8 Powerful Web Design Tips For Small Business Owners

One of the reasons many small business website owners do not achieve the level of online successavailable to them is because they failed to employ the right strategy for their website design. Thereare some things small business websites must inherently be about in order to compel site visitors tobecome new clients and customers. Even if you already have a website established and arestruggling to make it work, keep reading to get the tips that can make all the difference betweenyour online failure and success.

See Through the Eyes of Your Potential Customers

This is a secret of larger firms that many small businesses have yet to master. Notice that big brandstend to have huge budgets for market research. You do not have to spend as much on gatheringinformation about your potential customers, but having a deep understanding of your target marketis powerful and shows through in every part of your business. Your website should be about thepeople you are seeking to serve. Treat your website as a gift you give to potential customers. Insteadof just listing product or service features, speak to them from their own point of view by discussinghow doing business with you can benefit them.

Relate to Your Target Audience

Some small business owners are very passionate about the work they do. This is a good thing, but itis not good to try and communicate with online customers using industry lingo and highly technicalterms that are likely to be confusing to them. It is vital that the content on your site be crafted tospeak the language your customers use. Make it easy for them to understand the message you wantto relay.

Express Meaning with More than Words

One major mistake that many small businesses make on their websites is loading pages with text andleaving out the visual aids. Images express more than words can and they speak everyone'slanguage. They can enhance the experience website visitors get, leaving a lasting impression uponthem. Consider the fact that the popularity of sites like YouTube and other websites where video isincluded come from how many online audiences enjoy receiving visual information.

Remember the Beauty of Simplicity

Loading websites with fancy flashing features isnot a good idea. It is not very cost effective anddoes not increase audience enjoyment. Often,such extras make a webpage load slower.People usually visit websites with a good ideaabout the type of information they are seekingto find. Too many distractions and delays canfrustrate them and chase them away, sendingthem off to another website where theinformation is presented elegantly and straightforward.

Be Cost Efficient

Some small business have a very tight budgetand are worried about investing too much intotheir website. Others have a huge budget forweb design and end up overdoing it. Take amiddle ground by not being too tight withwebsite expenditures nor to extravagant. Asmentioned before, website visitors often do notenjoy the fancy extras, but neither can theyappreciate an apparently cheap production. Avery nice lead-pulling website can be hadwithout over or under spending.

Be Considerate of Their Time

Several studies over the reading behavior of online audiences show that most people scan webpagesinstead of reading them thoroughly. It is, therefore, important to get straight to the point. Break uptext into several subheadings, use bullet points, and bold important points. This makes it easier forsite visitors to scan and still get the message. If they have to do an in-depth reading just to find theinformation they want, you might never get to do business with them.

Don't Shy Away from the Call-to-Action

The call-to-action is very important, but some small business owners shy away from it, afraid to closethe sale. This fear is common and has something to do with people's dislike of pushy salesmen andspam. However, having a clear call-to-action actually guides the customers on what to do next and isreceived gracefully, compelling more people to do business with you. The key is to make it bothstrong and tasteful.

Let Them Get to Know You

Personality branding is important online, ergo the popularity of social media and the power it has inbring business new customers. People want to know who it is they are doing business with. Makesure your site includes and About Us page. Make it easy for visitors to connect with you through

social media directly from your website. Be real with them about who you are and they will rewardyou by being loyal customers.

The author Sean Coyne holds a MBA focused on information and is the founder of Strongsville Ohiowebdesign company Coyne Enterprises.

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