How a Modern Website Design Can Help Your Business
How a Modern Website Design Can Help Your Business
Why Your Dated Website May Need a Website Upgrade
If you're like most of our clients, you already have a business website. It was probably designed a few years ago, so it "might be a little old" but "it works fine." Right? This may be the case, but have you considered improved functionality that your old website lacks? It is important to understand that your website should be more than "just a website"; your small business website should be a comprehensive Internet marketing tool that not only simplifies your business but helps grow it.
If you have taken a discerning eye to your website lately, and/or you are considering a website refresh, here are a few aspects of modern website design that should definitely make it on your Must Have List for your new small business website:
1. Blog
Many small businesses simply fail to maintain a blog. And the majority of those few who do have a blog lean towards a "simple solution" found on a blogging website (rather than on their own site). Few small business website designs incorporate a blog (or newsfeed) within the core of the site design and development, but they should. Blogs not only help demonstrate industry knowledge and expertise, but the new content on a properly structured blog also assists with search engine optimization!
2. Social Media Tie-Ins
By now, social media is no new thing. But developing a quality social media strategy can be extremely beneficial to small business Internet marketing. This doesn't mean you have to shell out hundreds of dollars monthly for a Facebook ad campaign, but you should be making a serious attempt at engaging your customers through social media tie-ins (such as a "tweet" button on your site) as well as branded social media pages.
3. Testimonials Section
Your current and potential clients may assume that you've got (at least) a handful of satisfied past clients, but why not display your past successes for the world to see? Many older websites do not incorporate testimonials sections (or they do it very poorly). Testimonials, which are great for building trust and industry credibility, should be highlighted and easy to find on your modern website.
4. Calls-to-Action
According to Google, a call-to-action is defined as a request for a website visitor to perform some act or action. Simply put, it tells your website visitors what to do (i.e. "Schedule an Appointment"). Effective calls-to-action are more often seen in modern website design but should be incorporated into every website design. "Call Now" or "Add to Shopping Cart" may seem like small details but do have an impact on client acquisition.
5. Mobile Website
One of the fastest growing trends these days is mobile. Did you know that an estimated 85% of website traffic is expected to come from mobile devices by the end of 2013? Many small businesses have yet to take advantage of this, but you must consider the importance of connecting with your customers through a small business mobile website. Modern website design (for desktop computers) can (and should) also incorporate a mobile strategy.
6. Search Engine Optimization
What is one of the best ways to get your small business found online? Be where your clients are searching. These days, a brochure site just doesn't cut it. Simply being online just isn't the same as being found online. With millions of people using search engines to help them find businesses, products, services, and more, a modern website design that incorporates organic search engine optimization is one of the most effective ways to reach potential customers onl ine.
PLAN OUT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS WEBSITE REDESIGN WITH EFELLE
Investing in a new website means more than just paying for a "pretty, new site". A well-designed, search engine optimized website (complete with the previously listed components) is one of the best ways to grow your business. Your online presence is more important than ever, and with more than 400 website design and development projects under our belt, efelle in Downtown Seattle is sure to satisfy your online marketing needs. Whether you're interested in a small business website design, a website refresh, mobile website design, or help with your blogging or social media strategy, we can help. Check out our menu of services, call us today at 206.384.4909 or fill out our simple online contact form for a free consultation! We look forward to helping you take your business to the next level.
See Also:
How a Small Business Website Redesign Could Save You Thousands
7 Things That Every Small Business Website Needs