When designing a website, or putting content together, it can be easy to lose the forest for the trees. There are so many apps, design features, and new technologies available to today’s business owners and web designers that they sometimes lose sight of what they really need to accomplish.
Numerous studies have shown that you only have about three seconds or less to impress a first-time visitor to your website. Many of those in our industry point to that figure and remind clients they need to upgrade their web hosting for faster page delivery. That’s a good suggestion, but clarity matters just as much as speed. In other words, your website needs to get certain ideas across to potential customers very quickly.
Which facts or ideas do they need the most? Let’s look at seven things your business website needs to make crystal clear…
1. Who You Are
You might think your identity would be obvious to customers, but that’s not always the case. If you sell products for other better-known brands, for instance, or have a business name that sounds similar to another one, there could be confusion. Whether it’s with a logo, images, or some other visual differentiator, make sure a potential customer can tell exactly which company they are dealing with.
2. What You Do
It should be apparent from the first moment someone sees any page on your website exactly what type of business you operate. If it isn’t immediately apparent, you risk losing sales when visitors become confused or don’t understand what you have to offer. Additionally, you might have to deal with phone calls or walk-in visits from buyers who misunderstand your company.
3. Who Your Best Customers Are
You don’t have to literally give the names of your best customers. Instead, you should make it clear what type of person or business buys from you and why you’re such a good fit for their needs. Otherwise, why shouldn’t someone who’s coming to your website click the next link on Google and check out one of your competitors?
4. What Makes You Different
Speaking of your competition, what separates your business from theirs? What do you do or offer that makes you special? Highlight your location, your reputation for service, the products you offer, your qualifications or anything else that contributes to your unique selling proposition.
5. Whether Your Business is Trustworthy
Remember, someone coming to your website for the first time might not be that familiar with you or your company. They may have been referred, or just found you on a search engine. Knowing that, it’s easy to see why one of your first jobs is to convince them that you are a legitimate provider of your product or service. Show off any awards or certifications you have, along with any business memberships. And, don’t undercut your own credibility with typos, copied text, or low-quality images.
6. Where You’re Located
If your location matters at all to buyers, then let them know where you can be found in the real world. Not only will this help you generate more phone calls and inquiries, but it will also signal to Google which searchers are local for your company.
7. How to Contact You
Ultimately, you probably want someone who visits your website to place an order, fill out a form, or stop by. Make it easy for them to do these things—or just ask a question that could further the sales process—by making your contact information easy to find.