94 Word on the web! How to brighten up your website Every business needs a website, and just about every business has a website. But with so many sites jostling for the customer’s attention how do you make yours quite literally stand out from the crowd? Sometimes all you need is a little bit of a refresh, a light makeover to turn your website from good enough, to eyecatchingly wonderful. Revisit your goals Whether your aim is to sell products, inspire visitors or offer information, when you first created your website, you will have identified your goals and set them at the heart of your platform. But maybe with the passage of time, those goals may have shifted and expanded. Perhaps you offer more now? Take time to make sure your key objectives are aligned with your website - if not it’s time for a change! Have a digital clear out Once you’ve clarified what it is you want your website to do, it’s time to have a bit of a sort out! The most obvious way to enter the website is via your homepage as it’s the first thing many potential customers will see. Therefore, it’s of paramount importance that the homepage gives a crystal clear idea of what your company is all about and what you can offer the customer. If your homepage is cluttered and confused, take it back to basics. Make sure it’s simple and easy to use with clear headings, considered navigation routes and concise information. Follow the customer journey Faced with complicated navigation routes, too many menu choices and not enough information, customers may well abandon your website and go somewhere else. Make sure your customers enjoy a positive experience on your site by putting yourself in their shoes! Take a few minutes every month or so to go through your website as if you’re a brand new customer, with no prior knowledge of your company. This is a good way to pick up on any potential challenges, mistakes and problems and make your website more streamlined and efficient. Make it fun! Set yourself apart from the competition with unique and inspiring content. Customers expect to be entertained as well as informed nowadays and it can be simple to show off your products in a creative way! Why not create a gallery of inspirational images or a blog featuring tutorials, hints and tips linked to your product? Check your information is up to date This sounds simple, but it’s absolutely key! Your business will be changing every day and you need to make sure your website reflects this. A site that features out of date information and expired offers can look stale and unattractive. Make sure you regularly check that contact information, delivery details and other key information are kept up to date and accurate! Sara Davies gives us tips on how to make your website professional, efficient and easy to use Sara Davies MBE is founder of Crafter’s Companion.
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