The looming pandemic has pushed people towards online purchases, but that was only part of the trend. E-commerce sales were expected to reach up to £6.5 trillion by 2023, and that figure was growing steadily thanks to the COVID-19 crisis as well. Whether you're a big corporation or a small business, you need to maintain a strong online presence to attract customers, and it's never too late to get started. Furthermore, there are other areas you must consider, like website design and social media presence, as well as other communication methods and innovative technologies. When should a small business invest in web design? This blog post aims to answer this question.
Investing in Quality Web Design for Small Businesses
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Some small businesses think making a website is easy, and to an extent, it is. Just about anyone can create a website with a little research and the right tools, but it's important to consider how much time you can dedicate to the process. A DIY website works for small businesses if you have the time and resources to spare, but it can also be a waste of time and money if you don't have the experience and a clear vision. For more complex website designs, you should consider hiring a professional web design agency to handle the job for you.
Features of Great Web Design
1 - Loading Speed
If your website takes longer than 2 – 3 seconds to load, you're losing potential customers. A good web design agency will make sure your website loads quickly, as well as ensure your pages are optimized for search engines.
2 - Smooth and Easy Navigation
Navigation is what allows your visitors to find their way around your website, and it's an important part of your website design. A professional web design agency will ensure your navigation is easy to use and works across all devices, be it a smartphone or a desktop computer.
3 - Strong CTAs
CTAs, also known as Call To Action buttons, are an essential part of your website design and can dramatically increase your website's conversion rates. A good design agency will ensure your website has a strong CTA in places where visitors are most likely to click on it.
4 - Quality Content Writing
Writing quality content ranks high in importance when it comes to website design. Good content helps explain your products and services in a way that is understandable to your visitors. A professional website design agency will ensure your website has quality content. Whether you have in-house writers, if you're outsourcing it, or if you're doing it yourself, you have to ensure your content is well-written and optimized for SEO.
Conclusion
Digital technology is changing the business landscape, and small businesses will have to constantly adapt to survive and grow. Investing in a professionally designed website is one of the best ways to do that. You can create your own site with a little research and time, but a professional web design agency is better suited to take charge of the project. They are experienced at design, have access to the latest technologies and tools, and know how to optimize your website for SEO. Ultimately, they can create a high-functioning and attractive website while saving you a lot of time and money.
If your business needs affordable web design services, come to Online Designs UK. We'll design you a beautiful, functional website for your business, whether it's a refresh or a brand new project. Talk to us about how we can help you today!