7 Essential Elements Every Website Needs!
You did it! You finally launched that dream business you’ve been pouring your heart and soul into! You got your website online, you see the traffic coming in - but crickets. No conversions, no sales, not a single person using your contact or “work with me form”.
Or maybe you’re in the beginning phases and you decided you to DIY your website because, why not! You sit down full of confidence ready to create a masterpiece and you just can’t figure out how to get the vision in your mind onto a digital platform.
*Enter* spiraling thoughts wondering if you should shut down the business, go back to your 9-5, and pretend this whole entrepreneurial journey never existed.
Deep breaths! Let’s put a stop to the spiral and take a look, step by step, at what your website really needs!
First things, first, you need a strategic home page.
In every website design project I take on, I always spend the most time designing the homepage first! Imagine your homepage as your digital storefront, your first impression, the 24/7 front desk customer service to your business. Your homepage should be both visually beautiful and strategic, giving your clients a sample of what they will find as they explore the pages of your site. Each section of the homepage should have a purpose and lead them to take action.
2. You need clear branding and your website should match those guidelines.
Establish a strong brand presence by incorporating your logo, color pallete, and fonts throughout your website. Consistency is key in making a memorable impression. Tools like Canva can assist you in creating professional-looking graphics and visual elements that align with your brand.
3. Your website navigation should make sense!
Guide your visitors seamlessly through your website with a user-friendly navigation menu. Make it easy for them to find the information they're looking for without any hassle. Squarespace's navigation builder simplifies the process of creating intuitive menus that make navigation a breeze. I suggest keeping it simple and limiting it to the pages you’d like your visitor to check out in order to guide them to making their first action towards buying, or booking with you.
4. Your website needs powerful copy (the words you use).
Words have power. Craft engaging and informative content that speaks to your audience's pain points and showcases your expertise. Let your personality shine through and build a connection. Less is more, so don’t feel you have to write a full essay on the first section of your home page! But take the time to carefully craft copy that resonates with your ideal client and tells them exactly how you (or your product) can solve their problems.
5. Call to Actions, everywhere!
Don't leave your visitors hanging! Include compelling calls-to-action that prompt them to take the desired action, whether it's making a purchase, subscribing to your newsletter, or contacting you for more information. Every section should have both a purpose and a call to action to lead your client towards taking their next step. Use buttons to accomplish this and be sure those links are working!
6. Don’t forget to Mobile-Optimize!
In this mobile-centric world, ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile devices. It should look and function flawlessly across different screen sizes, providing a seamless experience for your mobile visitors. There’s nothing worse than landing on a website with awkwardly placed buttons, photos overlapping text, and large spacing between content. Most of your users will view your website from their cell phones- so be sure it looks just as stunning and feels as seamless on mobile view as it does on desktop!
7. High-quality Visuals go a long way.
Utilize high-quality images, eye-catching graphics, and even videos to create a visually appealing website. Make sure your visuals align with your brand and evoke the right emotions. Avoid using cellphone quality photos that often don’t translate well once uploaded to your site! If you can, find a local brand photographer and get custom photos that you can use for your website, social media, and prints! Utilize stock photo websites like Unsplash or Pexels.
Whether you choose to DIY or hire a web designer, this is your guide to be sure your website is an effective tool for your business!
Want to put your website in the hands of a professional to make sure its built with all the right essentials - reach out for a free web design consultation! I have packages available for every small business owner looking to have a professional and stunning website designed for them!
