A San Diego web designer is more in demand than ever before. Nowadays, the internet is the first port of call for anyone looking for information about a service, shop or person. So, more important than ever is how easy to read your website is. You need to provide information about all aspects of your service, in a matter of a few clicks of the mouse.
Beyond the basics of ensuring your website has everything spelled correctly and has up to date information, we’ll give you 16 tips to improve your website.
1 – Tidy your menu
Having a menu with too many options makes it difficult to navigate. A heading should be precise, so having ten or twelve items underneath that heading makes things hard to find. A great web designer will be able to simplify your menus, making everything a few clicks away.
2 – Have a call to action on every page
Put something on each page of your website to show visitors what you want them to do. Do you want them to sign up to a newsletter, watch a video, contact you, shop now, or check out another service? If so, tell them. Make it clear what you want them to do.
3 – Put a contact number or email on your homepage
Most people visit a website to find out how to get in touch with you. You probably have this information in your “contact us” page, but you need it to be more prominent. The best web designers include information about contacting the business directly, but discreetly on the homepage, either on the right-hand side or in the footer.
4 – Add your business hours
When can people get in touch? Do you answer your phone after 6 pm? Are you available during the weekends? Make it clear when you can be contacted – it allows people to know is best to ask a question, without getting disheartened if you don’t pick up the phone or answer an email right away.
5 – Tell people who you are
Have a dedicated “About us” page. Visitors to your website want to know about the people behind the screen. Who are you? Why did you start your business? What are your hobbies? Prove that you are a person with interests, not just a business.
6 – Use images
Web designers are using images more often because they are attention-grabbing. An image can speak more than text because the use of color and shape draws the eye to that part of the screen. Visuals are important, and you can do so much with them.
7 – Add directions
Google provides a free map widget which you can put on your website showing exactly where you are. For people without GPS or even people with it, directions are handy. They want to know where you are and how to get to you. Give them this information.
8 – Make your site mobile-friendly
It’s not enough to have a great website anymore. You need to have a great website that can be used on mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets are an easy and convenient way to access information and browse the web, so make sure your web designer allows for this functionality.
9 – Match your branding
If you updated your logo or color scheme, make sure your website reflects this change. You need to ensure a consistency in your brand image, including on the road and on the web.
10 – Cut the music
Music playing the background is distracting, it makes it difficult to focus on the information you’re trying to read. You want to make your website accessible, not full of distractions. Simplicity is key.
11 – Use social media
Social media is an important way for you to interact with your customers. It is a quick and easy thing to update and provides you with a way to see what people say about you. Start with one, such as Facebook, then expand to other sites if you want.
12 – Add resources
Show your customers you know what you’re doing. Provide resources for them that are relevant to your business – such as helpful links, videos or reports.
13 – Add testimonials
Reviews and testimonials are important things to have, it demonstrates how successful your work with people has been in the past. Potential customers want to know what others had to say, and having that on your website will encourage more people to hire you.
14 – Figure out your goal
Why do you have a website? Do you want to give people information about your business or do you want them to engage with you? Is it a portfolio or resume to show your skills and experience? Figure out what you want your site to do and tailor it to suit that goal.
15 – Start from the beginning
If your website is very old, it may be worthwhile to start completely from scratch. Technology advances quickly, and sometimes it’s easier to start afresh if you’re using an outdated website.
16 – Hire a great web designer
You want your website to look professional, not like something you put together in your spare time. Spend the bit of money to hire someone who specializes in designing websites for different niches. It will earn you more in the long run.
photo credit: Iker Merodio | Photography Saioa at his Office with SMC Pentax Asahi 50mm 1.2 via photopin (license)