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The process of designing small business websites requires focus and attention to many areas to get leverage over other small businesses.  Occasionally, business owners choose a cheaper route when it comes to website design.  The result usually ends up costing the business in the long run as a visitor finds the website unappealing and navigates to a well designed website.  What web design mistakes should be avoided to ensure your website captures the attention of visitors?

            

 

Most small business websites hope to engage a visitor with an enjoyable experience while providing function so they take action.  Often, the challenge becomes a balancing act of what information you want your targeted audience to know about your business first.  Place important information in key areas but don’t overload it to the point that the design looks busy and confuses the visitor.

 

One significant step in this process is to identify your target audience then design the website to attract that type of visitor.  A common mistake is when a website attempts to attract all types of visitors.  When that happens, the website may turn out jumbled since it requires different design features to gain the attention of various visitors.  Instead of reaching more people, the website is at a higher risk to lose potential customers due to a poor design.

 

 

Another aspect that small business websites should avoid is any issues associated with navigation.  Once a visitor lands on your website, they should be able to navigate around effortlessly since most people have a short tolerance nowadays.

 

Oddly, the last mistake common to some websites is a lack of contact information.  A majority of the time it’s essential to have that information on every page so a potential customer never has to search for it.  Always think of your target audience and the image of your business throughout the entire design process.

There are a many reasons it may be time for a new website but maybe the best indicator is that your business website no longer generates leads.  The first impression of your business that visitors will likely see is your website so it needs to be very symbolic of your brand’s image.  With each passing year, technology seems to improve and your website may look outdated.  At what point will you decide it’s time for a new website?

 

 

Your website may have been great when it was first designed but technology and competition significantly impacts that over time.  Maybe two other businesses in the same industry have created a website and used an Indianapolis website design.  More than 50% of Google searches happen from mobile devices such as a tablet or smart phone.  Is your small business website responsive and user-friendly?

 

A responsive website gives visitors the same look from any device which is critical for keeping a potential customer interested in your business.  Secondly, your website should be engaging, uncluttered, and easy to navigate to indicate your business is up-to-date.

 

One sign that reveals it may be time for a new website is the speed of your current website.  Many people have little patience for a website to load and often leave before waiting.  If your website isn’t fast, responsive, and user-friendly then it could be time for a new website!

 

 

Not only do visitors spend less time on a slow website but Google uses load time when determining where a website ranks in its search results.  Are visitors able to find what they are searching for?  On occasion, people find a website of the business they like but navigate away without taking any action.  Address this by integrating social media in your Indianapolis website design so visitors can easily share your website.  An absence of social media on your current website is another reason it may be time for a new website.

Small business websites need to have a variety of features in order to be profitable and successful.  Perhaps the most important aspect is the web design as visitors quickly form an opinion about a website on the overall appearance.  Without an appealing web design, your website may not grab the attention of visitors and they could navigate away in just a few seconds!

 

 

Before implementing a website design, think about the goals and functionality of the website so a clear direction can be established.  After that, choose a visual design that looks amazing and makes a memorable first impression to your targeted visitors.  This is a critical step in the process because visitors expect a certain visual appeal that engages them in your product or services.

 

Most visitors navigate away from a website if it has an outdated appearance or lacks an Indianapolis web design.  Instead, capture the attention of your targeted audience by implementing superior features and posting creative headlines with intriguing images!

 

Images help engage and direct the attention of a visitor while they read about your business.  Images and creative headlines not only pull a visitor in to read your content but it also gives them a reason to stay on your website.  Additionally, provide users with valuable content so they are satisfied with their choice to choose your business and share it with others.  Will an Indianapolis web design change how your website ranks on search engines?

 

 

The time and effort spent towards creating a superior web design is to achieve the goal of getting great results.  Those results include ranking well on search engines so your targeted audience visits your website and convert visitors into customers.  Implement a strategic marketing plan when designing your website and always monitor traffic analytics to ensure success in the future.