#WebsiteMondays
If foundational elements are overlooked, you risk losing potential visitors and customers, and your brand could gain a negative reputation. To avoid these pitfalls, this New Website Checklist outlines the bare minimum essentials required for a successful website launch.
1. Choose the Right Domain Name
– Selecting a concise and relevant name that reflects your brand is vital. A well-chosen domain name nurtures brand recognition and recall. If users struggle to remember your URL, they might turn to competitors. According to research, 94% of people cite design as the reason they mistrust or reject a website, and this starts with a confusing or unprofessional domain.
2. Select a Reliable Hosting Provider
– Speed and uptime are essential for user experience. 47% of consumers expect a web page to load in two seconds or less, and 40% will abandon a site that takes longer than three seconds to load. Choose hosting that meets your needs to prevent these frustrating situations and maintain visitor trust. Understanding the differences between shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting can help you select the best plan for your anticipated traffic.
3. Create a Clear Website Structure
– Including necessary pages—Home, About, Services/Products, and Contact—is essential for navigation. A clear structural layout not only enhances user experience but also aids in SEO. Research shows that 60% of users abandon a website that’s difficult to navigate. By ensuring easy navigation, you keep visitors engaged and encourage deeper exploration of your site.
4. Develop Quality Content
– Writing engaging and informative content that communicates your value proposition can significantly impact user retention. Content that resonates with your audience keeps them on your site longer. HubSpot reports that businesses that blog receive 55% more website visitors than those that don’t. Enhancing your content with relevant visuals such as images and videos makes it more attractive and engaging.
5. Ensure Mobile Responsiveness
– With over 50% of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, having a responsive design that adapts to various device sizes isn’t just important—it’s critical. Google emphasises mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor for search listings. Use tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to verify responsiveness and ensure users have a positive experience regardless of the device they’re using.
6. Implement Basic SEO Practices
– Optimising title tags and meta descriptions with relevant keywords is essential for improving visibility. According to a study by Wolfgang Digital, organic search is the largest revenue channel for marketers, accounting for 53% of overall traffic. Conducting keyword research helps you understand what your audience is searching for, enabling you to create content that meets their needs.
7. Incorporate Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
– Using CTAs guides visitors toward taking crucial actions, such as signing up for newsletters or contacting your business. The placement of these CTAs is paramount; they should be strategically positioned to maximise engagement. A/B testing shows that even minor changes in wording or design can increase conversion rates dramatically—by as much as 300% in some cases.
8. Set Up Website Analytics
– Integrating tools like Google Analytics allows you to track visitor behaviour and site performance. Regularly reviewing this data helps identify areas for improvement. Websites that actively analyse their data can improve their conversion rates by over 30%, according to research by the Nielsen Norman Group.
9. Install SSL for Security
– Making sure your website has an SSL certificate is non-negotiable for securing visitors’ data, particularly in e-commerce. Websites protected by SSL show as “secure” in users’ browsers, increasing trust. Google ranks HTTPS sites higher than non-HTTPS sites, meaning lacking SSL could affect your site’s visibility and credibility.
Conclusion
Following this New Website Checklist is essential for launching a successful website. By focusing on these basic elements, you can build a robust foundation that enhances user experience and drives engagement. Ignoring these aspects could mean losing potential customers due to poor design, speed issues, or lack of trust. Investing time in these foundational aspects will lead to greater confidence in your online presence and better long-term success.
Getting it Right
To ensure your new website does not fall short, discuss your project with our experts at Consiliuma Web Design. We’re here to help you set up your website for success!
