Website Design Best Practices
Unleash your business’s online potential
Welcome, to the wild and wonderful world of website design! We're not going to lie, website design can be very overwhelming. If you're ready to skyrocket your small business's online presence and save yourself heaps of time, you've come to the right place. Creating a website may seem daunting, but fear not! In this blog post, we'll guide you through the essential steps, uncover what your audience truly desires, and introduce you to the incredible team at Offset Marketing, your secret weapon in the realm of branding and web design.
What Are Website Design Best Practices?
Before diving headfirst into the realm of website design, it's crucial to understand the concept of "best practices." These are the tried-and-true methods, principles, and techniques that ensure your website helps the user move through your site with ease. By following these best practices, you'll create a visually appealing, user-friendly, and conversion-focused online space.
How Do Website Design Best Practices Benefit Your Business?
Website design best practices hold the power to transform your small business's online presence. They enhance user experience, boost search engine visibility, and ultimately drive more traffic, leads, and sales. A strategically-designed website becomes a powerful marketing tool, captivating your audience and enticing them to explore further.
Where to Begin: Researching Website Design Platforms
First things first, choose the right platform to build your website. There are numerous options out there, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Take the time to research popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace. Evaluate their features, flexibility, and user-friendliness to determine which aligns best with your business's unique needs and goals.
Why Professional Help Matters: Introducing Offset Marketing
While DIY website builders can be enticing, nothing beats the expertise of professionals when it comes to crafting a remarkable online presence. Offset Marketing, the branding and web design wizards, understand the art of creating websites that capture attention, reflect your brand's essence, and deliver outstanding results. Our expertise ensures your website stands out from the digital crowd, has an outstanding SEO baseline, and is visually appealing to your audience.
Download the Offset Free Resource Library
Free Guide: How to start your marketing strategy
Free Guide: Evaluating and publishing your website
Free Guide: Organizing your content marketing
Free Guide: How to create an email newsletter
More than 10+ guides to get your started on your marketing
The Essentials: What Every Website Needs
User-Centric Navigation: Your website's navigation should be like a well-organized kitchen pantry—easy to navigate and find what you need. Create a logical menu structure that guides visitors effortlessly through your site, ensuring they can locate information or products without frustration. Make sure the names of your pages are words your audience actually uses. Instead of using something out-of-the-box for a portfolio like "on paper," consider labeling the page "portfolio." The most straight-forward option is what people are likely used to searching for on any site.
Mobile Responsiveness: With the mobile revolution in full swing, your website must be mobile-friendly. Responsive design ensures your site looks and functions seamlessly across devices, providing an optimal user experience that keeps visitors engaged and coming back for more. It's best to design your site with mobile responsiveness in mind first.
Engaging Visual Design: Capture your audience's attention with captivating visuals that reflect your brand's personality. This is your opportunity to create consistency with your brand across all platforms. From striking imagery to enticing color schemes, the visual design of your website should create an emotional connection, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Compelling Content: Content is king, and your website's copy should rule with style and substance. Craft compelling and persuasive content that speaks directly to your audience's desires, answers their burning questions, and showcases the unique value your business brings to the table.
Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Every page on your website should have a clear and enticing call-to-action. Whether it's "Sign Up Now," "Buy Today," or "Get a Free Quote," a strong CTA prompts visitors to take the desired action, increasing conversions and propelling your business forward.
A Story of Success: The Impact of a Well-Designed Website
Run Fit Mama first came to Offset Marketing with the goal of sprucing up her website to convert more customers. She saw an opportunity to work with us to create more of a cohesive marketing strategy to reach more fitness-loving customers than ever. After reorganizing her site within a month, she sold out two new programs (over 400 seats!).
You have questions, we have answers
Can't I just use a website builder and save money?
While website builders provide a budget-friendly option, they often lack the customization and professional touch required to truly elevate your business. Investing in professional web design ensures your website captures the essence of your brand and sets you apart from the competition.
How long does it take to create a website?
The timeline for website creation depends on various factors, such as the complexity of your business and the scope of the project (how many pages you need). At Offset Marketing, we work closely with you to understand your needs and create a realistic timeline that ensures a timely launch without compromising quality. Our websites take anywhere from 2 weeks to 8 weeks to complete.
What if I already have a website but it's not performing well?
Don't fret! Offset Marketing offers website optimization services to revamp your existing website, addressing any performance issues and implementing design enhancements to improve user experience, conversion rates, and search engine visibility. Or start here to go through the SEO basics to see where your website might be failing you.
Are you ready to unleash the full potential of your small business online? Offset Marketing is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need a brand-new website or a makeover for your existing one, our team of experts is dedicated to creating a digital masterpiece that elevates your business and saves you precious time.
Download the Offset Free Resource Library
Free Guide: How to start your marketing strategy
Free Guide: Evaluating and publishing your website
Free Guide: Organizing your content marketing
Free Guide: How to create an email newsletter
More than 10+ guides to get your started on your marketing