In today’s digital age, having a good website is essential for any business or individual looking to establish an online presence.
But what exactly makes a good website? Here are some important considerations:
User experience (UX)
One of the most important elements of a good website is a positive user experience. A website should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and provide relevant information to the user. A good user experience can lead to increased engagement, longer browsing sessions, and ultimately, more conversions.
To achieve a good UX, consider the layout and design of your website. Make sure the navigation is intuitive and easy to use, with clear calls-to-action. Use high-quality images and graphics to make your website visually appealing. And ensure that the content is well-written and informative.
Responsive design
In today’s mobile-first world, having a responsive website is crucial. A responsive website is one that can adapt to different screen sizes, from desktop computers to mobile devices. This ensures that your website looks good and functions properly no matter how your audience is accessing it.
A responsive design can also improve your website’s SEO, as Google rewards mobile-friendly websites with higher search rankings. To ensure your website is responsive, test it on multiple devices and screen sizes, and work with a web designer who specialises in responsive design.
Speed
Website speed is another important factor in the user experience. A website that takes too long to load can lead to frustration and bounce rates. In fact, research shows that users are more likely to abandon a website that takes more than three seconds to load.
To ensure your website loads quickly, optimise your images and graphics, minimise the use of plugins, and use a content delivery network (CDN) to reduce server response times. You can also use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test your website’s speed and identify areas for improvement.
Clear messaging
A good website should have clear and concise messaging that communicates the purpose and value of your business or organisation. This includes a clear headline or tagline that immediately communicates what you do, as well as a clear value proposition that explains how you can help your audience.
Make sure your messaging is consistent throughout your website, including your homepage, product or service pages, and contact page. Use language that resonates with your audience and speaks to their needs and pain points.
Search engine optimisation (SEO)
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the process of optimising your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). A good website should be optimised for SEO to ensure it appears in relevant search results and drives traffic to your website.
To optimise your website for SEO, include relevant keywords in your content, meta descriptions, and header tags. Use internal linking to connect related pages on your website. And make sure your website is mobile-friendly, as Google now uses mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor.
Accessibility
Accessibility is an important consideration for any website. An accessible website ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use your website.
To ensure your website is accessible, use alt text for images and graphics, provide closed captions for videos, and ensure that your website is navigable using a keyboard. You can also use accessibility tools like screen readers to test your website’s accessibility and identify areas for improvement.
Security
Finally, a good website should be secure and protect your users’ data. This is especially important if your website collects sensitive information like payment details or personal information.
To ensure your website is secure, use a secure hosting provider, implement SSL encryption, and keep your website software up-to-date. You can also use security tools like firewalls and malware scanners to protect against potential threats.
In summary, a good website is a website that fulfils the goals and objectives of your business.
By providing a website to your customers that offers a positive user experience, and value to their needs and requirements, your business will benefit from the actions taken by your customers. This could be increased sales, better customer loyalty, increased brand image, and reduced support costs to name a few.
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For more advice on how to determine if your website is helping you to deliver your business goals, get in touch with us today.