One of the key components in a start-up’s development is the creation of a modern and attractive website. More often than not, the world turns to the internet when trying to research, find, compare and ultimately buy from a company, and the quality of the website is a huge factor in their decision making process. Your website needs to stand out from the crowd, introduce your brand, portray credibility and trustworthiness and be as simple to use as possible. If you’re about to launch your enterprise but are struggling to create a killer website which represents your brand, here are 5 design tips to help you focus on what’s important.
-
Make it attention-grabbing
If a visitor to your website is not interested in the first 5 seconds, they will probably take their business elsewhere. Users don’t spend much time on individual pages of a website, especially if they are intent on making a purchase, so it’s important that they get the key information they need without having to search for it through several different pages. By nature, we are programmed to make judgements about things based on first impressions before we spend the time investigating any deeper. Make those first few seconds count.
If this is your first attempt at website design and you want to ensure your website’s branding hits the mark, it may be worth hiring the services of an experienced digital marketing agency such as Pixel Panther.
-
Use clear messages
Communication is key in all areas of business and website design is no exception. You may know exactly what you want to convey to website users and have all the information they could possibly need, but if you fail to communicate it clearly and succinctly, the message will be lost. Copywriting is a very particular skill which, when used correctly, can enhance the visual design and utilise specific words and phrases which convert website visitors to paying customers.
-
Start simple
You don’t necessarily have to have a fully completed 20-page website to get trading. If you don’t have the budget or the time, focus on creating just a handful of pages which are beautifully designed and feature clear messages. You will need a description of your services or products, a clear ‘Call to Action’ or CTA and possibly a short introduction to your brand. When in doubt, simplicity is often safer than overcomplicating a design.
-
Explain ideas with a video
Once you have captured the user’s attention with stunning design and piqued their interest with your messaging, they may be interested enough to want to know more about your company and what you’re offering. Rather than trying to write a series of articles which very few people are likely to read to explain the story behind your brand, the service you’re offering and what makes you unique, why not present it in a short video? You can communicate what you want to say in under 2 minutes if you really consolidate your key messages.
-
Prepare for the future
Website trends and technology are changing all the time, so while it’s important to develop an intuitive and modern website, remember that you may need to redesign in the future to keep up with competitors. Your website also needs to be able to adapt and evolve as your business grows, so don’t fret about the website being ‘finished’ when you launch. Create the best example you can today, and continue to improve on it as you go.