The Internet is full of terrible websites with many things that are wrong with them with more than just a bad design. When it comes to business websites, there are many other elements apart from the appearance of the website that play a role in making them customer-friendly. For any business website that wants to effectively do business, the following is a list of must-have elements, from customer testimonials to contact information and much more.

1. A Clear Description Of the Business

Figuring out what exactly a business does should not require investigative work for visitors who arrive at a business website. This means that the name of the business and a summary of their products or services should be stated right there on the homepage. Business websites should have a clear description that instantly draws their attention and tells them that they have arrived at the right website.

2. A Simple And Smart Web Address

A business’s domain is almost like its brand. The web address should be so simple that users can easily remember it whenever they need to type it in an email or a web browser. For business websites, domains ending with ‘.com’ are the best choice since most Internet users are accustomed to adding a .com after the web addresses they enter into a browser.

3. An Easily-Navigated Site Map

A business website must be able to guide visitors to information that they may be searching for, which is only possible through an easily navigated site map with links to all the important pages. The navigation should be laid out. The use of drop-down menus is recommended in the navigation menu so the content under all headings can be easily viewed by visitors regardless of what page they are on.

4. Easily Findable Contact Information

Business websites with difficult-to-find contact information just force potential customers to move on to a competitor’s website. Internet users do not usually have the patience to click through page after page to find a business’s contact information. Either of the top corners of the home page is the best place to display the contact information.

5. Customer Testimonials

When potential customers visit a business website, seeing honest words from other customers leaves a positive impression on their minds that the products or services being offered are tangible. Testimonials help build the trust of potential customers in the business, especially if the business is new.

6. An Apparent Call To Action

In a clear and commended tone, a business website should be able to tell visitors exactly what they should do. Through a call to action, business websites can tell potential customers to add products to their online shopping cart, sign up for exclusive online coupons, or give the business a call for free quotes. A business website may contain highlighted text or special buttons to draw a visitor’s attention to the call to action.

7. The Basics Of SEO

Business websites are of no use unless Internet users stumble upon them. To make a business website more visible in search engine results, elements of Search Engine Optimization must be incorporated into the website. This involves the correct use of keywords, page titles links, URLs, and more.

8. Fresh And Quality Content

The first impression that most businesses make is through their website. Businesses wish to give their customers what they may be searching for, and probably to reason to continue coming back. Internet users are always in search of something, which is why they use search engines, and when they arrive at a business website, they should find what they are looking for. Businesses can assure potential customers that they will get what they are looking for through original website content, which is also an ideal place to incorporate SEO elements.

9. A Secure Web Hosting Platform

A huge nightmare for most businesses is when their online information gets hijacked, and such an occurrence can mean the loss of a lot of customers. This is why, hosting a business website with a security and trustworthy website hosting company is crucial. Businesses can stay a step ahead of hackers by keeping their content management systems updated as well.

10. User-Friendly Design And Style

Before actually reading the content on a webpage, Internet users usually pay attention to details such as the design and style, and how the content is organized. This is apparently how they determine if they are on the right page. In this case, content on a business website should be broken down into short paragraphs, there should be headers and bullet points, important phrases or words should be highlighted, and more. By incorporating these ten basic yet vital elements, business websites can really succeed at standing out from their competitors.

########

Planet Media is an eco-friendly and sustainable creative agency specializing in branding, UX/UI design, web development, ecommerce, and digital marketing solutions. We have extensive experience in developing, promoting, expanding, or reinventing your web presence.

Contact our Denver, Colorado office for a no-obligation, project cost analysis.