There’s no greater marketing and promotions tool than the internet. More people than ever are using it to scope out companies, read reviews and understand a brand before making a purchase. Because of this, it’s vital that your business has a web design that catches and keeps the attention of consumers.

All businesses should ensure their website contains the following pages and features, and it’s always best to ensure they look as professional as possible. If you need help to create a stunning new website, contact a web design expert to help put your ideas onto the screen.

An Effective Homepage

Studies have shown that if your site doesn’t interest a reader in less than 5 seconds, they’re more than likely to click away. In a world where there’s huge competition for sales, your business can’t afford to let that happen.

For a start, you’ll need your site content to load quickly. Small picture sizes, simple layouts and less adverts are all thought to contribute to this, but it can be challenging to keep your site loading fast without compromising on the quality of the images and layout. Professional web design services will make sure your site loads quickly and looks appealing to consumers.

Another vital part of your business’s homepage is that it should explain its purpose and the services you offer straight away. Consumers want to know that the website they’re browsing offers them what they want, and they’ll probably click away from the screen if they don’t think they’re where they need to be. Keep your content and headings bold and clear, and you’ll be more likely to keep your potential customers where you want them.

Get Emotive With an About Page

Your company’s about page shouldn’t just contain generic information. Consumers are more likely to purchase if they feel connected with a brand, so your about page should help them to do that.

Does your business have a special story? Inspiring staff? Unique goals? This is where you should talk about them. Some businesses may find their sales increase if they use photos of influential staff members to show the personality behind the screen, or some may prefer creating calls to action at the end of an inspiring story.

Your about page should help your potential customers to relate to your brand, so they’ll choose you to purchase from every time they need a service or product that you offer.

Practicality is Key on a Contact Page

Without a contact information page, customers are going to find it very difficult to get in touch. Many purchases are spontaneous, so if a consumer can’t send an email or call you up at that moment, they’re unlikely to start trawling the internet to find your business’s details when they can easily choose another brand.

Keep this page simple: a phone number, email address and premises address is normally enough, though you may want to include some directions if your offices are hard to locate. Opening hours are also a sensible idea to include, so no-one doesn’t make a wasted trip to your site.

Lay Things Out on a Product and Services Page

Make sure you go into more detail about the products and services you offer, so that consumers can be sure your business is the right fit for them. Some companies choose to set up an ecommerce site, though this can be complicated and time consuming to do. Web design companies have the knowledge and skills to both set up and maintain a changing online store, and create the copy needed to promote sales.

If your business doesn’t have an online sales element, ensure your site contains a web page that explains the services you offer. It will be frustrating for both you and potential clients if there are mixed messages about what you can provide.

While these pages are highly recommended as a starting point for your business’s web page, there are many ways to optimize your site to more efficiently support a user’s experience. If in doubt about how to develop an engaging web page, speak to a reputable web design company about how they can help you. It’s always better to have a professional website than a mediocre one.

Sources:

5 Profoundly Important Parts to Every Business Website in 2014 and Beyond, TheSalesLion.com
The 7 Most Important Elements on Your Business Website, BusinessNewsDaily.com