With millions of websites on the web today, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to deciding on how you want your business to look and feel.

Ahead of starting a web design project, it’s a good idea to do some research, see what your competitors are doing and really take the time to consider what you are looking to get from your small business website.

Here’s some tips on what to consider when planning and preparing for a new website:

1. Consider your target audience
Developing a website that will appeal to your target audience is arguably the most important thing you can do. By understanding your customer’s preferences, buying behaviours and motivations, you can get a feel for how your website can work for them. This customer centric approach to web design will help you achieve the conversions or sales you’ll be hoping for.

2. Use your own brand and identity
It’s very important that your new website encapsulates your existing business branding to create a seamless connection between your online and offline presence. Your brand extends from your logo to your colour palette, the products or services you are offering and your unique selling points.

3. Undertake competitor analysis
It will be very difficult to know what you are up against unless you undertake some competitor analysis. Have a look at the websites of others in your industry, considering the things you like and the things you want to avoid. You can then incorporate aspects of the designs you liked with a fresh and unique approach that will give your business the edge.

4. Consider SEO
With the vast majority of consumers now using search engines to look for products and services, researching and developing key phrases linked to your products or services to embed within your website’s new pages can help you perform in the search results. There are lots of SEO techniques that can be incorporated into your website design, so be sure to do lots of research beforehand.

5. Thing about the user experience
The way the user works their way around your website is key to whether they will purchase a product or make an enquiry about a service. Your website needs to be responsive, so will work across different devices and browsers, load fast so a user isn’t left waiting around and be easy to navigate. With a great user experience, you’re in a strong position to see the results you’re looking for.

To get a website that ticks all the right boxes for your business, speak to our team here at Leicester Websites.