Designing your business website is a process that takes a very specific collection of knowledge.  You have to be in tune with the ways in which technology and the internet work in today’s communities.  You have to have a basic understanding of the experience of web users, and cater to the needs of your digital audience.  Take a moment now, and set yourself a basic foundation for designing your business website. 

Here is a brief description of some of the most important aspects of a successful business website design.

 

Design for movement

Every website, no matter what its function, needs a manner of movement.  Visitors have to have the ability to move around through the content of your business website.  A mode of navigation is foundational in design.

The most traditional implementation of movement into your web design is a stationary navigation bar along the top or side of the layout.  Like this example page shows, visitors can choose from a horizontal list of categories to begin their journey through the site’s content.

 

Design for mobile

Mobile access to the internet is so prevalent in today’s culture that it would be downright negligent to ignore.  You have to design your business website to be functional on a range of mobile devices.

A website that is optimized for mobile access will display properly on a smaller screen.  There is no reason why your viewers should have to pinch and swipe to properly view your website.  Research the use of media queries to quickly optimize your design for mobile viewing.

 

Design for communication

Communication should always be at the top of the list when you’re designing a new business website.  Your business is fueled by the feedback of your viewers and customers.  You need to know what they are thinking and feeling to provide a more efficient experience.

In addition to your “Contact Us” page, you can add other pleas for communication.  Your website’s blog section is a great spot for a comment box.  Your homepage works as an excellent platform for communication as well.

 

Design for content

The content of your business website should always be top notch in quality and relevance.  Add a blog section to your design, and keep it stocked with engaging posts.  Blog readers are loyal, but you have to first draw then in.

Mix up your media when crafting blog posts.  Add top quality images and videos, and mix it up with an interactive poll or social media quote.  Variety will keep your readers engaged for longer.

Learn all about SEO

Search engine optimization is the key to building effective content.  Invest time in researching the concepts of SEO, and commit that information to your memory.  Your website and your business will thank you.

By Eddy Z

Eddy is the editorial columnist in Business Fundas, and oversees partner relationships. He posts articles of partners on various topics related to strategy, marketing, supply chain, technology management, social media, e-business, finance, economics and operations management. The articles posted are copyrighted under a Creative Commons unported license 4.0. To contact him, please direct your emails to [email protected].