#1 Your Website Creates the Initial Impression

Your website is one of the first things potential customers see when it comes to your brand. If your web design is boring, unorganized, and unprofessional, users will start to associate these words with your business. On the other hand, an easily navigable, user-friendly, and clean web design will set the tone for your business and provide customers with a positive view of your brand.

#2 Creates Trust with Potential Customers

If you don’t trust someone, you wouldn’t go to them for advice, would you? The same is true for your potential customers. If your website looks untrustworthy, no one will want to do business with your company. There are many features on a website that scream “unreliable”.

For example, not enough content can give the impression that a business might not know what they’re doing. Too much content, on the other hand, can limit the white space on a site and give a clustered and unorganized look. It’s important to check and then double check for spelling errors. These mistakes come across as extremely unprofessional and can be the reason users search elsewhere to make a purchase.

Ensure your website is based on a user-centered design. User experience, or UE, can determine the eventual fate of any customer-facing application. It may help to have multiple fresh eyes on your site to provide feedback to your business.

#3 Connect on a Deeper Level

Let’s talk about imagery. Images have the ability to make someone feel something. High quality, meaningful images can show that your company is trustworthy, genuine, and professional. A website with no images is far less effective than a website with professional images throughout.

For example, If you’re looking for a pair of shoes, you are most likely going to purchase them on a site with both a description and image of these shoes. The same goes for your business. If your site is lacking in the picture department, users are less likely to work with you or make a purchase.

What about stock photos? Well, the answer is simple. Yes, you can use stock images, but don’t overdo it. It’s important to add images of your business, office, services, and anything else that allows customers to make a connection with you. If you do not have many professional images that show your company and its personality, use stock images, when necessary, Keep in mind, it is a good idea to have professional images taken in the near future.

Paws & Pints provides a great example of how even a “Meet the Team” page can connect with an audience:

Note: When selecting images for your site, keep in mind your company and the tone you’d like to portray. While some images may work for certain companies, they can come across as insensitive for others.

#4 Web Design Impacts SEO

Lastly, your web design drastically impacts your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The more traffic your website has with a low bounce rate, the higher your website will rank on search engines. So, what will make users spend more time on a website? Everything we covered in this article!

A website design that puts user experience at the forefront, with a clean, professional appearance, easy-to-read content, and thoughtful imagery can take your business from ordinary to extraordinary.