Why You Should Have A User-Friendly Website

A website is often compared to a shop window. But it can also be like a shop- if it’s hard to open the door or the items are hard to find on the shelf, then people are less likely to use it. This is one of a few reasons why you should have a user-friendly website.

Part of the brand

Customers often associated a company with their website, and in some cases, it may be their first impression of your business. Aspects such as a website taking too long to load up can put people off, and there is the danger they will spread the word.

Mobile compatibility

Increasingly people are using other devices to access websites, such as tablets and phones. This is likely to become more important as more devices have wi-fi or internet access built in. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your website is not only effective for desktop computers but also optimised for mobile devices.

Right place right time

Have you ever noticed how washing powder often comes in brightly coloured boxes? This is so that people can pick out the brand ahead of others on the shelf. Likewise, having content that people want to see in the right areas will not only have people using your website but also ensures they come back and use your site again.

Information

One thing that often frustrates users is not being able to find contact information. Whether intentionally or not, this can send out the message that you don’t want people to know or get in contact with you. Sometimes it can be as simple as having a header or footer on each page with those details.

Information should also cover telling people about who you are and what your product is. Telling people what you sell, where they can get it, and the history behind your business will mean they identify more readily with your brand.

Refresh the look

With the metaphor of a shop window, over time you need to make sure they’re cleaned, sometimes the glass needs to be replaced and so forth. Likewise, an outdated website will suggest that you are not sufficiently engaged with updating the site.

If you are not sure how to update your site, it is worth using survey sites to get feedback from your customers, as they will be able to tell you how they feel about its presentation, ease of use, and so forth.

Furthermore, building on customer feedback and having the updated site reflect what they want to see will make them feel that you have listened to and engaged with them. This doesn’t necessarily mean you implement every suggestion you are given, but customers are one of the best resources available to you.

Talk to us

We want to help you get more from your website. If you would like to know more about what we have to offer or to discuss your needs in more detail, please contact us today to see what we can do for you.