Why Your Brand Needs A Great Website

Professional web design is a smart investment for various types of businesses. When your company website is strategically designed, you can look forward to a consistent visual representation of your brand that will help grow your business. 

Jack Dawson, the author, is a web developer and UI/UX specialist. Find out more about Jack here

Branding + Distinction from Competition

An outstanding website is the foundation of a strong online brand identity.  Your web design and content should be cohesive, offering an impressionable introduction to your brand.  When visitors spend time on your site, they should be introduced to a memorable story that helps them distinguish your brands from others.

Consumers are always researching the best solutions to their wants and needs.  With so much competition online, it is important to develop an easily identifiable brand that will leave a lasting impression.  Standing out from your competitors does not require a flashy website or an overwhelming design.  It involves quality design concepts, rich content and  ease of user experience.

User Experience + Touchpoints That Win

There are benefits for a business to create an online experience that will have visitors spend more time browsing their site. On average, it takes about 7 touchpoints before a prospect becomes a client. Your website is the primary online touchpoint that you want to constant redirect online explorers to.  Use other online touchpoints, like social media, press releases, email marketing, and online advertising, to redirect online explorers to your site.    

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While on the site, a great way to be impressionable is to provide content that your target audience is interested in.  The best way to do this is to create a blog of original content that helps readers identify and learn about their wants and needs.  This will further solidify you as an expert in your field and create searchable content for SEO. The more specific and applicable the content is, the longer visitors will stay on your site.  The longer visitors stay on your site, the higher possibility of them making a purchase.  

Generating Business

If your business is e-commerce, creating the perfect checkout experience will be vital to the success of your business. A great shopping experience will include clarity on items selected, shipping costs and pricing.  One thing to note, 28% of abandoned shopping carts are due to unexpected shipping costs.  Prepare your customer by stating any additional costs or extra steps (having to create a profile before completing purchase) in order to close the sale. Customers will also want to be reassured that their personal and banking information will be kept secure.  

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If you are not an e-commerce site, using a call-to-action prompt is a great way to continue your brand experience even after they leave your site.  Including an opportunity to sign up for your email list before a visitor leaves the site is a great example. Follow up with an email that encourages them to buy with a discount or to revisit your site for fresh content.  Other effective call-to-action prompts can include links to other parts of your site, links to a promo code, or invitation to follow your social sites.  

Why Professional Design?

There are so many platforms to independently design your website, but the experience of a professional designer will serve important for the inexperienced.  Good design and well-developed sites form the basis for any changes as your business grows. This can save you time and money in the future, knowing there is an expert maintaining your site as you focus on running your business.

Websites are an essential component of overall branding that creates a trustworthy and professional image for your company. Most people use the internet to find information to make purchasing decisions. A business requires a website that can cater to the needs of its existing and potential customers.  


Use these other tips for a strong online presence:

Related Reading:  Designing Maker's Row

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