Design | 11.25.2014

How to Build Websites That Sell

Websites the sellDo you ever wonder what makes some websites so popular, while others go unnoticed or are quickly forgotten after the initial visit? A great website does much more than attract visitors. The most effective websites convert those visits into actual sales and can help you develop a strong customer base. All it takes is some intelligent design skills, informative content and a clear strategy for success to build websites that sell.

Start with Strategy

When planning a new website, it’s tempting to dive in headfirst and start choosing your layout and color schemes. What you really need to do first is create a strategy for your site that includes some clear goals for the business.  The most common goals for a business site are to generate brand awareness, improve conversion rates and in the end, get more business. Think about what is most important to you and narrow your goals down into a succinct list.   This will make things easier once you start getting down to creating the initial site structure and determining which pages you will need.

Take a Look at Your Competition

It’s always a good idea to check out what the competition is doing with their website, as this can be a great way to generate ideas for things you want to try. This is also a great way to check out what doesn’t work on other sites so that you can avoid repeating other people’s mistakes. Look for design elements that you like and think about how they could work for your site. It’s not about copying what other people have done, but instead using what you see to create the perfect design for your site. Take a look at how others have laid out their content, utilized images and other elements to get an idea of what you might like.

Develop a Content Plan

A great design and optimized layout will only get you so far. You also need to plan for having great content that engages readers and encourages them to sign up for your services or to purchase your products. Think about what types of content would work best for your site, including basic page content, product descriptions or perhaps a blog. Take a look at what pages you think you need and then look for any areas where you may have gaps in the content. Developing high quality content that has helpful information is the key to drawing readers in and getting them to explore your site.

Hire a Professional

As a busines owner, it’s tempting to try and create your own website to save money, but this can backfire in the end. Creating a website that is fully functional, optimized and attractive isn’t easy, and you could end up spending weeks or even months on a website design that you thought you could handle. Save time and money by hiring a professional to do the job for you. They can work with your design needs and your strategy to help develop a site that will have a big impact on your business.

What are some of your favorite website design tips for business owners? Leave your comments below!

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