When it comes to designing a website, many factors play a role in determining what content and features should be included on the website. Variables such as button designs, site colors, user flow, SEO, fonts, video, page performance, user experience and overall design play a large role in creating a flowing website.
Out of all these elements, some are weighted more than others. Let’s look at SEO, for example. If a company places its focus on designing a website for Google, rather than customers, the user experience will be compromised, leading to fewer people on the website and fewer qualified leads.
Ironically, by designing your website for Google, and not for your customers, you're actually hurting your rankings, not improving them. Instead, you should design your website with your customer in mind with the following tips.
Begin with user experience
Always start by asking a few simple questions. Why do I want potential customers to visit my website? What am I trying to achieve? Is it a sale, a signup, or a simple contact? Do I want them to visit one page or multiple pages?
The answer to these questions will be the first steps in determining how to create your user flow. You will, of course, want to begin with the first page of the user's experience, then connect pages with the user experience that will lead to your desired call-to-action.
The next step is to then make sure the content and copy on your website contain subject matter that is engaging and concise with the relevant keywords. Remember not to overuse a keyword, as not only will search engines penalize you, but the copy will read as stilted and robotic.
Properly manage images on your site
Images help make your website interesting, so it helps if you include graphics alongside paragraphs that highlight the subject matter within the corresponding text. Not only can your images link to other posts, or subjects within your website, but they also enhance user experience. Remember to compress each graphic, as larger images slow down your website load speeds. Don't forget to add a title to each image so Google Bots can find it, and, therefore, increase your SERP ranking.
Focus your website on a niche
One of the keys to remember at all stages of web design is that people are visiting your website because they are looking for something specific. When they land, they want to be able to find that thing as quickly and logically as possible. Your website should be centered around a specific niche so that visitors know they have found the right website.
Load speeds
Another important factor that search engines take into account is your overall page load speeds. Google has stated that site speed is one of the signals they use to rank pages. The load speed is also important to the overall user experience. Those websites that suffer from longer load times often have a lower average time spent on their website and higher bounce rates.
If you're interested in designing your website for both customers and search engines, then contact KitelyTech today to see how we can help enhance your website.
Call us on (800) 274 2908 for more information.
