5 Ways to Make Your Website Stand Out
5 Ways to Make Your Website Stand Out
It’s the age of the internet and everyone has a website. The pros? It’s so much easier to advertise. Anyone can create a website for their business, and it’s only getting easier to do so. The cons? Well, everyone has a website, and the competition is immense.
Your website is often the first interaction potential-customers have with your business, and first impressions count—especially over the internet. Doing what I do, I’ve seen some great websites, and some horrible websites. Just because anyone can have a site, doesn’t mean they should be the one designing it. It’s an art, and it takes a lot of know-how to entertain, engage, and inform customers all at once. Below are some tips I believe will help make your website stand out from the competition:
- Remember, Content is King
Too often websites are full of buzzwords and give very little information. If I can’t figure out exactly what you do within a minute of getting on to your website, then something’s gone wrong. Just throwing out phrases like “technology-based solutions” and “thinking outside the box” tells me nothing, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. No matter what you do with your website design, remember that content is king. Prove to potential clients that you are experienced and know what you’re doing.
- Keep it User-friendly
Sometimes people get so caught up in being creative and trying new designs that they forget the customer. Websites should be user-friendly. If I can’t figure out how to interact with your site, I’m not likely to spend the time learning to do so. Be creative, let your website pop, but don’t forget the basics.
- Create Consistent Branding
Think before you create. Everything you do should be intentional and consistent—from the colors and font, to the photography style and general vibe. Your brand is meant to thoughtfully demonstrate who you are and what you stand for. By knowing who you are and consistently branding your web pages, your website will stand out from the competition. Don’t confuse your customer with off-brand pages.
- Take Time to Write Creative Bios
Prospective clients feel more comfortable knowing who they’re working with. A website isn’t meant to keep you anonymous, but showcase your work and successes. When it comes to employee bios, have some fun with it. Establish yourself not only as an expert, but as an individual.
- Don’t Forget Social Media
Not only is social media a good way attract traffic to your site, but it also establishes a certain amount of reputability. Social media allows you to showcase your business and personality, while also legitimizing your work. A business with a strong and active social media presence looks like it’s on top of things.
Bonus #6 Invest in a Great Web Designer
I can’t stress this enough—a good web designer is worth every penny. While it’s become easier to design your own website, you don’t necessarily want to do that. You’ll most likely end up using WordPress templates that have been used over and over again. By bringing in an experienced web designer, you’ll get a creative website that is also user friendly. A good web designer will think about your needs, as well as the needs of a prospective client. If you truly want to make your website stand out, find someone who isn’t limited to preset templates.