FEMI
Many
websites are great in terms of design, but dumb when it comes to user
experience. Websites have moved from traditional online information
platforms to living, active and interactive digital platforms that
operate virtually like automated offices.
In fact, chances are that people are
going to make contact with your website before they come in contact with
you. Therefore, making a great first impression is a smart move. If
your website is not functional, you need to tidy it up quickly. In fact,
it will be great if you can get this done before looking at directing
traffic to it.
A great website takes time, money and
patience to get things done in the right way. Great websites are not
only about design; they also answer the critical customer’s question,
“Why am I here?” Most websites are developed and designed by developers
who focus on extensive applications, aesthetics but little on marketing,
value propositions and sales. Websites should ensure they answer all
questions around credibility, authenticity and quality of businesses.
They have an overriding purpose
A key lesson from one of the most popular websites in the world, google.com,
is the essence of an overriding purpose. If you don’t know the purpose
of your website, stop reading this article and go and figure that out
because that is more important. There are billions of websites that are
developed every day. But clearly-defined purpose is what differentiates
one from the other.
What do you want those who visit to do?
Make a phone call, download your brochure or drop their emails? As a
website owner, you need to decide your typical customers and the
objective the website will deliver. They have clear instructions and
call-to-actions that get people to interact with the website.
Great designs are customer-focused
Great designs are beautiful, but people
will soon forget a ‘paper tiger’. You do not only need to get your
designer to focus on the technicalities, your website also needs to have
the consumer at the centre of your online activities. You need to work
with your designer to create a website that incorporates all your needs.
It should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, content optimised
and search-engine friendly.
Magnetic content
The content of a highly-effective website
is developed to provide insight, establish credibility, provoke action
and turn mere visitors into clients. Using a balance of images, video,
audio, presentations and convincing call-to-actions, they make the
website visitors feel at home. The content of websites does not only
talk about your business, it also talks about your customers.
They are built with content management system
Whether customised or the most common
types of the CMS, they provide powerful features that make tweaking and
updating easy. Most successful websites are integrated with useful blogs
that provide a steady flow of value. If you need to look for your
designer for every minor change to your website, there is a problem.
They are search engine optimised.
Most buying decisions begin with a Google
search. Everyday, people visit top search engines in order to find what
they need. Your website structure and content needs to be optimised
with keywords because that is how they will find you.
They are simple to navigate
Forget those flashy displays. When your
customers need good animation and videos, they know where to find them.
Apply common sense by placing the most important links first. A
cluttered homepage is like a scattered office. Keep things simple and
smart.
They are mobile and social friendly
They are not only friendly to customers,
they are only loaded easily. Apart from that, they are easy to navigate
via mobile phones and tablets. Your social media should also be
integrated into them. It is no longer news that more people are likely
to visit your website via mobile devices. If your website is not
effective via mobile phones, it will cost you customers.
They tell great stories
The content of your website must be tied
with a great story. Your colours, messages, history must all tie into a
brand story. Create opportunities for customers to share their
testimonials. Smart websites leave a smart impression.
They deliver results
Smart websites are fitted with tracking
and analytical tools that help measure traffic. These metrics allow for
continual adjustments and alignment in order to optimise the website for
maximum results.
It is becoming increasingly important for businesses to focus on ever-active employees.
