When it comes to commerce, the web is more important than ever. It’s estimated that in 2011 alone, $1.1 trillion in sales were web-influenced. Why is the web so influential? Well, for one thing, the web can reach virtually everyone. Even people who live in extremely rural areas now usually have web connections of some kind. For that matter, people can reach the web from a variety of different devices. Web access isn’t only reached through a computer anymore — people also use mobile devices like phones and tablets to surf the web. This means that if a person is searching for a specific service or product, they’re more likely to look for it online than call around or search through a print magazine or newspaper. The more accessible a business is online, the more likely it will be to generate sales. This is why, in this day and age, many businesses use custom web development services. Why, you might ask, can’t I just design my own website? Well, technically you could. But for most, this results in a waste of both time and money. By using web design services, you get what you want while at the same time ensuring that your website is as advanced and focused on the future as possible. Below, we’ll list a few things to keep in mind when planning your website.
1. Speed
One of the reasons why many companies now use custom web development services is that, while they might have an idea of how they want their website to look, the technical aspects of designing a site are often beyond them. This is particularly true when it comes to a website’s functionality. It can be difficult to design a website that both looks good and runs according to the rising standards of Internet surfers. Speed is a major issue that can make or break a website’s success. Studies have indicated that 40% of people will abandon a webpage if it takes more than three seconds to load. People just don’t have the time to wait around — and the longer your website takes to load, the longer it takes to convey important information regarding your services or products. By using a website design company, you not only ensure that your website is fast to begin with — but should there be any issues with the site’s speed down the road, you can contact the company and have them fix those issues.
2. Appearance
Nothing turns off a potential customer or client more than a website that is difficult to navigate or dated in appearance. In fact, 46% of people report that a website’s design is one of their top criteria for determining a company’s credibility. If a website is extremely dated, then they’ll assume that your company is dated, and likely pass on it. If it’s difficult to navigate, they’ll get frustrated and abandon the site. Essentially, a company looks more credible if its website is up to date and aesthetically pleasing. Knowledge of how the Internet works is an important factor for most businesses today, and if your website doesn’t look modern and clean, it will convey the message that you, and by extension your company, are behind on the times. Custom web development services can help you achieve the website and look you need, while at the same time appealing to a broader consumer base.
3. Mobile Accessibility
Many people don’t shop online on their computers much anymore. In fact, many people reserve their computers for school and work purposes. They have more fun surfing the web on their mobile devices, like their computers and phones. For that matter, lots of people find shopping online or researching online easier on a mobile device. Therefore, it’s crucial that your site is mobile accessible — this is something to discuss with custom web development services. You want your website to be something that is easy for your customers to access, and user friendly.
