Top 4 website mistakes and how to avoid them
Today, most businesses should have a website. A website is your digital shop window and is an important marketing tool to promote your business, attract new customers and keep your current customers informed of what your business is doing.
If you are thinking about investing in a website for your business or are reviewing how well your current website is performing for your business, then read on to find out what website mistakes you need to avoid.
Here are 4 top website mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake number 1: No calls to action
Here are some examples of calls to action:
- If you’re interested in buying a new kitchen then get in touch with us today!
- Call 020 457 6664 today to find out how we can help you increase the value of your house.
- To get exclusive deals and keep up with the latest news, subscribe to our newsletter.
- Book an appointment today for a free consultation.
Calls to action are important because they help to turn consumers into customers. However, 70% of business websites don’t ask visitors to take any action. This means a potential customer could visit your site and leave, without carrying out any action.
Top Tip: Make sure your website has a clean professional layout with an easy-to-find phone number and call to action – featured prominently at the top of all your pages.
Mistake number 2: Irrelevant or too little copy
Many websites make the mistake of being overcrowded and cluttered with information, while others take a more minimalist approach and leave out key information like contact details and opening hours.
It’s important to review the amount of copy you have on your webpages. Copy or content is an important ranking factor for Google, as content on your webpage helps Google to understand what your business is about. When Google understands what your business is about it can return your website as a search result when someone types in a related query.
Top Tip: Make sure your websites contain customised, search engine friendly and compelling content that educates and appeals to visitors who land on your website.
Mistake number 3: No clear path to conversion
According to ReachLocal, 83% of people said they sometimes leave a website because it takes too many clicks to get to what they want.
If they leave your website, then they are unlikely to contact you, or make a purchase.
Therefore it’s important to make sure you make it as easy as possible for customers to get to where they want to, as quickly as possible.
For example: If you want people to make a booking online, then make sure you have a large ‘make a booking here’ icon at the top of the page, and make sure the bookings page is in the main menu on the homepage.
Top Tip: Emphasize you desired conversion path as the most important thing on your website. For example, if you want visitors to call you, make sure you promote your telephone number in large font at the top of each webpage.
Mistake number 4: Your website is not mobile ready
How does your website appear when found on a mobile phone?
Did you know that 68% of the UK population has a smartphone? When it comes to buying things online the UK is global number one – 77% of the population buy goods and services online at least once a month.
Therefore, if your website is not ready for mobile you will be losing customers.
Top Tip: Make sure you have created a mobile-friendly website. Key features of a mobile friendly website include a map and click to call functionality
These are 4 of the most common mistakes small business owners are making with their websites. Do you want to know more?
If so, why not download the e-book ’10 Website Mistakes and How to Avoid Them’ by ReachLocal for more information. ReachLocal services help 1000’s of small businesses capture business on their websites around the world. Download the e-book to see some before and after examples, and check out ReachLocal reviews to hear how ReachLocal has helped small business owners.
