How to create a website that stands out

So you’ve decided your small business needs a website. But how do you ensure your site is going to attract potential customers?

In cyberspace there are millions of websites vying for attention. Unless you have a very niche product or service, you are likely to find yourself competing in a saturated market.

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So what steps can you take to ensure your website stands out from all the others?

Hire a designer

A well designed website is worth its weight in gold. A cheap template can look second best, particularly if there are other businesses with exactly the same design. The design of your website should reflect your brand identity and business image, enabling customers to quickly find what they need, via straightforward navigation and clear information. A good Branding Agency such as http://www.reallyhelpfulmarketing.co.uk/brand-development/ will help you with imagery, marketing and the brand so there is no need to worry if you don’t have the time.

Content is key

Relevant content is key for a successful website. Content rich websites can make your brand stand out and drive sales. The more content you have, the more search engines can scan. Your customers like content too. If it’s interesting and informative, they are more likely to pay you a visit. Consider a news page or blog, with interesting information that relates to your product or service. Try to set aside time each day to add fresh content to your site.

Mobile

According to Forbes, in the previous four years smart phone usage was boosted 394% and tablet use has risen 1,721%. These platforms combined now equate to 60% of all time spent on digital media. Nothing looks worse than a site that you have to zoom in and out of so you can view it on your phone. People don’t have patience when it comes to browsing, so make it easy for them and make sure your site is optimised for mobile viewing.

A website is the single most effective way to reach customers and promote your small business. A good web developer will be able to build and design an inexpensive website that meets your business objectives, drives traffic and raises brand awareness.

The more appealing the website, the more likely that people will find it and that visits will turn into sales.