Four foundations of a great website

Web Design

Almost every business nowadays has an online presence, and the core of that is their website. However, there is a big difference in having just any website and having a great website. When creating a website for any type of business or organization, there are four foundations that should be considered in order to take the site from being mediocre to being great.

construction website design

First, let’s look at some of the most common problems that websites have. Here is a list of complaints from users about many websites.

  • Poor design
  • Hard to navigate
  • Lacking or poor use of technology
  • Poor brand representation
  • Content is not engaging

When looking at this list it is easy to see that all of those things are basically what a website should be trying to accomplish.

Harm in Getting it Wrong

When it comes down to it, websites have a lot of power to persuade people who are potential customers. Each part of a website design, from how it is designed, the content that is presented, and the technology that is behind it, contribute to how an audience will perceive a business. With this being said, the negative effects of having a shoddy website are profound.

For example, if a website is difficult to use or simply is not well designed, the poor user experiences created by this can erode a company’s reputation, as people will lose trust in the brand. It will seem increasingly tired and out of date.

The same goes for a weak message. If the website is not engaging to the viewer, or it simply doesn’t communicate the necessary information, chances are that the users will click away.

While an ineffective website can create problems, a high-quality website design can deliver many benefits, including a clarity of purpose, brand recognition, increased efficiency, and a greater overall social impact.

Creating a Quality Website

Now that it is seen how damaging a low-quality website can be, let’s look closely at what makes for a high-quality website in order to reap the benefits.

There are four foundations to consider when creating a website for any business, which are brand, content, design, and technology. Let’s take a closer look at these four foundations and how they can improve your overall business strategy when it comes to website design.

Brand Strategy
When it comes to creating a brand strategy, it is important to fully understand what exactly the goals of the business are. The brand is the face of the entire operation. This is what the entire website should be built around, as this is the way that a company will be recognized. All of the other foundations, content, design, and technology will be based on how to support, represent, and advocate for the brand.

Content Strategy
Creating appropriate and engaging content can be one of the most difficult aspects of website development. Developing a content strategy that reviews the content that you already have and determines how good it is will make the process simpler. Then, take a step back to see what is missing, or what can be cut. In addition, throughout the design process it is important to consider how new content will be developed and changed.

Technology Strategy
Unlike creating a billboard or sign for your business, a website relies on code and syntax in order to express the design. It is the technology behind the website that makes it run smoothly and efficiently. The code that is used to create the design is just as important as the content that is seen on the website. If you need to update the site regularly, the site should include a content management system, or CMS.

Make sure to not cut corners in this area, as the technology strategy can break or make any website. If your site runs slowly, this can frustrate users and sink your search engine ranking. If it malfunctions, this will undermine your credibility and confuse users.

Design Strategy
The overall design strategy is what will make everything tangible. The overall design of the website needs to support the other three foundations of a great website. It should be tailored to the audience you hope to reach, and it should be professional and coherent. The overall design is an extension of your brand, which is at its core, and thus it should receive the same care and attention.

Conclusion

A website is an important aspect of any business. It’s likely to be the first interaction you have with a new potential customer, and it might also be the most common way you interact with regular customers, clients, or supporters.

It is important to make sure that your company is able to effectively and fully engage with its internet audience. The only way to do this is to make sure that your website offers a design that not only creates brand recognition, but is easy to navigate and is engaging to your potential clients and consumers.

 


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