These days, having a web presence is a must for business success. But if you’ve spent any time online, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a wide range in quality when it comes to websites. As a general rule, if a site looks homemade, it probably is. And while there’s no shortage of templates for do-it-yourself web designers, there are some clear and substantive advantages to having a professionally designed website.

Just Having an Online Presence Isn’t Enough

If you’re new to the world of online marketing, it can be tempting to want to get your site up and running as soon as possible. And while seeing your brand’s logo splashed across a shiny new landing page can give you a sense of having “arrived,” there are many more questions to be answered if you want to stay competitive. For example…

  • How navigable is your site?
  • Can potential customers find your site in search easily?
  • Are online purchases made through your site secure?
  • Is your site scalable to any device?
  • Is your site connected to your social media accounts?
  • Is your site optimized for SEO to help drive organic traffic?

Let’s take a look at some of these points in more detail.

The Importance of First Impressions

Your landing page is your first point of contact with potential customers, so make it a good (and memorable) first impression. Most users decide within as little as seven seconds whether they’re going to stay on a site to learn more or bounce to a competitor’s site. You might think seven seconds isn’t enough time to tell your brand’s story, but to a professional web design team, those few moments offer a universe of opportunity to illuminate your brand’s strengths, mission, and customer service goals. By working closely with a talented web design team that understands your business, you can make the kind of impression that turns first-time visitors into repeat customers.

A Quality User Experience Reduces Bounce Rates

Navigability and overall user experience (UX) are essential to any successful website. Internet users aren’t known for their patience, and a laggy or confusing website is a sure turn-off.  A professional web design team can help ensure that your UX is convenient, clear, and seamless, so you can keep those bounce rates low.

SEO Can Drive Traffic to Your Site

You may have an exemplary site, but if users aren’t seeing your brand in their search results, you could be cheating yourself out of much-needed traffic. A professional web design team can determine the keywords and search terms consumers use most often to find businesses like yours in search and can use their SEO expertise to optimize your site. They can also help localize your site to appear more prominently in search results for the communities you serve.   

Can Your Site Withstand a Sudden Spike in Traffic?

Sites that crash or become laggy when confronted with heavy traffic are a nightmare for businesses and a turn-off for potential customers. A professional web design team can help make sure your site has the bandwidth to handle your prosperity.

Scalability—Screen Size Does Matter

Today’s online consumers make more than half of their purchases on their smartphones or tablets—which means today’s sites have to be agile and responsive enough to function as seamlessly on a small screen as they do on a laptop. If your site is subject to technical glitches or diminished performance on the smaller screens of handheld devices, you have a problem. A skilled design team can ensure that your site delivers a top quality UX on any device.  

Social Media

If your business is like most, chances are you have a social media presence as well—likely on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Social media offers your business both the opportunity to interact with customers directly, as well as to drive new traffic to your landing page. A seasoned design team can help ensure that your social media accounts are properly linked to your website, so you never miss a chance to attract new business.

At Mighty 8th Media, we are committed to helping build and maintain websites that reflect the highest professional standards and drive meaningful engagement between your target audience and your brand. To learn more about what we can do for your business, contact us today!

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