E-commerce had a banner year in 2016, and it is expected to grow further in the coming year. SEO National is thankful to have contributed to the success of many e-commerce businesses, and we look forward to continuing to be part of these teams in the coming year.
(Pixabay / Snufkin)
Here are some principles to guide your website design in the New Year.
- Appearance counts – Websites need a strong design. Amateur designs create the impression that your company is a small, fly-by-night operation instead of a thriving, dependable business. A well-designed website communicates stability and success, even if your business is only a two-person affair operating from a garage. Hire a web designer who knows their stuff.
- It’s the content – Customers go to your site for answers about products and services. Make sure your site can deliver. In order to do this, you need to know your customers. Anticipate their questions. Understand how they make their purchasing decisions. Right from the homepage, establish who you are, what you offer, and what makes you different from the rest of the market. Make sure your content is clear and thorough, covering all questions potential customers may have.
- Navigation – Lay out your navigation before starting your website. You may have different product lines and many types of customers. You must effectively direct each varying customer to the appropriate products. Your potential customers should be able to navigate your site with ease. If you offer downloads (such as catalogs, etc.), make sure the download button is visible and that the link loads quickly.
- Be easily found – It’s a smart practice to hire an SEO specialist to work on your site—someone who stays abreast of the latest trends and algorithms. There is no point in pouring money into a gorgeous website that no one can get to. SEO is complicated and ever-changing. It often pays to defer the task to an expert who can ensure that customers can find you quickly.
E-commerce is projected to skyrocket in the coming years. Position your business now to profit from the projected growth.