A great deal of work goes into building your business websites and planning its quality content. The last thing you want is for all this work to go to waste. If you’re not saying the right things to the right people in the right way, your site won’t perform well. This is the first of 5 posts about what you need to create a successful website.
Here are the 7 essential elements of a successful website.
1. An effective homepage design
Your homepage should clearly state who you are and what you do. But even though that is important, it is not as important as saying what you can do for your ideal client base. It should also offer easy, intuitive navigation to all other information the visitor might be looking for.
2. Quality Content that Delivers
Your site should be filled with quality content, providing the information your target audience is looking for. Each page should offer content that offers helpful information to build relationships, solve problems, earn trust, and explain your offerings. The goal is to establish your site as the go-to place for information. Remember it is also best practice to have one main topic per page (which is your main heading (H1)). Quality content is crucial for SEO purposes as this will ensure that potential customers will find your products and services
3. Share your personality and build a relationship
Somewhere on your site, you should tell your story. Tell visitors why you do what you do. Explain to them your core values. Show them how your business attempts to make the world a better place.
They will recognize their own values in your story, and this will help to forge a strong relationship.
4. What other people are saying about you
Well-placed social proof shows that you get results for those who use your products or services. It works because it shows a third party talking about the value you offer, rather than you singing your own praises.
One great method is to include testimonials from past customers or clients. If you can get an influencer to leave you a testimonial, this will work even better. Make sure to ask for video testimonials from clients that are willing to do that, a real person talking about your services is great for attracting people and search engines.
5. Something to Look At
Your site should include plenty of engaging visuals. Humanize your business with a picture of its founder or employees. Take the visitor behind the scenes in your facilities. Present detailed and beautiful images of your products. Videos work great as well. A welcome video on your home page is a wonderful way to engage visitors and start building a relationship with them. Remember to make sure the images your are using does not break any copyright laws. It is best to pay for your images or to get them from websites like www.unsplash.com
6. Clear Calls-to-Action
At each point where you want the visitor to take some type of action, give them a clear call-to-action to do so. Tell them exactly what they need to do in order to receive the benefits you offer. It is a good idea to use your headings and buttons for call-to-actions.
Call-to-Actions might include buying products, signing up for your list, following you on social media, checking out content elsewhere, or commenting. If you don’t lead your site visitor to action, you’re wasting a valuable opportunity.
7. The Essentials
Finally, make sure your website has up-to-date contact information with a real address, a Privacy Policy (including GDPR), Terms of Service, and whatever certificates you have. This will show that you’re a legitimate company offering value.
(Have a look at Simply Docs if you need help with Policies)
If you would like to have a quick discussion on how we can help you improve your website, get in touch with us.