Build a Stellar Web Site!

A well-designed and user-friendly website is the foundation for your online presence, serving as a centralized hub where potential customers can access precise and localized information. Building a stellar website and for your business operation is of critical importance.

Your website isn't just a digital address or an online brochure; it's the cornerstone of your online presence and your business’ marketing. It’s a core system that must work well and is worth the investment of time and money to do it well. It's the place where potential customers get a taste of your operations uniquely and connect with the heart and soul of your business’s brand.

It is astonishing how difficult it can be to sometimes to contact a business. Many sites such as Yelp and Facebook list the business but because business operators not paying attention to the details they may have missing or outdated contact information. A website, however, allows you to place all the correct, up to date and relevant information for your customers in one easily navigable and findable space. Here you can upload your latest product or service information to keep people informed as to what is on offer. You can also make yourself more accessible by having a map to your business and showing people where to park, all on one page. When potential customers search online or through their phone’s voice applications like Apple’s “Siri” you must have a website in order to be found. When they search for “such and such businesses near me” they are looking to purchase and are in “buyer” mode. Just being on Facebook or Instagram will leave potential customers struggling to find you on the internet.

Crafting your website isn't just about contact details; it's about narrating your business's story and articulating your brand's vision. We want to turn your visitors into loyal enthusiasts who not only purchase at your establishment regularly but become a part of your business family. If you are service area business without a brick and mortar business location, your website becomes even more important in your strategy for success. In the world of digital marketing, we talk about websites designed for “Conversion”. Specifically, conversion in web design is the function or action that we wish the viewer to do or complete for them to move from thinking about doing business with you to being an active buyer.

Highlight your business’s unique selling points, showcase images of your products or services, include clear contact information and potentially online ordering options. If you don’t have a website that is built to convert web visitors to customers, then none of your internet marketing efforts will bear fruit. If you are a service area operation without a brick-and-mortar location you web presence and website, take on even more importance, it’s everything.

Your customer's journey typically begins on your homepage. If you want to convert these viewers into customers who give them the information, they are looking for up front. Display your address, phone number, and operating hours prominently. Streamline the information, so your customers don't have to go on a digital scavenger hunt looking for it. Let me be clear about that. Your phone number, address, hours, directions, a button to take a viewer to your buying solution, email address need to be at the top of the home page, above the fold, easy to find and click on. A viewer clicking on any one of these represents a potential conversion of a viewer into a customer. Making this information easy to find is an important consideration for design. We cannot stress that enough.

What else is important for conversion? "A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Quality photography is crucial. Capture the essence and ambiance of your business with stunning, high-resolution images is a must. Include pictures that show the atmosphere of your business if that is important. Spending money on professionally done photography is worth the investment. Quality product photography is going to make your items shine. Quality photography is an investment worth making!"

A couple of other elements to consider as you design your website involve showcasing your weekly specials, promotions, or any upcoming events. In addition, remember that your website and your social media marketing are your dynamic duo. Tie your website to your social media pages with clickable links as well as providing a website link in every social media post.

Finally, your website should shine on any device, providing a seamless experience for your users. A visually appealing design that works on the desktop, a laptop, a tablet and as well on a smartphone device is a design parameter that can’t be ignored. This is called “responsive” design. With over half to 80% of your website visitors viewing your website from mobile devices, a visually appealing and seamlessly navigable website that is designed to work on smartphones is a must. To truly give your customers the information they crave and ensure the success of your independent business operation, a stellar website is crucial.

Here's a comprehensive check list of key elements for an effective business website:

1. Visual Appeal: Design an aesthetically pleasing website that reflects and tells the story of your business's personality and ambiance, creating a visually engaging experience for visitors.

2. User-Friendly Navigation: Make it easy for customers to find what they're looking for. A clear, intuitive navigation menu enhances the overall user experience.

3. Unique Selling Points: Highlight what sets your business apart from the rest. Showcase your specialties, signature dishes, or unique features that make your establishment stand out.

4. Place key contact information on the front page above the fold. Ensure that your homepage prominently displays essential information such as your address, phone number, and operating hours. Streamlining this information on the homepage to minimize the need for visitors to navigate extensively.

5. Mobile Responsiveness: Between 50% and 80% of your website visitors will be viewing your website from their phones. Ensure your website is optimized for various devices, providing a seamless experience for users regardless of their preferred platform.

6. Quality photographic Images: Include high-quality images of your products or services to tantalize and entice potential customers.

7. Quality photographs of your business exterior and interior that showcases the ambiance and personality of your business’s brand if you are a brick and mortar location..

8. Maintain up-to-date information on your website considering it is often the initial point of contact for potential customers.

9. Online buying Options: If your business sells online make it convenient for customers to purchase by integrating an e-commerce solution directly on your website.

10. Social Media Integration: Link to your social media accounts, allowing customers to connect with your business on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

11. Specials and Promotions: Keep customers informed about any ongoing specials, promotions, or events at your business. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement.

12. Accessibility Information: For inclusiveness, consider providing information on accessibility features within your business, such as wheelchair access and facilities. In addition, the website must be designed with accessibility for vision impaired web reader devices. Google counts this towards your SEO ranking.

Remember, a well-designed and informative website is the core marketing system and the foundation of your business’s digital presence. Your website plays a crucial role in converting web visitors into foot traffic and revenue.