It’s common knowledge that businesses with websites tend to grow at a faster pace than those without one. This growth can be attributed to the fact that almost 70% of the global population relies on the internet to access necessary information. In developed nations like the United States, this percentage exceeds 90% ― further emphasizing the importance of owning a well-optimized website.
However, having a website is one thing… transforming it into a lead generating magnet that drives sales for your business is an additional endeavor that requires features and tactics to turn visitors into loyal customers. In today’s blog post, we’ll shed light on a few of different approaches that you can utilize to transform your business’ online presence.
Website Features That Directly Contribute To higher Sales
#1- Easy and intuitive navigation
Why it matters?
One of the first and most essential aspects of your business’ website is easy and intuitive navigation. If users cannot access the information they’re looking for, they’re going to leave your site and look elsewhere. Therefore, crafting a clear and convenient navigation structure is crucial for persuading visitors to explore your website and follow the booking prompts, whether it’s for services or purchases.
Here are three essential elements to include:
- When in doubt, keep the menu as simple as possible, with a limited amount of categories for easy access. Each page should have appropriate, descriptive labels that get straight to the point rather than causing further confusion. They also should be organized both logically and intuitively to assist the viewer with their search.
- Remember, time is money! Incorporate a search bar to make it easier for visitors to quickly find exactly what they’re looking for. With this helpful tool, guests will be able to gather the information they need quicker, increasing the chance of them booking or purchasing from you since it won’t take them forever.
- We also recommend using ‘Breadcrumb Navigation’ to help the user understand his location on your website. That way if they want to go back, they can easily click the previous tab link rather than having to start all over again from the homepage.
#2- Mobile-friendly design
The mobile-first era
According to Stastista, a statistics portal for market data, it’s been reported that in the 3rd quarter of 2024, 98% of global users accessed the internet using mobile phones, predominately smartphones. Which means that if you want your website to generate leads for your business, it’s essential to design layouts that seamlessly adapt to any screen size ― providing users with an enjoyable experience while they’re on the go or in a hurry to find a service/ product.
What makes a website mobile-friendly?
There are several traits that make a website truly mobile-friendly, including the ability to automatically adapt to different screen sizes, compressed images to allow for quicker site loads, minimalist layouts, and call-to-action buttons. By adjusting the content so that it can fit on various Samsung Galaxy, Apple iPhone, and Google Pixel screens, you increase the likelihood of users being able to see your website the way it’s intended. When it’s optimized to download fast and flawlessly on mobile networks, there’s a higher chance people will stay on your site. If it’s not loading properly, most people will just leave and go to another site that does.
In addition, having a clean and minimal design with touch-friendly navigation is easier for visitors to read and look through, often leading to further actions such as calling the business or booking directly from the site. You can encourage this latter action with click-to-call buttons, as well as GPS-enabled location maps, so that people can clearly see where the service or product is and allow them to make an informed decision.
#3- Persuasive Call-to-Action (CTA)
Importance of CTAs
A call-to-action (CTA) is essentially a prompt that is designed to encourage visitors to perform certain tasks, such as: scheduling a demonstration or consultation, signing up for newsletters, downloading resources like eBooks and white-papers, booking a service, or purchasing a product. In other words, CTAs allow businesses to encourage users to take action and make decisions as they navigate the website.
Follow these CTA best practices to increase conversion rates:
- Create a sense of urgency, curiosity, and excitement with CTAs that use action-oriented language. Utilize phrases like “Grab Your Discount,” “Schedule Your Free Demo,” etc. to invoke urgency and encourage users to follow through.
- Make your CTAs interactive and visually appealing so that they effectively grab peoples’ attention with easy-to-follow, actionable steps.
- Place your CTAs strategically at important parts of the website, especially the above-the-fold section/ banner on each page, and wherever you mention booking or purchasing — it provides a clear direction for clientele to access.
- Since things constantly change in the world and the internet, we advise that you A/B test different CTA designs and placements in order to evaluate which options are most effective in converting site visitors to actual customers.
#4- Trust-building features
Importance of the ‘trust’ factor
With anything in business, trust is key. Without users being able to trust your site or your business, you won’t be able to convert them into customers, no matter how great your products or services are. Fortunately, there are a few things you can implement across your website to establish a trustworthy relationship.
Effective ways to build trust online
In order to assure visitors that your business is legitimate and adheres to industry standards, we suggest showcasing:
- Google star ratings and positive reviews from satisfied customers on all pages to help encourage potential buyers to make a purchase or book a service.
- Certificates and affiliations from reputable organizations, signaling to potential customers that your company is trusted within its industry and is worthy of business.
#5- Multiple payment options
How will having multiple payment options help?
When it comes to paying for products or online service bookings, people have numerous preferences. While some prefer to pay with their credit cards, others find a digital wallet to be the most suitable option. Therefore, by offering multiple payment options on your website, you make it convenient for people to complete their purchase/booking without any hassle —directly translating to increased sales and expanding your customer base.
How can I implement multiple payment options?
When providing your customers with a fast and friction-less payment experience, we recommend:
- Keeping payment gateways as secure as possible. Always go for reliable options, like Stripe or PayPal, to provide safe and guaranteed transactions.
- Making the checkout process convenient by limiting the number of steps it takes to complete the payment.
- Displaying all your payment methods in a prominent section on the checkout page so that the information is clear and concise.
#6- Integration with analytics tools
Why does data matter?
In the world of business and marketing, data can help you assess your website’s effectiveness at converting users into customers and, therefore, driving sales. It may assist you in understanding how users are interacting with your website, thereby aiding you with enhancing customer experience and increasing conversions. When it comes to the effectiveness of your site in bringing in business, consider integrating analytics tools to gather useful data like user behavior, sales patterns, and potential pain points.
Tracking tools can monitor website traffic and keep track of conversion rates by:
- Recording specific conversions like purchases and sign-ups
- Monitoring user clicks, scroll time, and spend time with the use of heat-map tools.
Wrapping Up
From easy navigation and mobile-friendly designs to implementing trustworthy features, payment methods, and analytics, you’re capable of understanding the impact your business’ website has on users. Rather than having lengthy content with no call-to-actions and limited payment options, your best bet is to make your site as easy and straightforward as possible. We highly recommend utilizing analytics to further understand your clientele in order to encourage new and returning sales. If you don’t have access to these tools or your site needs assistance, we’re here for you! Our team of expert marketing and SEO professionals incorporate industry standard practices and innovative designs to make sure your website is seen, accessed, and loved by more people. Rather than going at it alone, reach out to us today for our guidance. With our help, we’ll integrate all of these steps to make your website a lead-generating magnet. Have questions or concerns? Contact us today!