We see A LOT of websites at Mavidea and have noticed many recurring themes when evaluating the changes a site needs to really attract shoppers and impress them!
The main goal of your website is to communicate who you are, why you do what you do, and how that can make your shoppers' lives better.
We’ve come up with a short list of the top 4 things we believe need updated on websites. Take a look and measure your site against this list…if you are guilty of any of these then don’t worry! So are thousands of other great businesses, but let’s figure out how to make your site one of the great ones.
Take the quiz:
Not mobile friendly/lack of cross-platform support
In 2014, mobile device users beat out desktop users. There are now more people with a smart phone/tablet device than have a desktop. If your website doesn’t load properly on mobile devices or the text is too small for visitors to read, then they will get frustrated and move on to a website that is easier to read.
The best way to combat this problem is to have a web company create a mobile site for your business. This is the same content as your original website, but the design is simplified so that the content is easy for visitors to find.
Example mobile site:
Too much content/cluttered feel
Several years ago, it seemed that the best strategy for a website was to add as much content to your website as possible and make sure to list every detail about every service/product that you offer. This strategy actually deters most visitors from your website because it’s so overwhelming and cluttered feeling.
You want to focus on both having a good amount of white or open space on your website and you want to focus your content around why you do what you do and the core services that you provide. This will make it easier for visitors to get to know you and understand what you do, creating higher conversion rates.
Additionally, we are seeing that visual content is transmitted 60,000x faster in the brain than text – so make sure to add a lot of graphics and visuals to your site!
Being overly me-centric
No one likes a person who only talks about how great they are! Or a salesperson who is constantly trying to make a sale no matter what. If all your website does is talk about yourself, then your site becomes brochure-wear.
The best websites publish valuable content often by way of blogging, videos and/or other content that is educational or entertaining. Fill your website with valuable information that will help your potential client understand your services and make the right choice.
For example, if you are a plumber you could have a blog full of information about preventative measures to keep drains unclogged, how to keep pipes from freezing etc. This kind of valuable information keeps visitors returning to your website to learn more and then call when they need professional help!
No clear call-to-action
The goal of a web page is simple: to get visitors to take the next logical step. The best websites don’t make users think. Use simple call-to-actions that direct users to what they might be looking for.
Call-to-actions go much further than just having a “contact us” page in your main navigation. You should evaluate your website and think about what would cause more visitors to contact you. This may include a floating button asking for people to contact you, or a contact form at the bottom of all your content pages.
Another kind of call-to-action is the type that offers valuable information in exchange for their contact information, such as whitepapers, email newsletters etc. In a recent study, 70% (of the 200 small business websites evaluated) didn’t display clear calls-to-action for anything on their home pages, such as specials, e-mail newsletters, how-to guides, demos, and interactive tools.
Take a minute and think of one valuable call-to-action you could add to your website this week!
Example call-to-action....
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