The internet has significantly changed the way that businesses operate. Traditionally, a simple web design with brief information about your business was enough to satisfy internet users, however today, a simple web design will not help your business to thrive. Today, users want much more than this in order to feel compelled to take action when visiting a business’ website.
Listed below are some top reasons why user experience will remain very important in 2016:
The reader is #1
In 2014, Google adjusted its algorithm to make it more user-focused. Where traditionally, many businesses were adopting black-hat techniques such as keyword stuffing, cloaking and hidden text or links to trick Google and illicitly boost rankings, today these practices are more easily detected and websites are punished accordingly.
What’s more important is that the visitor is provided with an enriching web browsing experience where they feel compelled to browse for longer. The structure of the site needs to be user-friendly, easy to navigate through, interesting and resourceful, while all content needs to be useful, accessible, valuable and usable. Though keywords are still an essential part of content marketing and SEO, they need to be used subtly so as not to deter the user or make them feel confused or uncomfortable.
Mobile is everything
The online world is very heavily dictated by mobile usage. When the internet first came onto the scene, mobile phones were almost exclusively used for making phone calls and sending text messages. However, since mobiles shifted to smartphones, more than 60% of mobile phone users are browsing the internet from their mobile devices, so if your website is not compatible with mobile then it stands very little chance of succeeding.
As such, mobile should be a necessary consideration when developing a website. Opt for a responsive web design so that it is automatically compatible across all devices (including smartphone, tablet, iPad and so on). This takes the stress out of creating a website as everything is automatically configured.
Social Media Matters
Social media for business is no longer about promoting your latest goods or services. Today, Facebook wants businesses to really reach out to users with interesting, compelling content that brings value to readers. They have adjusted their algorithm accordingly to ensure that businesses are posting content that followers really want to read.
Personalisation makes all the difference
Whether you’re sending out a welcome email or your latest email newsletter, try to personalise everything so that the individual user is greeted (e.g. ‘Hello Sarah!’ as opposed to ‘Hello.’) This is so easy to implement and reinforces consumer loyalty as it makes the reader feel valued and welcome.
About 8 Ways Media
8 Ways Media your leading branding and web design agency specialising in the creation of bespoke services that are proven to help you succeed as a business.
A you in need of a powerful web design that generates premium results? Look no further. Contact 8 Ways Media today for more information, or fill in our quotation form for your free, no obligation quotation.
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