AVAST!!! If you have two to three minutes, I’ll explain how having a poorly designed website can seriously harm your business and what steps you can take to avoid this mistake.
If you’ve spent ANY time on the internet, you have certainly come across very dated websites. You know the ones: confusing navigation, loud colors, and design elements that seem haphazardly put together by someone from the ’90s. Now there’s nothing wrong with a touch of nostalgia, but appearing cheap can have significant consequences for your website.
Think of your website as a virtual handshake; it’s often the first impression people get of your business. You don’t want some lame-ass, limp-wristed handshake. You want a firm, web-to-web handshake that says to the other person, “I’m not here to screw around. Let’s get down to business.”
Your website can act as your “right-hand-man (or woman)”, providing information and answering questions about your business when you’re unavailable. This way, you won’t have to worry about responding to a flood of emails in your inbox. If this is handled professionally, it reflects well on your brand. Can you imagine if your website looks like you rolled out of bed and didn’t take the time to brush your teeth and hair, wear a clean shirt, and at least TRY to look presentable? It can give off the impression that you cut corners in other aspects of your life and business. How we do one thing is often how we do many things, and this is an area where you want to avoid making a careless and preventable mistake.
First impressions are important! You rarely get a second chance.
Moreover, it can hinder your ability to command prices for your services or products. Why would people pay a premium if your website lacks quality and professionalism? It creates a cycle that keeps you chasing low-quality leads and begging for business (unless you’re into that, then you can stop reading and save yourself the honest feedback you are about to receive).
Don’t worry! We’re not here to dwell on the negatives. Instead, I want to share some proven methods to upgrade your presence without breaking the bank and eliminating that “dollar store” vibe.
Let’s start by emphasizing that quality doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. You don’t have to hire a designer or invest in cutting-edge technology to get some quick wins. Having a modern design reflects your brand’s identity beyond the colors, logo, etc. Think of your website as your outfit for a meeting – just like you wouldn’t wear old, ratty, or inappropriate clothes (perhaps a chicken suit or your birthday suit), your website should be well-coordinated and presentable. So, how can you transform your website from looking like the Walmart discount shelf to having a stylish appeal? Here’s what you need to know;
- Select a Professional Template: Platforms such as WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace offer templates that are mobile friendly. Opting for simplicity is crucial because sometimes less is more.
- Invest in High-Quality Images: Avoid using grainy or pixelated images at all costs. Consider hiring a photographer or purchasing high-quality stock photos that align with your brand. Remember, impactful images can convey a message effectively and are worth the investment.
- Perfect Your Color Scheme: You don’t have to be an artist like Picasso to create a color palette. Stick with 2 to 3 colors that resonate with your brand. Online tools like Coolors.co can assist you in finding the combination.
- Simplify Your Navigation: Navigating through your website should be effortless for visitors; they shouldn’t require a map! Ensure it’s intuitive and easy to understand for someone who may need to be more tech-savvy, like your grandma. Organize content into categories, use headings, and avoid industry jargon.
- Be Clear and Concise: Because people are like guppies, you only have a few seconds to capture your visitor’s attention. Avoid unimportant or overly verbose details (we get that you love your cat, but is it integral to your product/service most of the time?). Communicate who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Remember, your website is like having a short but meaningful conversation with your audience rather than writing a novel about yourself and the long walks on the beach you enjoy when you’re not working. Keep it short, sweet and to the point.
- Showcase Impressive Testimonials: If you have customers, proudly showcase their feedback! Ensure that their praise is visually appealing and aligns with the design of your website. Including photos or videos can add an extra touch of credibility and trust.
- Prioritize Mobile Optimization: Nowadays, more people browse the internet on their phones than on computers. If your site looks terrible on devices, we may need to have ANOTHER conversation about how we can help you fix this issue ASAP!
So there you have it! Transforming your website from something that looks like it was left in the back of the fridge for too many weeks and has taken on a new life form to a trustworthy platform is achievable. It’s not about breaking the bank and carelessly spending money; it’s about making investments and thoughtful decisions.
As you wouldn’t wear a chicken suit to a job interview, why should your website settle for anything other than its best? Enhance your presence. Witness the growth of your business. That advice isn’t just helpful; it can truly transform your website. So go ahead. Show the world how excellent your website can be!
