6 Key Areas on Your Website You're Probably Ignoring

You already know that a strong online presence is non-negotiable. Your website is often the first interaction potential clients have with your brand, and it needs to leave a lasting impression. Even the most meticulously crafted websites can miss the mark in some areas, which can cripple their overall performance.

When hiring a website designer, it’s crucial to focus on specific elements that can elevate your brand, attract new clients, and showcase your work effectively.

Want to know how your website is doing? Below are six key areas that will give you a temperature read on its performance.

1. User Experience (UX) Design

User experience is the cornerstone of a successful website.

It covers everything from how easy it is to navigate your site to how enjoyable it is for users to interact with your content. A website that frustrates users will quickly lose their attention and trust.

Here are some aspects of UX design to consider:

• Intuitive Navigation: Make sure users can find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Use clear, concise labels for your menus, and consider implementing a search function. No one has time for a treasure hunt!
  

• Mobile Responsiveness: With a significant number of users accessing websites from their mobile devices, your site must be optimized for mobile use. A responsive design adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes and orientations. It's 2024, folks; this isn't optional.
  

• Loading Speed: A slow website can be a major reason visitors bail. Optimize images, leverage browser caching, and minimize code to improve loading times. If your site takes ages to load, don't be surprised if visitors vanish.

When hiring a designer, ensure they have a strong portfolio demonstrating a keen understanding of UX principles. Your website should not only look good but also function flawlessly.

2. SEO and Content Strategy

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for getting your website noticed by potential clients. Without a strong SEO strategy, your beautifully designed website might as well be invisible.

Here are some key SEO elements to focus on:

• Keyword Research: Identify the terms and phrases your potential clients are searching for. Integrate these keywords naturally into your content. No one’s guessing here.
  

• Quality Content: Regularly update your website with high-quality, relevant content. This could be blog posts, case studies, or client testimonials. Keep it fresh.
  

• On-Page SEO: Optimize your titles, meta descriptions, headers, and image alt texts with appropriate keywords. Make sure your URLs are clean and descriptive. Messy URLs? No thanks.

A designer who understands the basics of SEO can help ensure that your website is visually appealing and search engine friendly. This dual approach will increase your site’s visibility and drive more traffic.

3. Clear and Compelling CTAs

A call to action (CTA) is a prompt on your website that encourages users to take a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading a resource, or booking a consultation.

CTAs are crucial for converting visitors into leads and clients.

Here’s how to make your CTAs effective:

• Visibility: Place your CTAs in prominent locations where users are likely to see them. Above the fold (the portion of the webpage that is visible without scrolling) is a prime spot.
  

• Clarity: Use clear, concise language that tells users exactly what you want them to do. Avoid jargon and be straightforward. Don't beat around the bush.
  

• Design: Make your CTAs stand out by using contrasting colors and bold fonts. The design should draw the eye and entice users to click.

Discuss with your designer the importance of strategic CTA placement and design. The right CTAs can significantly boost your conversion rates and help achieve your business goals.

4. Visual Storytelling

Your website is a canvas for your brand’s story. Visual storytelling involves using images, videos, infographics, and other visual elements to communicate your message more effectively.

Here’s why it’s important:

• Engagement: Visuals are more engaging than text alone. They capture attention and can convey complex information quickly.
  

• Brand Identity: Consistent use of colors, fonts, and imagery helps establish a strong brand identity. This makes your brand more memorable and recognizable.
  

• Emotion: Images and videos can evoke emotions that resonate with your audience, helping to build a deeper connection.

When hiring a website designer, look for someone with a strong eye for design and a knack for storytelling. They should be able to create a visually cohesive and compelling narrative that enhances your brand’s message.

5. Accessibility

Web accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities can use your website.

An accessible website is ethical, broadens your audience, and improves your SEO.

Key accessibility features include:

• Alt Text for Images: Provide descriptive alt text for all images so that screen readers can convey the information to visually impaired users.
  

• Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that users can navigate your site using a keyboard. This is essential for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
  

• Readable Fonts and Colors: Use high-contrast colors and readable fonts to make your content accessible to users with visual impairments.

Discuss accessibility standards with your designer and ensure they are familiar with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). An accessible website demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and can enhance your brand reputation.

6. Analytics and Continuous Improvement

A website is not static; it requires continuous monitoring and improvement. Analytics tools can provide valuable insights into how users interact with your site and where there’s room for improvement.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Traffic Sources: Understand where your visitors are coming from. This can help you refine your marketing strategies and focus on the most effective channels.
  

• User Behavior: Analyze how users navigate your site, which pages they visit most, and where they drop off. This can highlight areas that need improvement.
  

• Conversion Rates: Track the effectiveness of your CTAs and other conversion elements. This helps tweak and optimize them for better performance.

Ensure your website designer sets up and understands tools like Google Analytics and Heat Maps. Regularly review the data and make informed decisions to enhance your website’s performance continually.

Hiring a Website Team

Hiring a website designer is a significant investment, but it’s one that can pay off immensely if you focus on the right areas. By prioritizing user experience, SEO and content strategy, compelling CTAs, visual storytelling, accessibility, and continuous improvement, you can create a website that looks stunning and drives business success.

As a founder and CEO, your website is a powerful tool to elevate your brand, attract new clients, and showcase your work. Make sure it reflects the quality and professionalism you bring to your business daily. With these key areas in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a website that truly stands out.

Ready to take your website to the next level? Let's connect and discuss how we can transform your online presence into a powerful asset for your business.