It’s very easy to recognise that you need a business website. It’s only the truly humble stores that may not think they need one - such as a local fishmonger’s or another retail space that has functioned just fine without one for decades.
The truth is, however, that for the value they bring, a website can provide exponential value. But it’s also true that not all websites are created to the same spec, or even need all of the features that may be on offer.
Just because you have an online store with retail product listings, it doesn’t mean you need to rival Amazon for features and services, even if that were possible. Instead of asking what a website can do for you, consider how a website can reflect your brand, and how the value of your company can define and be mirrored in the website that remains constructed.
It’s not easy to build a website, but with a service like Red Spot Design to help you on that way, you’re certainly going to have a better time of it. In this post, then, we’ll discuss how to achieve exactly that, and the worth it may bring.
Many web developers will advise you to focus on the features you will need for your business, and not to structure every pretty addition simply because it looks good. For instance, if you’re developing a website for your restaurant, then a menu page, a photo gallery, a contact form, perhaps a storefront or order form for pre-bookings or gift hampers you create, all of this is important.
Then perhaps nice additions like a blogging space for your head chef can inspire regular visits. This helps keep the footprint of your site light, and makes it into a functional space that reflects the focus, dedication, and streamlined nature of your business offering. Talking through these options with a capable web developer is the best place to start.
In addition to the prior point about simplicity, many web developers will recommend keeping your visual format simple and readable. But there’s no shame in implementing a little aesthetic relevance in how the website presents itself. Using some of the colors from your logo can help you keep the website on-theme, for example.
In addition, you may structure a few simple features such as a dark mode which still reflects your branding, rather than allowing web users to use a software toggle that darkens (and reduces the visual appeal of) your website by itself. Working alongside a capable graphics designer, this can be a great idea.
When a customer visits your website, it’s true that they’ll be there to learn more about your brand. But they may also care about the present condition of your business and what’s going on right now, as opposed to the information about your history and vision in a general sense.
So - a live service update section, be that a webhook showing your Twitter feed, your hours clearly displayed at the top of a screen over a holiday weekend, and how you’ll respond to certain stocking issues. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, many business websites made sure their announcements were clear and consistent.
With this advice, you’re certain to structure your business in the best light.