What are the 10 things every website should have? A quick read.
When designing a website, there are several key and simple elements that are considered prerequisites for a great user experience (UX). Here are 10 things every website should have:
1. Clear and Intuitive Navigation
A website should have a well-organized navigation menu that allows users to easily find the information they are looking for. The navigation should be consistent across all pages with one or two-word descriptions
In the background. Create and submit an XML sitemap to search engines to help them better understand and index your website's content, improving your visibility in search results.
2. Responsive Design
With the increasing use of mobile devices, it's crucial for a website to be responsive and adapt to different screen sizes instantly. This ensures that users can access and navigate the site effectively on any device.
Google conducted research that showed 80% of the world's population uses smartphones. Perhaps not too surprising, yet reinforces the fact that the website must be designed with the mobile screen in mind, if not eg font is too small to read or need to pinch and scroll, visitors will move elsewhere. Furthermore, the study also discovered that more people are likely to solely use a smartphone (27%) than solely use a computer (14%).
3. Fast Load Times
Slow-loading websites can frustrate users and lead to a higher bounce rate ( ie visitors leaving without visitors dwelling on the other website pages). A key Google measurement. Technically, optimising images, minimising code, and utilizing caching and rendering processes are some ways to improve load times. Your website developer will be able to help if not using a DIY provider like Wix or Go Daddy.
4. Contact Information
Obvious really. Make it easy for visitors to get in touch by providing clear contact information such as an email address, phone number, or contact form. This helps establish trust and encourages interaction. ‘Call to Action’ Buttons should be positioned throughout the site to take visitors to the Contact page.
5. About Us Page
Including an 'About Us' page provides visitors with information about your organisation, company, or the purpose of the website. It helps build credibility and trust.
And provide this information on what you ‘deliver’ for clients, in terms of what they will benefit from. As it has to be all about them not you. You might have 70 ice cream vans, yet the consumer wants to know how and why is your ice cream so good.
6. High-Quality Content and Functionality
Compelling and informative content is crucial for engaging visitors and keeping them on your site. Ensure that your content is well-written, relevant, and regularly updated and has always the visitor in mind in terms of how they could possibly benefit. Remember it is always about them!
Incorporate accessibility features such as alt tags for images, proper colour contrast, and keyboard accessibility to make your website usable for individuals with disabilities.
7. Calls to Action (CTAs)
As mentioned earlier in the article, clear and well-placed ‘Calls to Action’ help guide visitors to take desired actions such as signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting you.
Use contrasting colours and persuasive language to make CTAs stand out. It all helps the consumer journey. Simple, well placed ‘Buttons’ with labels such as ‘Click here’, ‘Find Out more’, ‘Subscribe’ do work well
8. Social Media Integration
If you have a social media profile(s), connect your website to them, with ‘icon links’ or ‘feeds’ and encourage visitors to follow and engage with you on other platforms.
Sharing buttons can also help facilitate this integration and of course, increase your website’s reach.
9. Search Functionality and accessibility
If your website has a large amount of content or products, a search bar can greatly enhance the user experience by allowing visitors to find specific information quickly.
10. Secure and Trustworthy - SSL Certificate
Implementing SSL encryption (HTTPS) is essential to ensure data security and build trust with your audience. Implement an SSL certificate to enable secure communication between your website and users, ensuring that sensitive information remains encrypted and protected.
Display trust seals, privacy policies, and terms of service to further establish credibility.
These are general recommendations and should you wish to delve into some specific information and tailormade for you and your business, depending on the industry for example, or locality, then please get in contact with Itseeze Watford
Tagged as: website content
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