Your website is your around-the-clock store; it is where consumers first establish an impression of your brand. The design, content, and resources on your website enable visitors to decide whether or not they will do business with you. Basically, your website can make or break your potential sales.
Therefore, you must utilize your website to establish a credible business and give an admirable impression of your company.
So how do you create a website that will persuade visitors to choose your brand? Here are five things every website should include to thrive in a digital age:
About Us Page
Create an About Us page that can be accessed from the top navigation bar.
This space should be used to tell the story of your company. Welcome your audience to your site and be as transparent as possible. This page will allow readers to form a human connection to your business by taking a more personal look into your company.
Show how fantastic your team is by using facts and data; but be mindful of your word choice. You don’t want to brag, but instead, look to open up to them by providing a sincere voice. You can also include any awards or press mentions that you are proud of.
Tell and show what differentiates your brand from the competition. Use real, friendly photos of your employees and tell your audience how your business is different from others.
A visual connection goes a long way with consumers, so invite them into your site with the warm, welcoming faces of your team!
Full Contact Information
It should be as simple as possible for your customers to get in touch with you. Be sure to have a prominently placed address, phone number, and even a Contact Us page.
Your Contact Us page should be accessible from your top navigation, and should include the following:
- Address
- Phone
- Hours
- Location on a map
- Information request form and/or email address
- Links to your social tabs
As you can see in the image above we have a form that can be easily filled out, a map, our address and phone number, as well as our social tabs. You may also use this page to send customers to useful resources such as a FAQ page.
Making it easy for customers to inquire about your products and services will create a positive first impression and promote a valuable relationship with your visitors.
Testimonials
Customers prefer to hear how great your brand is from other customers. If people are saying great things about your company and products, include them on your site.
Customer reviews are your best source of advertising. New, up-to-date reviews are valued by both potential customers, and Google. Be sure to respond to reviews to show that you care about your customers’ input. Learn more about creating an impressive online reputation here.
Call to Action
Today’s shoppers don’t want to make decisions for themselves; they want you to tell them what to do.
On each page of your site, be sure to tell the customer what action they should take. Whether they should sign up for your newsletter, plan a visit, or find out more information on a special offer, visitors should be told what it is they’re supposed to do next as shown below.
Present your visitors with the directions in an appealing way, and make it easy for them to complete the action.
A Blog
Want to know the key to better rankings, higher engagement, and increased trust? It’s a blog!
Google loves new, relevant content. So continuously blogging can help boost your search rankings.
Besides the SEO benefits, a blog also allows consumers to engage with your business. Write about topics that are interesting to your audience. Your blog should not solely rave about your products and services, but should instead serve to educate your consumers and gain their trust and respect.
When consumers are considering a new product or service, they hit the web to find their next brand. Therefore, your website must be designed to provide them with the utmost level of quality service and information. Be sure to include these five elements for a highly engaging website!