Part 2:  Website Design – It’s All in the Presentation!

In Part 1 in our blog series, “First Impressions are Strong: Make Yours Rock,” we discussed how quickly people form first impressions. It takes a new visitor to your website seven seconds to form an opinion. So beware of “too much too soon,” and turning them off immediately. A comfortable balance is needed, and it is important to strategically create your website design layout. Remember that your website is your business’ storefront and virtual salesperson, so your website design should be welcoming.  All well constructed websites should convey professionalism and brand clarity.  Now we will discuss how to refine your website’s  presentation and create a great lasting impression.

Highlight the most important key features. Your homepage must include your logo and tag-line, a website search window, a navigation menu, and your business contact information. These basic necessities must be visible and congruent throughout your website. Visitors to your website want to work to find out more about you and your business. Therefore, introduce key features on the homepage with links to more detailed information. Be sure to highlight your business’ key features with bold and colorful headings that match your company’s logo.

Guide navigation through your website. The visual flow is an important aspect of your website’s homepage. An F-shaped pattern begins at the top left where the eye lands first, then makes its way across to the right-side and then the eye trails down along the screen. It is best to create a path of touch points and place the elements along this pattern so that nothing interrupts the viewer’s attention and risks the loss of interest. Images are a great way to grab your potential customers attention. Studies show that 80% of people are visual learners so great graphics spark intrigue, and add meaning. “A picture is worth a thousand words!”

Convey your brand’s personality. If your brand could talk, how would it speak? In order to connect with your customer and gain trust, your website should communicate with a human voice. Personas serve as a helpful tool to better understand your typical customer’s goals and needs. It is important to maintain a consistent design and voice throughout your website.

Check back next week as we share Part 3 of our series, “First Impressions are Strong: Make Yours Rock”.