There are millions websites out there and each of them was launched with a different intention. Some website owners want to promote their business, others focus on providing various online services, while some decide to provide its readers with latest news and happenings.
However, even though not all website can be placed in the same category, there are several basic things that website owners often fail to include or develop, but that are crucial for the site’s reputation. Countless number of times we’ve visited a site that fails to express its purpose on the homepage or provide contact details. These seemingly silly mistakes can cost website owners a lot and therefore we decided to make a list of the most basic things that every website must have in order to look professional, trustworthy and, of course, attractive.
Informative Home Page
The homepage is possibly the most important page of any website. This is usually the first thing visitors see and if they don’t like its design or can’t get enough information about the purpose of the website, they’ll probably just leave.
Therefore, if you are trying to sell shoes, make that obvious right from the start by including promo banners, mascots and catchy phrases. Also, don’t forget that the most important part of the homepage is the one that initially fits on the screen, since visitors are less likely to scroll down if this part is not appealing to them. So, any magic tricks you have for making people stick around should be used exactly on that part of the homepage.
For example, if you are offering certain bonuses to those who will join your website, similarly to these options available in South Africa, it’s highly recommended to include a promo banner that will catch visitors’ eyes the very second your homepage is loaded.
Contact Details
How many times have you visited a website and when you wanted to ask a question or send feedback you couldn’t find any contact details? Were you irritated? Did you feel the need to never visit that site again? Well, that has happened to all of us at least once and hence we know that contact details are crucial for website operators that want their visitors to be able to get in touch with them.
No matter whether you’ll include the Contact Us link in the footer or in the main menu, make sure it’s visible. Also, your Contact Us page must include an e-mail address. Additionally, if you’re offering services or promoting your business, it’s crucial to include your phone number as well as business address.
The latest trend connected to Contact Us page are Google Maps add-ons that show your exact location and help people find you. That’s also a smart move if you have, for example, a shop, a travel agency or any other brick and mortar business.
About Us Page
Would you trust a website that reveals nothing about its history, owner and so on? No, you wouldn’t and the truth is – nobody in the world would. The about us page may seem like something not that important or something that can, but doesn’t necessarily have to be incorporated into a website. However, visitors love learning more about their favourite website and thus you should always give them the needed information.
What things should be included on the About Us page? Well, this depends on the purpose of the site, but some basic info that can do the trick for all websites are year of foundation, vision, biggest accomplishments and future plans.
FAQ’s Page
Finally, the last but not the least, is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. People always have questions; how to make a deposit, how to get started, how to register, how to use the site and etc. Instead of giving the same answers over and over again to readers that will contact you, it’s smart to provide them with a FAQ section.
Not only will you save time that can be invested into something useful, but you’ll also make it possible for visitors to easily find the information they need.
