Website Design The Do’s and Don’ts. Mark Grenville - It’s Your Web More info: www.itsyouweb.co.za • Questions: mark@itsyourweb.co.za

Designing with the User in Mind Don’t! Clutter your website with too many images, buttons, pop ups or ads. Use low resolution imagery. Use background images that make the content difficult to read. Use Flash. It’s out of date. Do :) Make a mobile friendly version of your website. Keep it simple and clean. Use clear fonts for maximum legibility. Use a professional designer for your logo. Have your Unique Selling Proposition bold and visible when someone lands on your site. Great Example: https://www.google.com/drive/ More info: www.itsyouweb.co.za • Questions: mark@itsyourweb.co.za

Writing Contagious Content Don’t! Stuff your website with keywords. Write long winded sentences filled with jargon and complicated terms Overload your website with information. Let spelling and grammatical errors slip through the cracks. Always proofread your content. Make any promises that you can’t keep. Do :) Write engaging articles that educate your viewers on the solutions you provide and the value you add. Convey your vision - Why you do it, not what you do. Be relevant to the latest news, your focus and needs of your customers. Share your content on other credible websites. Find a credible content writer to develop your site. Great Example: http://www.nespresso.com/colombian- terroirs More info: www.itsyouweb.co.za • Questions: mark@itsyourweb.co.za

Directing your Website Flow Don’t! Let the visitor leave your website because they couldn’t find the contact page. Don’t give too many calls to action, choose the ideal action and promote that. Don’t overcomplicate your navigation, keep it simple and focussed on what's most important for your business. Do :) Determine the action you want your visitors to take, use buttons to lead them on that journey. Have a call to action button on every page. Use Google Analytics to track how visitors interact with your website. Track conversions to provide insight on whether visitors are following the path you want. Great example: https://www.mrd.com/ More info: www.itsyouweb.co.za • Questions: mark@itsyourweb.co.za

Evaluating your own Website Re-evaluate your website at least twice a year. Use this three pronged strategy to get into the mind of your customers. Relevance – Understand what your customers want and then deliver relevant solutions on your website. Keep your eye on the news, keep your content up to date and maintain your focus on the customer. Value – Your website needs to educate your customer on what you do, how you do it and the solutions you offer to add value to their lives. Vision – Your website must communicate your business vision. Your vision isn’t about what you do, But why you do it. If they buy into your vision – they’ll buy your product. More info: www.itsyouweb.co.za • Questions: mark@itsyourweb.co.za