As a Boston web designer with a passion for helping small businesses shine online, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-designed website can truly transform a business. I want to share five essential website design tips that can help elevate your online presence and attract your ideal clients. And of course help you make more money with your website.
1. Simplify Your Navigation Menu
Your website’s navigation is like a roadmap for your visitors. Keep it simple and intuitive. Aim for 5 items or fewer in your main menu, using clear, straightforward labels. Especially with those blogs. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve come across a website with a “unique” blog name. Definitely fine to name your blog something fun on the actual page but when it comes to the navigation, label it what it is, a blog. Also consider using dropdowns to group related pages under one menu item. Remember, the goal is to guide your visitors effortlessly to where you want them to go.
2. Strategically Place Your Call-to-Action
Your website should work for you and make you money. That’s the main goal. To achieve this, ensure your primary call-to-action (CTA) is prominently featured. Whether it’s booking a consultation call or signing up for your services, make it stand out. Consider using a contrasting color for your CTA button or even a call to action color and placing it in the header as the last option on the right as a button as well as throughout key sections of your site.
3. Ensure there are ’No Dead Ends’ on any webpages
What are dead ends? This is when someone comes to the bottom of a page on your website and there is no call to action guiding that visitor to take the next step on your site. For example, when someone gets to the bottom of your home page, is there a button taking them to learn more about your services? And then on your services page, which is your main sales page, at the bottom is there a call to action guiding them to book a consultation call with you or purchase your service? Make sure at the end of every page you are guiding them to take the next step.
You may also like: The Art and Science of Effective Website Design — Merging Aesthetics with SEO
4. Use Your Brand Colors Consistently
Consistency is key in branding. Stick to your brand color palette throughout your website. Avoid using out of the box colors or anything that doesn’t match your current branding. This consistency helps create a cohesive look and reinforces your brand identity. Remember the basis for your website is your branding. Everything needs to be consistent. If you are curious why consistency matters you may enjoy this podcast episode: Why Social Media is an Extension of Your Website with Taylor Kloss Pittsinger [Ep 021]
5. Prioritize Clear, Jargon-Free Copy
Remember, clear is better than clever. Use simple, straightforward language that speaks directly to your ideal client. Avoid industry jargon, especially on your homepage and in your hero section. Your visitors should immediately understand what you do and how you can help them. You have less than 3 seconds before they click away — so make it count.
6. Be Strategic with Social Media Icons
While it is important to connect with your audience on social media to be able to continue the conversation you want to be careful not to drive traffic away from your website. Especially to social media — where the endless scroll is possible. When someone is on your website you want to keep them on it. Remove social media icons from your header and throughout your main content. If you want to include them, place them only in the footer of your website.
Website Design Done Right Can Make a Huge Impact
Remember, your website is the first impression potential clients have of your business. By implementing these design tips, you’re creating a user-friendly, effective online presence that truly reflects your brand and attracts your ideal clients.
Want more tips like these? Be sure to check out my podcast Website Design Make Simple where I dive deeper into website optimization strategies.
