Your website says a lot about your business. Not only the content you post, but the look, feel, and usability can have a big influence on a user’s perception of your company. Because your website is probably the first impression a potential customer will have about your business, it’s important it’s of high quality, gives the user an enjoyable experience, showcases your products and services well, and it fits well with your overall brand.

In today’s world of technology and online use, it’s important to make a good first impression, especially online. Some business professionals compare a website to a business card or “window” into your business, which is why it’s crucial you take several different aspects into consideration when building or updating your website.

Here’s a few things to consider when designing your website or using a website design company that will help draw customers in and ensure their experience with your online business is a good one:

A High Quality Website Shows You Care About your Company and its Customers
The quality of your website can show customers how much you care about your company and its customers. An underdeveloped site that’s difficult to navigate, lacks important information, or doesn’t fit well with your brand can be confusing at best and off putting at worst. If your website is hard to understand and doesn’t point users in the right direction, they’re likely to go elsewhere to have their questions answered. If the loading times are long or they can’t easily navigate the site, they will find a website that’s easier to use. If a website steers too far from a company’s brand, a user may become confused and think they’re in the wrong place, or that your brand is all over the place, which suggests your company is unorganized or neglected. On the contrary, a well thought out website that looks beautiful, is easy to navigate, and answers a user's questions can leave them feeling like your company is not only organized, but also a leader in your field of expertise and a solid brand they can trust.

Solid Content on a Website Makes You the Expert
A website that seeks to answer customers’ questions rather than always trying to sell to them not only helps position your company as an expert, it helps people to find you easier online. Google algorithms are designed specifically to retrieve data from search indexes that will help deliver the best possible results of a search. If your website is strategically designed with pertinent content that will help your customers, Google is more likely to rank your site higher on the search engine results page. That means, not only is the quality content helping answer a consumer's question, but it’s one of the first pages a consumer will see on Google, which validates your company’s expertise in the field you’re seeking to highlight.

Showcase Your Brand and Boost Confidence
Whether you’re selling hot sauce or you’re selling healthcare services, a well-designed website will make it crystal clear what you have to offer and what your brand stands for. From placing your logo and using appropriate colors and fonts, to choosing specific language - everything on your website should help convey a message to your customers. For example, a playful logo and lax language helps customers understand your brand is likely laid back and relaxed, while a law firm or healthcare office may use more formal language and a professional look. Your website should showcase your company’s overall brand and a website that does this well is sure to help boost consumers’ confidence in your business.