It’s been common knowledge for years that most businesses will benefit greatly from having a website. The reasons for this are simple: 82.6% of Brits are online, with more than 70% frequently browsing on mobile phones or other devices. Those figures are climbing, and on average, adults in the UK spend 21.6 hours online per week. It’s not just kids anymore, either – even your nan has a Facebook account now.
That means your website is visible all over the world to anyone with a phone. And, while online presence might be one of the most valuable communication channels to your audience, in today’s modern world, that isn’t enough. Because any website is only as good as its content. That means, if you want a website that actually adds value to your business, you need to consider more than just the build.
Can people quickly understand who you are, what you do, and why you do it?
This is branding 101. If your website doesn’t convey these details straight off the bat, then your audience will struggle to connect with it (and, by extension, your business). All the messaging on your site should be clear and work as hard as possible – and that starts with the basics of who, what, and why.
Is it professionally copy written?
Professional copy doesn’t just mean it sounds good and there aren’t any spelling mistakes. A professional copy writer structures the information on your website so that it’s easy and intuitive to absorb. He or she will also work with your brand guidelines to develop a tone of voice that’s engaging and personifies the values at the heart of your business – vitally important for letting your customers “get to know you” as a brand.
It might be functional, but is it beautiful?
Just like copywriting, high-quality design is a must for any website that wants to stand out from the crowd. A professional designer will select the right colour palettes for your brand and ensure the layout is both beautiful and optimised for customers to engage with. Designers also work to integrate brand effects throughout your website, making sure your visual personality isn’t lost.
What’s your user journey like?
As a business, you should constantly be trying to dissolve barriers between yourself and your customers. Online, that means getting your website’s user journey right. Here are some non-negotiables: it should be simple to go from A to B. The journey should be curated for the user (it’s not just random touchpoints – it’s a literal ‘journey’ through the site). It should add value to the customer experience. It should be engaging!
How does your website evolve?
Blogging is an incredibly powerful tool for businesses that is often overlooked today. Not only does it make brilliant use of a vital communications channel with your customers, but it can help to improve a website’s search rankings and keep things fresh and up-to-date. Along with things like social media and email marketing, blogging is one of the best ways to throw interesting new content at the people who matter most to your brand.
These considerations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creating a great website that your business can be proud of. If you’re not sure about your web presence, why not get in touch with Kiss Design?
We offer a full website review and we can create marketing plans to help your business’s digital presence in whatever way is needed. Just give us a call on 01675 446 101 and see how we can help you make the most of what might be a vital tool for your business.