Your website is a reflection of your branding. It is how people see and judge your business.
75% of web users admit making judgments about the credibility of an organization based on the design of its web site” – BJ Fogg, Stanford Web Credibility Project
Would you buy a new Rolex for $25 from a stranger… Probably not. The price may be enticing… But you wouldn’t trust that it was real.
Why would you try to market your business with a cheap looking amateur website?
People do judge your business by its cover.
First Impression: This includes layout, typography, images and consistency. The design should look professional but not overpowering. Do they see the most important things first? Use placement of graphics and headlines to determine what captures your audience’s first impression.
Credibility: Your website should have a quality appearance. Does it have the image and branding that people expect. This is much more than design; it is organization, layout and messaging. If you are marketing to large corporations, does your website show you as a credible supplier? Make your offer clear and identify the benefits that they will get by using your product or service.
Trust: Your website should have a professional image. Include trust logos on your home page such as BBB, certifications and affiliations that you have. Include your phone number on every page. Create a good about us page. Including a blog helps build you up as an authority in your field.
Make sure your site represents you well. Remember that according to a Stanford University study “75% of web users admit to making judgments about the credibility of an organization based on the design of its web site”