressions; and an outdated and obsolete website will surely do that.
  8. Is your website compatible with all devices? It’s so important that your website can be viewed on all devices, whether it be a mobile phone, laptop, desktop or tablet. Otherwise, it could be a missed opportunity to connect with a potential client.
  9. Is your website compliant with all browsers? It’s so important that your website can be viewed on all browsers, whether it be (Mac & PC) on IE7+, Firefox 3+, Operat9 and Safari 4+. Otherwise, it could be a missed opportunity to connect with a potential client.
  10. Do you own all the rights to the website? It will greatly benefit you if you secure the rights to the website as well as all files upon the completion of the development. Therefore, you will be able to update, manage and own your site.

More often than not, I see so many small business owners not heed to these guidelines. As a result, their website isn’t as successful as desired and doesn’t positively impact their ROI or profits. Do yourself a favor and make sure you integrate these best practices into your website.

Graphic D-Signs specializes in small business marketing and small business website development—and we can help you articulate and achieve your website goals. To schedule a consultation with our team, or discuss pricing for your new or refreshed website, contact us today!

Click here for examples of creative and strategic website designs & development.

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