There’s a lot that goes into a website and it can be an overwhelming project. Here are six things every website should include.

Call to Action
The homepage is often the first impression of your site. It should be easy to navigate, and visitors should have an idea of what you do in the first few seconds of their visit. Otherwise, you’ll likely lose them to the abyss of the Internet.

What’s the first action you want visitors to take when they land on your website?

This is one of the most important questions to ask of your homepage, and I suggest having a clear call-to-action (CTA) for new visitors. It can be as simple as a “Learn More” button on your homepage that links to your Products/Services page so customers can get a better idea about what you do and what you sell.

Professional Photos
Humans are visual creatures and when it comes to your website appearance is everything. Since first impressions are formed within seconds and most of the information we consume and interpret is visual, quality design can make your site and brand stick in the viewer’s mind as professional and credible. Images on your website act as storytellers, allowing website visitors to visualize your product or service.

Crystal Clear Messaging
Make your purpose clear. Crystal clear messaging makes all the difference when it comes to attracting your ideal client. With so many businesses out there competing for your customer’s time and attention, you need to create, write and communicate a message that tells your customer clearly what it is you do. You need to make sure your message is clear to your customer so it stands out, speaks to the need they have and more importantly, positions you as the only person who can fulfill that need.

Mobile-Friendly
In 2018, the typical website received more than 50% of its visitors via a mobile device. This means that if your website isn’t easy to read on mobile or if your website doesn’t work on mobile, you could be missing up to half of your potential clients.

Contact Form That Converts
The contact page should make it as easy as possible for someone to get in touch with your company. If you have a contact form, make sure you require the information you need to respond to that person. For instance, if someone is inquiring about your wedding flower services, you might ask for their name, email address, wedding location and date. You also want to include an alternative method of contact. While you don’t have to provide a phone number, including an email address in addition to the contact form is suggested. I recommend this because some people would rather email directly instead of completing a form.

Testimonials
When was the last time you spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on a purchase without researching it first? Reviews should be scattered and found throughout the website. Remember, most people don’t spend time browsing every page of your website. Purchasing is primarily an emotional decision – before anyone sees your prices, paint a picture of the experience you provide first. One way to enhance this is by using testimonials from past clients. Consider putting a few well-placed reviews on your homepage, services page and contact us page. These are all pages where someone is making a key decision.