A website can be an extremely effective way to drive customers to your business, but if it’s designed in a haphazard way, good intentions might become meaningless and costly. Keep reading to learn about four mistakes that small business owners often make, and how to avoid them during your own Internet ventures.
Fancy Designs at the Expense of Usability
When evaluating the benefits of certain features, some small business staff members get carried away — they’re lured by additions that are very flashy, but not user-friendly. Work with a website company that can help you strike a balance. This way you get a finished product that both looks great and is simple to navigate. After meeting that goal, you should find that the prices you paid were very worthwhile, and represent a sound business investment.
Failing to Keep Content Updated
Small business owners often have numerous responsibilities on a daily basis. Even so, it’s crucial to set aside time to update content as needed. Doing that ensures customers have access to the most current information about your business. Regular updates are also valuable in that they boost credibility. If you don’t have the time or know-how to update content on your own, think about hiring a team to do it for you.
Not Understanding What Visitors Need
Remember, visitors usually come to your website to find specific information. Make it easier for them to have a hassle-free experience by clearly listing pertinent information and offering contact information in case they need to ask more details. Hopefully if your business has been operating for a while, you’ll already know the most common questions and needs that your customers have, and be able to use website content and design choices to fulfill them.
Forgetting to Test and Update Links
Links that work correctly make it easy for visitors to have a seamless and informative visit at your website, but a link that’s broken can quickly make a potential customer feel frustrated, and even resentful towards your business. It’s smart to test links before your website’s initial launch, and also after every update. Although it doesn’t take long to do, it can make a big difference in the ways visitors view your website, and in turn, your business.
At the end of last year, Ad-ology Research performed a survey and found that almost one-quarter of businesses with fewer than 100 employees planned to put an increased focus on either launching or maintaining a web presence. If you have a small business, don’t get left behind. Follow the tips above and work with specialists who can drive your business goals with engaging content and intuitive design.