What makes the perfect website?
With access to the digital world just a swipe of a smartphone away, businesses need to make sure their brand is well represented in this space. While social media pages can give a flavour of your product or service, one of the best ways to represent your business as a whole is by having a fully-functioning website for your customers to visit.
Design for your customer, not you
Make sure your website is laid out in a way that’s easy for the user to navigate on all devices (desktop/mobile/tablet), and provide them with the easiest possible route to get the information they are looking for - use the ‘three click rule’, allowing your customers to find what they need in just three clicks and no more.
Consider your target audience carefully; if your customer is always busy and on-the-go then you should make sure your website is fully optimised for mobile. Consider adding videos for those who like a more immersive experience, and if your website contains various products then ensure you have a search function that is easy to use.
Define clear and powerful user journeys
The key is to make your design look effortless while leading your customers through a seemless and enjoyable journey through the site! Make sure your information is clearly laid out and easy to find, and avoid overloading pages by breaking down content into small manageable chunks that can be punctuated with icons or graphics.
Too many images or graphics and your website can look busy and can cause the site to load more slowly - as a result, users may be more likely to click away. Integrate your brand identity, but keep your navigation clear and simple to improve user experience.
Choose the right CMS for your business
There are many different types of Content Management System (CMS) out there, all with their own Pro's & Cons. For example, Squarespace can be great for start-up's, while Wordpress can work well for a business at scale that needs a bespoke design coupled with a robust system behind the scenes that can manage complex functionality. Your agency should be able to advise you on the best route for you.
Work with a team that have the skills and expertise to deliver
Engaging with a team that are skilled both creatively and technically will ensure your website delivers across the board. Not only will they be able to work closely with you and your team, any experienced team worth their salt will actively advise and provide insights to add further value