web design tactics

5 Web Design Tactics to Help Your Business Thrive

Website Tips and Tricks

Did you know that there are around 8.4 billion connected devices in use today?

Known as the Internet of Things, this phenomenon means that at any given moment, it’s not difficult to find someone on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop — or even all three at once.

As such, the online, e-commerce marketplace is thriving. Businesses around the world are clamoring for as many clicks and conversions as they can get.

Standing out in this competitive landscape can be difficult without a dynamic and engaging web presence. Today, we’re taking a look at five web design tactics that can help companies stand out and get noticed.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

1. Responsive Design for Any Screen

Nothing turns a customer away like a website that looks great on a widescreen laptop but is clunky and difficult to maneuver on a mobile device.

One of the most important steps a company can take to optimize its web design is to use a responsive layout. This is one that adjusts to the device it’s on, so users have a consistent browsing experience every time.

Achieving this design requires utilizing CSS and HTML to adjust the page so it’s viewable on any screen. Navigation should be simple, scrolling and resizing should be minimal, and all content should be easily viewable.

2. A Focus on Search Engine Optimization

Showing up in search engine queries is a valuable way that companies can build their online presence. It can also help draw more relevant visitors to their website.

The practice of strategically designing a website and other online deliverables to boost a company’s search ranking is called Search Engine Optimization, or SEO.

To boost SEO, web designers should focus on ensuring all website content caters to and enhances the user experience.

Images should be dynamic and engaging and should load quickly. In addition, images can be affixed with meta tags to make them more searchable.

3. Intuitive Site Navigation

Studies show that consumers now have an eight-second attention span, shorter than that of a goldfish.

One of the reasons why? Thanks to the digital age, they have access to virtually any data they want, when they want it, and they don’t have to wait. This desire for this instant access is the reason

This desire for this instant access is the reason tech stocks are booming, automation is on the rise, and smart devices are smarter than ever before. Customers demand fast-paced access and industries around the world are responding.

So, if they hop onto your website and find it difficult to locate the information they need, they know that a similar offering is only one click away.

Thus, it’s vital to ensure that any user can quickly and easily figure out where to go on your site to find the information they need.

Pages should be clearly marked and categorized. In addition, search capabilities should be highlighted, and sidebar menus should be strategically located.

4. Social Media Linkage

A website is only one element in a company’s overall online marketing strategy.

Many are also opting to incorporate social media platforms as well. This allows them to engage with consumers and prospects in different, interactive ways.

As such, it’s important to include social media links or plugins in your web design and to make them prominent on the page. This is especially important if you have an active presence on these sites.

After all, three out of four consumers consult social media before making a purchase decision. Also, 60% interact via social media with the companies they patronize. Making sure your accounts are visible is the first step toward building that essential relationship.

5. Adding Navigational Capabilities

More than 65% of consumers now use their smartphone for step-by-step navigational directions, relying on it as a GPS system.

If your company has a brick-and-mortar presence, consider adding navigational tools such as Google Maps to your web design. This can help prospective customers find and reach you more easily.

It can also help your company rank higher on search results within location-based searches such as Google+Local.

Design that Converts: A Customer Focus

There are many ways to optimize your website to attract customers, convert prospects, and encourage loyalty.

Successful brands will be those that strategically leverage technology to make their company shine brightly — and their customers brighter.