8 qualities of a good website
In today's digital age, your website serves as the virtual face of your business, and it's often the first point of contact for potential customers. By incorporating these 8 qualities of a good website, you'll enhance your website's online presence, broaden your reach, and remain competitive in the digital marketplace.
A good website has the power to captivate visitors, establish credibility, and drive meaningful business outcomes. It acts as a 24/7 marketing tool, representing your brand and conveying your unique value proposition. A well-designed website with compelling content and intuitive navigation can attract and engage visitors, ultimately leading to increased conversions, customer loyalty, and brand recognition.
At TwoFold, we craft high-converting websites for service businesses. If you need to redesign your site because it’s not performing, get in touch. We can conduct a website audit to analyse why it’s not working and what needs improving, and develop a new website on Squarespace.
Let's explore the 8 qualities of a good website and uncover why investing in a well-crafted online platform is vital for your business's growth and prosperity.
8 qualities of a good website:
1. User-friendly
A good website is user-friendly - it’s intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing visitors to find the information they need quickly and effortlessly.
A good website is structured and designed with clear signposts. You don't have to be a computer whiz to figure it out.
Imagine landing on a website and instantly knowing where to go. The menu is right there, not hiding in some secret corner. The important stuff is easy to spot and finding information is a breeze. You don't have to dig through endless pages or play hide-and-seek with the content. It's all right there, just a click away. It's like finding a treasure map with clear instructions on how to get to the gold.
Why does this matter to business owners? Because when people can browse through your products, services, or content easily, they’re more likely to take those important actions you want them to take. When your site is a breeze to use, visitors are more likely to make that purchase, fill out that form, or sign up for that newsletter. It's like removing all the obstacles and making it super simple for them to say, "Yes, I want what you're offering!"
88% of users are less likely to return to a website after a bad user experience (Toptal) and 42% of people will leave a website because of poor functionality (Top Design Firms 2021). That could be a tonne of potential customers you’re missing out on if your website isn’t user-friendly.
Not only does a user-friendly design make your visitors happy, but it also keeps search engines smiling. Search engines love websites that prioritize user experience, and they reward them with better rankings.
2. Mobile responsive
With the increasing use of mobile devices, a good website is designed to adapt and provide a seamless experience across various screen sizes and devices.
A mobile-friendly and responsive website adjusts itself to fit any screen size. It's like a chameleon that effortlessly adapts to its surroundings.
When you visit a good website on your mobile device, the content is easy to read, the buttons are just the right size for your fingertips, and you don't have to do any awkward zooming or scrolling.
But being mobile-friendly isn't just about looking good. It's about providing convenience and usability. With a mobile-friendly website, you can do everything on the go – from shopping to reading articles – without any frustrating hiccups. With a good mobile-friendly, responsive website, you can browse and interact smoothly, no matter where you are.
3. Engaging design
A visually appealing website design with appropriate use of colours, typography, and imagery helps capture visitors' attention and creates a positive impression. But it's not just about looking pretty; a good website design will reflect the brand's personality and values and attract the target audience. It's like a visual ambassador that communicates the brand's message, creating a connection with the visitors.
When asked what visual elements they value on a company website, 40% of consumers said images, 39% said colour, and 21% said video (Top Design Firms 2021). Ensure your website has plenty of images to help create an engaging design.
4. Fast loading speed
When you visit a good website, you don't have to twiddle your thumbs while waiting for the content to appear. It's optimised to deliver information in a blink of an eye. No long loading screens or frustrating buffering – just instant gratification.
One of the secrets to a fast-loading website is optimizing images. It's like finding the perfect balance between quality and file size. By compressing images without sacrificing visual appeal, a good website ensures that pictures load quickly without hogging all the bandwidth.
Another trick is minimizing plugins. It's like decluttering your digital toolbox and keeping only the essential tools. By avoiding excessive plugins, a good website avoids the bloat and stays lean, resulting in snappy loading times.
But that's not all. Caching techniques also play a part in the speed game. It's like having a supercharged memory that stores frequently accessed information. By caching certain elements of the website, a good website serves them up quickly, saving you from waiting for the same things over and over.
So, when you come across a website that loads in a flash, it's a smooth and efficient experience that keeps you engaged without any frustrating pauses. With a good website, you can access information instantly.
Have you been wrestling with website creation tools for countless hours, only to end up with a site that doesn't reflect your brand or aspirations?
DIYing your website can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it often results in websites that don't look their best. With my website design service I can expertly create a perfectly polished and professional website you’ll love in 3 weeks.
5. Reliable and secure
A good website instils trust by using secure protocols (HTTPS), regularly updating software, and implementing necessary security measures to protect user data.
HTTPS is like a digital bodyguard that protects your information when you interact with the site. It's the padlock icon you see in the address bar, saying, "Hey, relax, your data is safe here!"
But that's not all. A good website knows that security is an ongoing job, like changing the oil in your car. It regularly updates its software, making sure it stays strong and guarded against sneaky hackers trying to exploit vulnerabilities. It's like keeping your fortress fortified and up-to-date, ready to withstand any cyber siege.
So, when you come across a website that's reliable and secure, you can breathe a sigh of relief. It's like meeting a trustworthy friend who knows how to keep your secrets safe. Your data is protected, your privacy is respected, and you can focus on enjoying your online experience without worry.
6. Clear and compelling content
Clear and compelling content communicates the message effectively, conveys the brand's voice, and engages the target audience is crucial for a good website. It’s one of the most important qualities of a good website.
Picture this: you land on a website, and the words just grab your attention. They're like a captivating storyteller, drawing you in and making you want to stay awhile. That's the magic of clear and compelling content.
A good website knows the importance of using the right words to communicate its message. It's like having a conversation with your best friend – you want to be understood, right? Well, a good website does that too. It speaks your language, using simple, straightforward words that get straight to the point.
But it's not just about being clear; it's about being compelling too. The content on a good website is like a magnet, attracting your interest and keeping you engaged. It's not just a bunch of boring jargon; it's exciting, informative, and relatable. It speaks directly to you, addressing your needs and making you go, "Wow, this is exactly what I've been looking for!"
And let's not forget about the brand's voice. A good website has a personality, a unique vibe that shines through its content. It's like having a friend with a distinct sense of humour or a specific way of expressing themselves. It makes the website memorable and helps you connect with the brand on a deeper level.
7. Effective call-to-action
When you visit a good website, you'll notice those buttons that stand out, saying things like "Buy Now," "Sign Up," or "Get Started." They're like guides, pointing you in the right direction. These call-to-action elements are clear and persuasive, making it easy for you to take the desired action, and simplifying the decision-making process. Whether it's making a purchase, filling out a form, or subscribing to a newsletter, a good website knows how to nudge you in the right direction.
But what makes these call-to-action elements effective? It's a combination of factors. They have clear and concise messaging, telling you exactly what will happen when you click that button. They use compelling language, creating a sense of urgency or an enticing valuable benefit. And they're placed strategically, where your eyes naturally gravitate, so you can't miss them. By leveraging these techniques, a good website compels visitors to click, sign up, purchase, or subscribe.
Whether it's driving sales, generating leads, or increasing conversions, CTAs play a pivotal role in using your website to help towards specific business goals. They're like powerful magnets that attract visitors' attention and encourage them to engage further.
Moreover, CTAs enable businesses to track and measure their website's effectiveness. They provide valuable insights into user behaviour, conversion rates, and overall engagement. This data helps businesses optimize their strategies and make informed decisions for continuous improvement.
8. Search engine optimisation
Incorporating search engine optimisation (SEO) best practices can make a world of difference in the visibility and reach of a website. It's like giving your website a powerful megaphone to attract the right audience.
When you have a good website with solid SEO, it becomes a favourite of search engines like Google. It's like having a VIP pass to the top spots in search engine results. By optimising your website's structure, content, and keywords, you're telling search engines, "Hey, look at me! I'm relevant and valuable!"
But why is this important? Well, imagine you're looking for a specific product or service. What do you do? You turn to your trusted search engine, right? A good website with strong SEO ensures that it appears in those search results, capturing the attention of potential visitors who are actively seeking what you offer. It's like a magnet that attracts your ideal audience, increasing the chances of converting them into customers or clients. 53.3% of all website traffic comes from organic search (BrightEdge).
SEO is a crucial ingredient for achieving your business goals and why it deserves your focused attention. SEO can play a key role by growing your customer base, increasing conversions, and boosting revenue. When your website ranks higher in search engine results, it attracts more organic traffic. These are users who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. With SEO, you're not just casting a wide net and hoping for the best – you're reaching a targeted audience that is actively looking for your products or services.
Moreover, SEO helps build trust and credibility for your business. When your website appears prominently in search results, it signals to users that you're a reputable and trustworthy brand. This can influence their decision-making process and increase the likelihood of them choosing your business over competitors.
But how does SEO work? It's a combination of various factors, including optimizing your website's structure, using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, earning valuable backlinks, and ensuring a positive user experience. By following these best practices, your website becomes a favourite among search engines and users alike.
Conclusion of 8 qualities of a good website
By incorporating these 8 qualities of a good website, you can create an engaging and memorable experience for your visitors, build trust and credibility, and drive meaningful business results.
Remember, your website is more than just a digital storefront – it's a powerful tool that can elevate your brand, attract new customers, and foster long-term relationships. Investing in a good website is investing in the growth and success of your business.
So, whether you're revamping your existing website or starting from scratch, take the time to prioritise these qualities and create a website that truly represents your brand and resonates with your target audience. Embrace user-centric design, deliver valuable and engaging content, optimise for search engines, and ensure seamless functionality across devices. By doing so, you'll create a compelling online presence that sets you apart and helps your business thrive.
Now armed with the knowledge of the 8 qualities of a good website, it's time to take action and transform your website into a powerful asset. Remember, your website is the gateway to your brand's digital world – make it a captivating and impactful experience for your visitors.
If you’re overwhelmed by the task of creating or redesigning your website, get in touch! Find out more about my Squarespace website design service.
