If your answer is no or not completely, then it’s time to consider an update.
In this day and age, there is no room for uncertainty when it comes to the impact the internet has on businesses—and websites are an extremely powerful marketing vehicle for all organizations. Studies show that between 70-80% of people research a company online before visiting the business or making a purchase with them. That means your website is, more often than not, the first impression that a potential customer sees of your brand. It should represent your company in a professional and compelling way that’s in line with your brand identity—or else that first impression could become their last.
Too often, web design is excluded when a company is putting together its brand strategy and identity. Every successful business has its own identity that enforces who they are and what they do. It’s the sum total of your look, your personality, how you communicate and how you improve the lives of your customers; the special sauce that sets you apart. Your brand’s unique personality can attract the right customers to your business and impact your bottom line. And if your brand has a solid identity, visitors expect that your website is going to be an extension of that identity and of your business, acting in a way that highlights your brand and what it stands for.
With 75% of consumers admitting to making judgements on a brand’s credibility based on the company’s website design, your site needs to immediately tell them exactly what you do and effectively communicate the values of your business. The instant reaction that a visitor has about your site is a powerful and lasting one.
Take a few moments to audit what your own website is reflecting to see if it passes the brand identity test. Here are some questions to think about:
Your website is the most important component of your online presence. The impression that your website leaves with visitors has a lasting impact on your ability to win and retain customers, as well as high-quality employees. It’s where your brand identity should come through in full force, and if it isn’t, there’s no better time than the present to hop on the best practices bandwagon.
Whether you don’t yet have an online presence, or your online presence needs a major facelift, BatesMeron is here to help bring it up to par with everything your brand stands for. Don’t waste one of your best marketing tools—give us a call today.