When you think of developing a great website, what key features come to mind? Is it having an enticing design, displaying captivating images, or creating witty content?
While all of these creative elements are certainly important areas to showcase, it may surprise you to hear that they’re not the only factors to consider.
Websites serve as the central hub for users to learn more about your company, services, or products. So, it only makes sense that you want those who visit your site to have an experience that is enjoyable, informative and above all, stress-free.
To help achieve this, we’ve provided 6 tips that you can easily incorporate into your website to ensure a seamless user experience.
Have Consistent Branding
When it comes to creating a connection with your user, one of the most important aspects for any company is the consistent use of branding. This means making sure that your logo name, design and brand colors are cohesively used across all platforms — including printed materials, social media and your website.
The main intent is to ensure that regardless of where your user first saw your company name and logo, when they visit your website they’re able to instantly recognize your brand, make that visual connection and confidently know they’re at the right website.
By eliminating any disconnect, you’re helping to build a strong brand identity and consumer trust.
Consider Your Site Navigation
To maximize the user experience, be sure to consider your current site navigation and how it impacts the customer journey.
For example, are your menu items easily displayed and accessible from any page? Does your site feel intuitive and allow users to freely move from one page to the next? Are your sub-pages aligned under main sections that would make sense to a user?
Remember functionality is key. The simpler your site navigation, the easier It will be for your user to find the information they’re looking for.
Make Your Page Scannable
When users visit company websites, they’re often doing so to find relative information quickly. In fact, 79% of site users scan web pages, which means you’re not given a lot of time to grab their attention. This is why it’s critical to present your content in a clear and cohesive manner.
Incorporating headers that provide clear titles and defined sections is one of the easiest ways to organize your site information while providing users the opportunity to find exactly what they need.
Be Mobile-Friendly
It’s no surprise that mobile devices account for a large portion of online usage. In 2019 alone, mobile devices accounted for about half of all website traffic globally (Statista, 2020).
So, it goes without question that when designing a website, it should be responsive and viewable from multiple devices, including tablets and mobile phones. Not only is this considered good practice but having a website that is mobile-friendly proves beneficial for your company, because it allows you to easily expand your audience reach and demonstrate credibility of your brand.
Ensure your site is Searchable
Did you know that 51% of all website traffic comes from organic search results? Which is why optimizing your website for SEO is one of the best investments you can make.
If you’re not familiar with SEO, here’s a quick overview. SEO stands for “search engine optimization” and is essentially the process of improving your site visibility so that it appears in relevant internet searches.
By strategically incorporating primary keywords throughout your website content, you’re creating a greater chance of having your website show up in top search results, which allows users to find your site more effectively.
If SEO is new to you and you’re not sure where to begin, utilizing keyword research tools such as Google Adwords Keyword Tool or SEMrush can serve as effective resources for identifying keywords and planning your SEO strategy.
QC Your Site
While this may seem like an obvious step, especially in the initial development of your website, routinely reviewing your website for quality control (QC) issues is always a good idea.
This includes reviewing all aspects of your website content to ensure the information provided is accurate, current, and grammatically correct. If you’ve ever come across outdated or even inaccurate information on a site, you know how incredibly frustrating that experience can be.
You should also take time to review and test all your redirect links, making sure that they’re not only active, but that they’re redirecting users to the appropriate destination. One of the quickest ways to lose site visitors and potential transaction is to have a broken link that takes users to a dead-end.
Generating a seamless user experience doesn’t have to feel like a monumental task. If you’re looking to refresh your current site or even build a new one, MOSAIC can help! Our expert team of marketing and creative professionals can guide you through the process of creating a memorable and impactful website. Contact us today to learn more!