As of September 2022, there were approximately 1.98 billion websites online. With at least 200 million of these currently active, getting noticed in the digital world is no easy feat. One way talented entrepreneurs set themselves apart from competitors is by harnessing their creativity.
Want to get your business or personal brand noticed on the web? Here are five ways to grab the attention of your stakeholders.
1. Do Your Research
Before you jump into designing your website, undertake market research to identify consumer needs. Fortunately, with technological advances, you don’t need to round up a physical focus group. Instead, utilize Facebook polls and comments to engage with prospective customers. Determine what features your audience deem most important in a website. For example, live chat features, accessibility options (e.g., large text) or mobile support.
Additionally, monitor current design trends and top performing styles by checking Awwwards, the internationally renowned web design awards community.
2. Incorporate Interactive Elements
Interactive websites use sounds, animations, and other eye-catching elements within their user interfaces to increase viewer engagement. Note how this website shows seamlessly looped footage of waving staff on their team page, making the audience feel like they’re being virtually greeted.
Research has proven that we learn and absorb information better when we are able to interact with it. Polls are a great (and cost-effective) way to encourage participation and gain valuable consumer insights. A live chat option can also help customers feel like they’re receiving the same top-notch customer experience and attention they’d receive in a brick-and-mortar shop front.
If you’ve got the budget for it, an interactive animation depicting the customer’s purchasing journey or your brand story will really wow prospective customers. Even adults love drag-and-drop elements!
3. Don’t Skimp on Design
Unless you’re a CSS guru, designing a striking and functional website can be a pricey exercise. Rates vary wildly, but typically range between $3,000 - $15,000, depending on the complexity. Resist temptation to engage a discount freelancer’s services for a few hundred dollars. While the design might be visually appealing, the code on the back end may not be up to standard. This can cause your users issues when navigating your site and even make it vulnerable to cyber-attacks! Functionality is just as important as form.
4. Optimize for Mobiles
As of August 2022, a staggering 59.4% of online traffic came through mobile phones. Outperform your competition by optimizing your site for mobile devices and tablets. Customers routinely research products and make purchases on the go, so a clunky mobile presentation will send them straight to a competitor! The key to optimizing for mobiles is to invest in responsive web design, which refers to a layout that resizes itself to adapt to screen size. For a layout that works across all mediums, focus on clear typography and contrasting (but complementary) colors.
5. Make Regular Updates
Keep your audience coming back by making regular updates to your website. You can build customers’ loyalty by always offering them something new to read or see. Whether it’s polls on your next product design or exclusive footage from your production line, post it all on your home page. If you’re already successfully managing social media accounts, save time by cross posting your best content from Facebook or Instagram directly to your website.
In 2022, your website is your shop front. It needs to be vivid enough and unique enough to draw customers inside. Through careful market research and incorporating interactive elements, you can create a brand website that really sets you apart from the competition.
