A study from the University of Missouri of Science and Technology shows that people judge a website in just 2.6 seconds. That quick first impression can decide if they stay or leave. Having a clear and straightforward website is crucial for your business. Here’s why getting your website design right isn’t just nice to have, it’s critical.
Your Users Won’t Wait Around
People are impatient online, and rightfully so. If your site is slow or hard to use, people will leave. According to Forbes, 88% of users are less likely to return after a bad experience. This demonstrates the importance of a smooth and user-friendly website in retaining visitors and converting them into customers.
What users want is pretty straightforward:
- Navigation that makes sense
- Pages that load in under 3 seconds
- A site that works on their phone
- Buttons and links that they can find
- No weird accessibility barriers
Looking Professional Matters
Stanford’s Web Credibility Research revealed a fascinating finding: 75% of people judge a company’s trustworthiness based solely on its website’s appearance. That’s a lot of weight riding on your font choices and color scheme.
Think about it from a customer’s perspective. If you landed on a website that appeared to have been built in 2005, would you feel confident entering your credit card information? Probably not.
Google Cares About Design Too
Search engines now easily spot what makes a good website. Google actively rewards sites that are mobile-friendly, load quickly, and provide a solid user experience. Poor design choices can hurt your search rankings.
The technical aspects that matter include responsive layouts, clean site structure, optimized images, and proper security certificates. Even great content won’t save you if your site’s design is a technical mess.
Design Should Guide People Toward Action
A visually appealing site is excellent, but one that drives action is even better. Clever design guides visitors to buy, sign up, or get in touch with you. This means putting your most important message where people will see it first, making your call-to-action buttons obvious, and removing anything that might distract from your main goal. Some companies have seen conversion rates increase by 400% simply by refining how their site guides users through the buying process.
Your Website Is Your Brand’s First Impression
For many potential customers, your website serves as their initial introduction to your brand. It needs to communicate who you are, what you stand for, and why they should care, all within those first few seconds.
Everything on your website, from the logo to the words, should feel planned and consistent. Your brand should convey the right impression to visitors.
Accessibility Benefits Everyone
Making your website accessible to people with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do; it is also required by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, beyond legal compliance, accessible design typically makes your site more beneficial for everyone.
Features such as proper color contrast, descriptive alt text for images, and keyboard navigation enhance the experience for all users, while also aiding in search engine optimization.
The Competition Isn’t Standing Still
According to Blue Corona’s 2024 research, more than 70% of small businesses have updated their websites in the past year. That means if your site looks or feels outdated, you’re not just missing opportunities, you’re actively falling behind competitors who are investing in their online presence.
Make it Count
Your website can either help or hurt your business. A good design builds trust, improves your Google ranking, and encourages people to take action. At Great Impressions, we know that no matter how long you’ve been in business, a strong website is essential for success.
