Most business owners today realize the value of having an online presence. (Yay!) But, just having a website isn’t enough. In fact, “just having a website” that kinda sucks… can hurt your business. You need a remarkable website that converts viewers into loyal clients and customers.
Here are 6 ways to create a website that leads to more profits for your business.
1. Collect Email Addresses
“Grow your list” is such a common phrase thrown around lately, but why is this so important? Everyone wants to focus on social media following, but the real people most likely to buy from you are those who are willing to hear about your products or services in their inbox. Imagine this scenario: You’ve put all of your efforts into growing a following on Instagram for years. Somewhat suddenly, Instagram is no longer the king. There’s a new social platform in town and now you have to start ALL. OVER. AGAIN. Because you don’t “own” your following on any social media platforms.
Sounds dreadful, right? You know what’s not going away and what you can “own”? An e-mail list. You know where people are more likely to view an offer and accept it? An email.
2. Write clear copy on your website.
Copy is KING! If your website is the most beautiful thing that ever struck the internet, but your words are BLAH, it won’t convert. As a web designer, I’ve found that writing copy is the #1 place my clients get stuck in the design process that’s why I do strategy meeting and offer a guide to help them with this process.
Your website’s words should speak to your ideal client’s pain points. Identifying them clearly, and offering a simple solution. Make it clear IMMEDIATELY how you are going to help them.
3. Blog about your products and services.
Websites that are regularly updated will rank higher in search results. You can establish yourself as an expert on the services you’re offering or show an inside look at your products. Not sure what to write about? Figure out the pain-points your clients/customers face. When someone asks you a good question, chances are other people have that same question. Offer an answer! This exact blog post (among others I’ve written) stemmed from questions my clients ask me. Learn more about blogging for your business in these posts!
4. Create consistency on all platforms.
When someone clicks from your Facebook page to your website, it should be clear that they are seeing the same business in both places. Your Facebook page with the gorgeous photography, clear sharp images, and 2-toned image quotes is creating a BRAND for your business. When a user, exits Facebook and goes to your website to find a different style of photography, different fonts, and a different color scheme their immediate reaction will be confusion. You’ve got to have consistency.
Consider investing with a designer that will not only makeover your website, but also provide strategy for your brand on social media, email marketing and everywhere in between. (Hint: I do this!)
5. Maximize the user experience with amazing design.
Studies show that the first impression of your website is 94% based on the design (source). That’s almost 100% all about your site’s design! Let that sink in. First impressions matter, and you’ve got a couple seconds to make yours on your website. People buy from websites they trust, and people trust good design. Whether or not you think it’s fair, people will judge your business based on the design of your website. And, when they think negatively about your website, they are most likely not purchasing from you. Your website should be easy to navigate, clear on its purpose, and on brand with your mission and voice.
6. Be a “purple cow” website.
If you’re a Seth Godin fan, then you already know what I’m talking about. If not, read carefully below. You don’t want to miss this.
“When my family and I were driving through France a few years ago we were enchanted by the hundreds of storybook cows grazing on the picturesque pastors right next to the highway. Then, within 20 minutes, we started ignoring the cows. The new cows were just like the old cows, and what once was amazing was now common. Worst than common. It was boring. Cows, after you’ve seen them for a while, are boring. They may be perfect cows, attractive cows, cows with great personalities, cows lit by beautiful light, but they’re still boring. A purple cow though. Now THAT would be interesting.” - Purple Cow, Seth Godin
Your website faces this exact same problem. Everyone has a website. A website is just a website (possibly just an ugly website), until it’s remarkable like a purple cow. Something remarkable is worth talking about. Worth noticing. Worth buying from. By creating a remarkable website, you can get people’s attention and offer them an experience worth having. You can establish trust AND not only make more sales, but you can create customers that keep coming back. [READ more about Purple Cow here.]
