9 Web Design Tips for Small Businesses

Let’s be honest, 2020 has not proved an easy year for small businesses. COVID-19 has left businesses up and down the country concerned whether they will be able to continue operating through the on-going restrictions. And it that wasn’t enough it’s looking increasingly likely that we will face a no deal Brexit. Here at Web Design High Wycombe, we can’t wave a magic wand and make all these obstacles vanish. But we are trying to share tips that can help your small business succeed online.

Small Business Web Design High Wycombe

Today we are going to focus on your website. This should be the online shop window into your business, reflecting who you are, what you stand for and also what you sell and how you can help your customers.

If you don’t have a website, it’s about time you get one. If your website is looking a bit dated it is probably time for an upgrade. So, if you find yourself researching what your business website needs here’s a few tips for you to consider:

1. Create a consistent user interface (UI).

This will help visitors to your site navigate and access the important parts with ease. It will avoid user frustration resulting in them leaving your website for a competitor’s site.

2. Ensure your website is easy to navigate.

If navigation is well organised visitors can explore your site without confusion. This can create brand confidence and helps them learn about your products or services without confusion.

3. Make links that have been visited change colour.

By making links change colour once they have been clicked it is easier for users to see which links they have accessed. This improves the navigation of your website and avoids any confusion.

4. Make web pages scannable.

Scannable web pages make it easier for visitors to locate the information they need quickly. You can achieve this by breaking sections of text up with sub-headings. Additionally, a bullet pointed list or well grouped sections of relevant content can help users scan a page quicker.

It’s beneficial to use the first paragraph of text as a summary of the content of the web page visitors are reading. This helps them realise if they’ve reached the page containing the information they need.

5. Be aware of the importance of your content.

Often when it comes to web design everyone wants an ‘all singing, all dancing site’, the focus being on looking good. While this is of course important, it doesn’t mean the content of your site should be secondary to the design. After all, if your website is stunning but can’t be found what’s the point in having a site?

Content, that’s your text, images, videos, infographics and so on, helps your online marketing campaign. Focus on what you write, embed and ensure keywords are included throughout the pages of your site and also in the HTML source code.

6. Ensure there are no errors in your website.

More obviously this means ensuring your written content has no typos, or spelling and grammar mistakes. But additionally, you should ensure that there are no broken links or page load errors/time outs.

Common website errors include:

• • An Error 400 is a Bad request (generic error when the server doesn’t understand the request from the web browser)
  • Or an Error 401 which means Authorisation required (access to the page requires a password)
  • Error 403 means access is Forbidden (you don’t have permission to access)
  • An Error 404 means the page is Not found (the server can’t find the page you’re looking for)
  • Error 405 suggests Method not allowed (the server understands what the web browser is asking but will does not fulfil the request)
  • An Error 500 is an Internal Server error (a generic error that points to an unspecified problem)
  • Or, Error 503 which means Service unavailable (web server is unable to process the request)

7. Ensure buttons are labelled adequately.

Button labels need to clearly explain what the button does. It should describe the action (e.g. ‘Reply’, ‘Buy now’). Visitors to your site should understand what action they are taking by clicking on the button.

8. Build a responsive website.

A responsive website resizes a website to the size of the screen a visitor to your site is using. With mobile devices being used on the go and becoming increasingly more popular it is vital your website can be viewed in full on any size of screen.

9. Test your website.

• • Check how your website performs across browsers.
  • Test performance on mobile devices and desktops.
  • Time how long pages take to load (anything over 3-5 seconds is considered a long time)
  • Test navigation works.
  • Ensure links work.
  • Check your contact page delivers enquiries to the designated email address.

Small Businesses High Wycombe

We are small business specialising in web design in High Wycombe. This is a brief list of things you need to consider when embarking on a web design project. If you’re looking for support through the process we can help set you up for success with our expertly designed websites. We can work to your budget upon request and provide as much (or as little) consultation as you require throughout the process.

Call Web Design High Wycombe Today!

For more information about the packages available for small business web design High Wycombe, get in touch today on 01494 356 778.