Website design trends come and go, but truly great websites have certain core elements in common. Whether you\u2019re a small business or a large company here are some must-haves when building or revamping your website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A picture speaks a thousand words, and the right imagery will truly resonate with the end-user. Too much text is a distraction – great websites do more with less, and tell the story visually. The use of large, beautiful images is especially impactful; \u2018hero\u2019 shots create an emotional connection with your audience and set the overall tone of the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Navigation doesn\u2019t need to be complicated. Clear organization and a logical website flow eliminates confusion and keeps visitors from getting frustrated (and leaving). Great websites limit the overall options, cap the number of menu items and keep section and page titles descriptive and to the point. Remember, the easier it is for visitors to use your site, the longer they\u2019ll stick around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Website content must be relevant to your visitors. Today\u2019s users are too knowledgeable and sophisticated \u2013 if you don\u2019t provide them on-message, accurate and concise information they\u2019ll go elsewhere to find it (and quickly). Keep in mind website audiences consume information in different ways; great websites offer a variety of content types, including blog posts, infographics, guides, e-books, case studies, videos, and reviews\/visitor feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Audiences are on the go, and consuming more content from their mobile devices<\/a> than ever before. The best websites embrace the mobile environment and tailor the interface to accommodate smaller screens. Of course, screen sizes vary; an iPad and an iPhone are quite different (the number of hardware versions creates even more variations). Today\u2019s Responsive design and development techniques solve the screen size issue by delivering an optimal experience on every device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Great websites enable people to easily share content through their social networks. It\u2019s an important mechanism that increases brand visibility and positions your company or organization as an industry expert. Over time this helps to build trust with your visitors, which ultimately leads to new business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best websites convert visitors into customers. Each website is different, but users should always be encouraged to perform a specific action \u2013 make a purchase, complete a form or sign-up, get in contact, etc. Specific \u2018Calls to Action\u2019, or CTAs, help persuade visitors to commit to a desired instruction, i.e. \u2018Call Now\u2019, \u2018Schedule an Appointment\u2019, etc. It\u2019s a delicate balance \u2013 too many inducements are confusing – but always keep the primary goals of your website in front of your audience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to learn even more? We live and breathe this stuff! Schedule a free, thirty minute website assessment with one of our experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Related Reads:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nGet Social \u2013 Remember to Share<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A.B.C. \u2013 Always Be Closing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n