Websites have become the basis for companies that do business, making them more accessible than ever. However, not all websites are created equal, as some work to solve problems and others only create more of them.
But what makes a website “good”? Sure, some may look a bit nicer, but does that automatically mean they are better? Let us break down all the most important elements of a well-designed website.
A Clear, Finite Plan
Any well-executed project starts with a foolproof plan. In the case of designing a website, it should start with one, very basic question:
“How will my website help turn potential customers into paying customers, while retaining said customers?”
Keeping this in mind is absolutely crucial – with so many fads and trends surrounding the design field, you’d be surprised how often people lose sight of their primary goal(s).
So above all else, you’ll need to account for everything you’ll want or need out of your website. That way, when you hire someone or partner with a Long Island Web Design Company, you can have everything in one, easy-to-access place.
A Strong Back-End Foundation
Your website is only as functional as its code. Think of your website development as the digital ceiling of what your website is, and can be capable of. This is something seriously important to consider when considering which website builder to invest in.
Yes, this is a noticeable function upfront, but what most companies don’t know, or at least, fail to consider is that it creates a set of limitations down the line. Essentially, the more you invest in your website’s back-end development, the more options you’ll have in the future. So whether that be, creating special landing pages, featuring special-looking banners, or anything else that comes to mind know this – your website’s capabilities are virtually limited to what you invest.
If you’re interested in getting the most for your design budget, this article is a great place to start!
An Aesthetically-Pleasing (And On-Brand) Design
I know we stressed that looks aren’t everything, mostly because they aren’t. However, there’s something to be said about first impressions. Now, given the choice of functionality or looks, we’d opt for functionality 10 times out of 10. But part of having a premium website means not compromising.
Now to clarify on what we mean by “aesthetically-pleasing”. Basically, it should give off a positive, inviting feel that aligns with your brand. That way, regardless of where your customers are finding you (search engines, social networks, etc.), they’re getting the same cohesive feeling.
This works to accomplish:
✔️ a stronger sense or branding, while promoting brand loyalty
✔️ enhanced consumer confidence
✔️ an overall better user experience
So let’s break this down in a little more detail, shall we?
A Prioritized User Experience
At the end of the day, the user experience is what’s most important. After all, if your customers aren’t finding what they’re looking for, they’ll have no reason to stick around.
So what does this really mean?
Like we alluded to before – make finding the information they’re looking for as easy as possible. Expect them to have little-to-no patience, creating a serious need to eliminate any weaknesses in your website’s functionality.
Some examples include:
✔️ ensuring your website speed is fast to reduce bounce rates
✔️ designing web pages, so users are always a click away from the home page
✔️ trimming the fat off of your copy for faster access to information
✔️ clear direction to avoid confusing anyone
Strong, Search Engine Optimized Copy
If you want your website to rank for the terms you think your customers are more inclined to search, then you’ll want to optimize your copy for just that!
However, this is easier said than done. This is largely because your competitors are trying to rank for the same terms that you are. Plus, there are several variables involved in ranking websites for competitive keywords – weaving in the appropriate keywords is just the tip of the iceberg!
It’s also worth noting that most websites need to make significant sacrifices, meaning they either have to optimize either for design OR search volume. A premium Long Island web design works to find that happy medium that yields the best of both worlds for our clients.
Powerful Calls to Action
All the inbound traffic in the world is meaningless if you can’t convert it into revenue. That’s why it’s so important to use strong Calls to Actions throughout your website.
Don’t be afraid to tell your customers what to do in order to get the information they want. Part of accomplishing this is by creating custom Calls to Action that highlight their specific needs and pain points, rather than settling for the typical “Learn More” or “Shop Now”.
Tapping Into A Premium Long Island Web Design
For so many, your website is your business. So why settle for a cookie-cutter design that will only hold you back in the long-run? After all, you get what you pay for, right? That’s why so many companies turn to Active Web Group for their web design services.
Thinking about inquiring? Feel free to contact us here or give us a call at (800) 978-3417!
