The look and feel of a website can make or break a startup. Whatever your industry, your website operates as a kind of digital storefront, showing potential customers what you have to offer and why your business represents the best option in a crowded market.
Around 90% of startups fail, so building a strong online presence is absolutely vital. But how? To help you design a website that leaves a lasting impression, we’ve put together a few helpful tips to maximize your chances of success.
1. Focus your energies on user-friendly design
A beautiful website is worth nothing if it’s difficult to use. As a business, your primary goal is to support smooth online experiences for visitors, ensuring they know how to make the most of your services. If you need any convincing, just consider the fact that companies that implement cutting-edge design and UX practices grow twice as fast as the industry standard. Best practices for enhancing usability include:
- Keep things simple by avoiding unnecessary clutter.
- Ensuring the website is as navigable as possible by including a clear navigation banner, keeping the menu clear and concise, and using a sticky menu to minimize the need for scrolling.
- Optimize images, reduce unnecessary scripts, and select a reliable hosting provider to boost site speed. Remember – 70% of users say site speed impacts their purchasing decisions!
2. Optimize your site for mobile
Did you know that mobile devices account for well over 60% of all web traffic? With so many people glued to their cell phones, every startup must optimize their sites for mobile users. A responsive site design will ensure your website adapts to different screen sizes, including tablets and smartphones. It will also help to boost your site SEO – vital if you want people to find your business via Google and other search engines.
Your site should adapt to the user’s screen without losing any text or functionality. Buttons and pictures should also remain clear and visible, ensuring users can easily navigate the site and achieve their primary goals. Startups should also consider mobile-specific features such as click-to-call and app-download buttons – both of which will encourage users to invest in your goods and services with minimal effort.
3. Provide clear calls-to-action
As well as building brand identity and a strong customer base, your website should encourage users to take specific actions that benefit your business. Whether you want users to sign up for newsletters, buy products, book appointments, or refer their friends, your website should include plenty of clear calls-to-action (CTAs).
Typically, CTAs take the form of a message, link, or button that clearly tells users what action to take. You’re probably well-acquainted with phrases such as “sign up today”, “get in touch with our team”, and “book a demo now”. As well as writing clear copy that aligns with your goals, you should design the CTA to stand out from the rest of the page. For example, you could use bold fonts, large buttons, contrasting buttons, or captivating images to draw attention to the CTA.
Ace your website design and watch your startup thrive
Designing a successful website requires time, effort, and investment. While it may be tempting to put something together quickly, a poorly executed website is the first step toward failure. By carefully planning your design, mobile optimization, and call-to-action strategies, you can gain customer trust and generate the conversions your brand needs to thrive.