The advent of the technological revolution has changed how people interact with friends, colleagues, businesses, customers, and suppliers beyond recognition. These days, whatever problem, question, or need you have to satisfy, the first place you look is likely online.
The principles of supply and demand should come as no surprise that more websites are launched daily, each competing in an ever-more-crowded online space for your attention. However, you might be amazed to learn that there are now 1.2 billion websites, with around 400 new sites going live every minute of every hour of every day.
If you have a website or blog, you probably already know a bit about search engine optimization (SEO) – the techniques to rank higher in Google Search results and drive more traffic to your site.
Many automatically start thinking of aspects such as pay-per-click strategies and link-building regarding SEO. Still, it would help to consider a more fundamental factor: the website. Here are some ways to improve your site, SEO, and the quantity and quality of traffic you generate.
Content is king
The fact that content is king can be easily overlooked: Without interesting, relevant, and engaging content, your website is doomed to fail. With the right content, though, you are already halfway to success.
Think about your target visitors. Who are they, and what is bringing them to your website? They will probably arrive there having typed a query into Google or some other search engine. Put yourself into their shoes and ask what that question will likely have been.
Next, look at your website and ask how well you have answered the question. You could even type the query into Google and see what other results come up. How do other pages answer? Is there anything there that tells you how to improve your content?
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Your online shopfront
Whether you are using your website for eCommerce, running a blog for fun, or doing something in between, the only thing visitors know about you is what they see when they arrive at your landing page.
In this respect, first impressions count. If you visit a physical shop and the place looks a mess, then there is a good chance that you will keep walking. In the online world, clicking the back button is straightforward.
In other words, while what you say is hugely important, how you say it is no less so. Consider a font and color scheme that conveys your desired image – for example, a law firm may look for muted pastel shades and professional font, whereas a kids’ club may opt for bright primary colors and an informal tone.
Also, remember that a picture paints a thousand words. Think about how you can use imagery to capture the imagination. For example, you could download photographs from a supplier such as Dreamstime Stock Photos to create a unique and arresting look.
User experience
So, now you have a great website with interesting content. Does this mean that the job is done? Not quite – the final step is to make your website so easy to use that visitors will not want to go anywhere else, and this is where the concept of user experience comes in.
Aim for a “less is more” approach and be very careful with banner ads and popups, which can divert a visitor’s attention from where you need it to be. Ensure that calls to action are clear and give visitors plenty of choices. For example, as well as a “buy now” button, you could include options to “find out more” or “request a callback.”
Another way to enhance user experience is to check that your website works across all platforms. Most people have been in a position where a site either takes ages to load or does not work properly when it comes up on their smartphone. Today, more people surf the Internet on mobile than on desktop, so a mobile-friendly site is an absolute must, or you will turn visitors away in droves.
Managing your shop
The digital world might seem quite different from the physical one, but the parallels are obvious when considering your online shopfront. Remember the golden rules of content, appearance, and user experience, and you will have the equivalent of a thriving shop with great products, a beautiful window display, and helpful sales assistants. With these in place, you can’t go wrong.
