Why seven? It could also have been eight, nine, or seventeen. We could talk for hours about websites and online platforms. But let's keep it concise - this site isn't a newspaper after all. And if you want to know more about optimizing your online portal, give us a call.
7 rules of thumb for a good website
A website online shows who you are as a brand and what you stand for. It is often the first point of contact with your customer, partner, or even potential employee. That your website looks visually appealing is one thing. Usability and effective functioning are at least as important. Ready for a new website? Then keep the following seven rules of thumb in mind.
1: clear structure and navigation
A user-friendly website starts with a logical and clear structure where you can find what you're looking for effortlessly. This requires a clear menu structure and the use of recognizable categories and page layouts. Keep navigation elements consistent: your visitor should be able to reach the most important information within three clicks.
2: mobile-first design
What do you surf on the most? More than half of internet traffic nowadays comes from mobile devices. Therefore, a website must genuinely be designed with mobile use as a priority. Content, images, and navigation must function optimally on all screen sizes. This is essential for a positive user experience and also contributes to good findability in search engines.
3: fast loading time
A slow website is deadly. It drives visitors away and leads to lower conversions. Many visitors leave immediately if a page takes longer than three seconds to load. The solution? Optimize images, choose reliable hosting, and make use of caching.
4: quality content
Content is and remains king. Texts, images, and videos on your website must be informative and relevant, tailored to your target audience. Avoid unnecessary jargon and make the content easy to understand. Also, consider search engine optimization (hello, SEO!) to ensure your content is easily found. Provide regular updates and new content, so visitors have a reason to keep coming back to your website.
5: visual appeal
An attractive website is a pleasure to the eye. Choose a look that aligns with your brand identity: colors, typography, and images should be in line with your brand. There is a fine line between a visually appealing appearance and readability and usability. A good balance between visual elements and white space keeps the design calm and clear. Our professionals know exactly what contributes to a professional appearance and a positive first impression of a good website.
6: clear call-to-action
What is the function of your website? Informing, activating, selling. Therefore, every page on your website has a purpose. A clear and engaging call-to-action encourages visitors to take action. This can be filling out a form, signing up for a newsletter, or directly purchasing a product. Place CTAs in strategic locations and make them noticeable without being intrusive. Ensure that visitors can easily navigate to the next step in their customer journey.
7: reliability and security
A reliable website builds trust with visitors. Therefore, ensure that your website is equipped with an SSL certificate, which encrypts data and keeps your domain secure. Also, clearly display your contact information, company details, and, if relevant, customer reviews and quality marks. Transparency and security increase trust and make it more attractive for visitors to engage with you.