Creating business websites is not a simple task. Moreover, it requires advanced marketing skills and vast knowledge of design and art in general. So, we have to go way back in order to understand the complexity of developing successful business websites.
A Word on Art and Design
Everything in the world is made of shapes and colors. In the History of Art, artists have always been seeking perfection. They explore and combine colors and shapes to create perfect images and compositions for the human eye. In the modern world, design has the same purpose, but in a slightly different way, because of rapid technological progress in the last couple of decades.
Today we are in the digital age and every kind of information is available on the web. With so many pieces of information circling on the web, we are dealing with many companies, shops, social networks, etc. In this whole digital world of information, we must have some order, as well as some rules to follow, and of course, originality. A website is a perfect solution to recognize something or someone on the web. The website must have quality design because people react, at first sight, to colors and shapes.
Types of Business Websites
You can divide websites based on their purpose, one being for business and the other for personal use. Although, no matter what the type of website might be, the design must be unique and reflect your brand or idea appropriately. For personal use, every person has different approaches and needs, but when it comes to the websites for business use you must take a whole different approach.
For Business use, there are two kinds of websites:
- Basic commercial website
- eCommerce website
Basic Commercial Websites
If your aim is to promote your products or services, a basic commercial website is the right choice for you. Nowadays almost every company has at least this type of website because it is one of the most effective ways to advertise all over the world and it is not expensive to maintain. Basically, this kind of website is common like “One Page Only” which can be pretty effective if you have the right content and are consistent in sharing and promoting it. WordPress is the most popular framework and it might be the right choice for informing your customers of the services you offer, as well as to present a smaller number of products, in case you own any. In other words, this kind of framework is perfect for small business owners.
eCommerce Websites
Should you increase the number of products, your web store is bound to experience a number of problems, since this platform is not large enough to support a bigger business. In case you want to offer more and put your business on the map, you should set up or migrate your web store on a bigger and feature-rich eCommerce platform that can handle a large number of products, such as Magento or Shopify. Moreover, you will have to bring an original and modern design to the table as well. If you don’t know what is new and trendy in design, or what kind of user experience your theme must have, there is a simple solution. You can visit an online shop for purchasing themes and pick whatever you want or need.
The main goal of today’s webshops is to give customers a simple and easy way to buy the desired product. As far as the goal of the new web design is concerned, it has remained the same. Every customer who lands on the website must stay on it for as long as possible.
For a quality and unique business website, you need a couple of things. These will be described later in the article. Another important thing to keep in mind is that simplicity is the new In. Do not miss out on the opportunity to entice your customer’s curiosity. With a simple, yet functional design, your web store is sure to reach new heights.
The Main Characteristics of Business Websites
In the following chapters, we will be discussing the main characteristics of both basic commercial websites and eCommerce websites. Our discussion is going to be based on the following categories:
- Logo and design
- Unique homepage
- Information about your company and product
- Social networks and analytics
- Blog
- Quality images and HD videos
Logo and Design
It is important to create a unique and recognizable mark. This is the first and the most important step towards creating a quality brand. When you create the perfect logo and choose your color palette, one of the most important steps is finished. Thanks to the original design, customers will easily recognize your brand. So, do not hesitate to spend as much time as you need on developing the desired face of your brand.
Unique Homepage
The modern design of a website should be based on simplicity, but it also has to be user-friendly. The environment on the website should provide customers with an easy buy, and inform them of new products, sales, etc. For this modern solution, we need a homepage with a variety of features. These include a full-width carousel, bestseller products, new products, and promo banners. With a one-of-a-kind homepage design, you provide more than “just a design”. You incorporate your clever ideas in order to keep your customers satisfied. Lately, having a Blog is simply a must. It represents one of the most creative ways of informing your customers about your work. In addition to the blog, social network links should be a part of your homepage as well. They are more than helpful when it comes to sharing information, pictures, or videos related to your products.
Information About Your Company and Product
Customers should be fully informed about your company and product since they cannot see them live. Introduce yourself, and give them as many pieces of information as possible to get them acquainted with your work. You should have the basic company info, i.e., contact, social links, detailed product description as well as other helpful information. More information means more chances for customers to buy your goods. Give them a chance to get to know your merchandise as closely as possible.
Social Networks and Analytics
This is a real deal when it comes to free advertising. In today’s world, this is the best way to promote your website, company, and products. Social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn give you a chance to enlarge your customer base. Also, these can help greatly in promoting your business in an active and creative way. Create accounts on social networks and be consistent in posting your products’ images, videos, and detailed information. Don’t forget to follow analytics in order to be aware of how fast your company grows. Connect your company with others from the same industry so you can keep an eye on your competition. If a successful company does something good, make sure to find a way to do the same thing better.
Blog
Why is a Blog important for your website? This is a question that has a simple, one-word answer and that is “information”. You need to get through to people. Connect with them through as many versatile topics, stories, and information as you can about your products or services. When you have a couple of articles about your products, you can see customers’ reactions through comments, likes, and shares. To simplify, a blog is a place where customers can talk, discuss, learn, and get informed about your work.
Quality Images and HD Videos
Last but not least, for a great first impression of your website, you simply must use high-quality images and videos. Sharp, colorful, and attractive images are one of the best ways to represent your products and services. Basically, there is no better way to show your product from different angles or sides. Of course, this is crucial for selling your goods. Moreover, in order to gain additional attention, you can make a short video of your top product. In this way, you can score bonus points among your current and future customers. Videos and animation add a dynamic touch to your website, which is both pleasing and attractive to the eye.
Conclusion
In order to create u successful business website, you need to get well-informed on what you need for your business. Furthermore, you need to research your market thoroughly and gather useful information prior to building a website.
Seize every opportunity you can to promote your products or services. Keep up with the design trends, and be creative and original. Don’t forget that the amount of time and effort will surely pay off in the future.
All in all, it is much easier to reach customers worldwide thanks to the endless possibilities of the Internet.