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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" > <channel> <title>Green Cardinal Design</title> <atom:link href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com</link> <description>Website and Design Agency</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:10:59 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.8</generator> <image> <url>https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-649af1_850d337135694cea94e391a6003ed09c_mv2-32x32.jpg</url> <title>Green Cardinal Design</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height></image> <item> <title>4 Major Benefits of Google Ads Management You Must Know About</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com/4-major-benefits-of-google-ads-management-you-must-know-about/</link> <comments>https://greencardinaldesign.com/4-major-benefits-of-google-ads-management-you-must-know-about/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Web Dev]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2022 10:01:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Google Ads]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://greencardinaldesign.com/?p=328054</guid> <description><![CDATA[Did you know 90% of the world's internet users see Google Ads?It can be challenging to compete with the big guys as a small business owner. You need to use all of the tools at your disposal, especially Google Ads.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_0 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_0"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_0 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Did you know <a href="https://www.digitalmarketer.com/blog/why-adwords/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">90% of the world’s internet users</a> see Google Ads?</p><p>It can be challenging to compete with the big guys as a small business owner. You need to use all of the tools at your disposal, especially Google Ads. But like any powerful tool, you’ll need a certain level of expertise to take full advantage.</p><p>That’s where Google Ads management comes in. By using the right services (like ours!), you can get an edge on your competition and reach more potential customers.</p><p>Curious to see why? This blog post will discuss the benefits of using Google Ads management services and how they can help your SME grow!</p><h2><strong>What is Google Ads?</strong></h2><p>Google Ads (formerly known as Google AdWords) is an online advertising service that allows businesses to display ads on Google Search and other Google-owned properties.</p><p>(By the way, Google handles about <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/google-search-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">63,000 search queries per second</a> — that’s a lot of eyeballs!)</p><p>Ads are displayed based on keywords that users enter into the search engine, and businesses can bid on these keywords to have their ads displayed.</p><p><img class="wp-image-328060 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2..png" alt="google ads" width="1072" height="813" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2..png 1072w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2.-980x743.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2.-480x364.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1072px, 100vw" /></p><p>From: <a href="https://blog.hootsuite.com/google-ads/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hootsuite</a></p><h2><strong>What Are Google Ads Management Services?</strong></h2><p>Google Ads management services are provided by third-party companies that specialize in managing Google Ads campaigns.</p><p>These companies will help you create online ads, manage your campaign, and optimize your ads for maximum impact.</p><h2><strong>Why Use Google Ads Management Services?</strong></h2><p>There are many benefits of Google AdWords management services, including:</p><ul><li>Getting more leads</li><li>Saving time</li><li>Improving ROI</li><li>Gather in-depth data and analytics</li></ul><p>Interested yet? Let’s do a deep dive on each.</p><h3><strong>Get more leads</strong></h3><p>When people click on your ad, it will take them to your website, where they can learn more about your products or services. This can lead to more sales and customers for your business.</p><p>But you can’t just do something like this:</p><p><img class="wp-image-328061 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/3.png" alt="google ads" width="482" height="105" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/3.png 482w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/3-480x105.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 482px, 100vw" /></p><p>Note the plain headline and negative description. You’re more likely to send money to a Nigerian prince than click on this ad.</p><p>Here’s a good one from Upwork:</p><p><img class="wp-image-328062 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/4.jpg" alt="google ads" width="790" height="300" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/4.jpg 790w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/4-480x182.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 790px, 100vw" /></p><p>The headline contains the benefit to the customer, and the description expands upon it — an agency or ads manager likely created this ad.</p><p>Creating a good Google search ad takes a lot of thought and planning. You need to think about the keywords you want to target and the message you want to communicate to potential customers.</p><p>This requires skills in:</p><ul><li>Search engine marketing strategies</li><li>Copywriting</li><li>A/B testing</li><li>Karate and/or Kung Fu (just kidding)</li></ul><p>You also need to make sure that your ad is eye-catching and relevant to the keywords that you are targeting. If your ad is irrelevant, people will simply click other links on the search engine results pages — your ad spend will go to waste.</p><p>This is where Google Ads Management services can help. A good Google Ads manager will offer professional services across SEM, creative, and data analytics.</p><h3><strong>Save time</strong></h3><p>Managing a Google Ads campaign can be time-consuming. Here are just some of the tasks that go into creating an effective campaign:</p><ul><li><strong>Keyword research</strong>. Conducting keyword research is an essential step. This can be a time-consuming task: you need to find the right balance between popular keywords that will generate a lot of traffic, low competition keywords that you can rank highly for, and less popular keywords that are hyper-targeted to your products or services.</li><li><strong>Creating ad copy.</strong> Copywriting is an essential part of the ad campaign. It requires creativity, wit, magic, and an understanding of marketing psychology. (Okay, maybe one of those is untrue).</li><li><strong>Setting up campaigns and ad groups. </strong>The campaign’s initial setup is a crucial step that can determine its success. If done correctly, it can generate valuable data for the future.</li><li><strong>Adjusting bids and budgets.</strong> While we tend to approach campaigns for online ads with a ‘set it and forget it’ attitude, they often require continuous evaluation and adjustment. Campaigns are flowers, not cacti.</li><li><strong>A/B testing. </strong>You also need to continuously monitor your campaign and make changes as necessary to improve results. This can be a full-time job — one you may not have time for if you’re already running a business.</li><li><strong>Reporting on results</strong>. It’s crucial to record outcomes to build the basis for future ad campaigns.</li></ul><p>If you don’t have the time or expertise to do all of this yourself, hiring a Google Ads management service can be helpful. That way, you can free up your time to focus on running your business.</p><h3><strong>Improve your ROI</strong></h3><p>One of the primary benefits of Google Ads management is that it will help improve your ROI by ensuring that your ads are effective and reach the right people.</p><p>Several factors go into ensuring you get a positive ROI on your Google Search ads:</p><ul><li>The ad must be relevant to what the user is searching for. To ensure relevance, you have to research your target audience, their online behaviour, their search intent, and how that translates into their Google searches.</li><li><strong>Quality of the ad. </strong>The ad must be well-written and eye-catching. It’s easy to write a lot — but it’s hard to communicate just as much in fewer words. You’ll have to master this skill to create Google ads that convert.</li><li>The ad must be targeted to the right audience. Effective targeting requires a deep understanding of your target audience, their online behaviour, and how they use Google Search.</li></ul><p>While it might seem like a more significant upfront cost than doing your Google Ads in-house, a Google AdWords management service will multiply your ROI in the long run. And who doesn’t like more money?</p><h3><strong>In-depth analytics and insights</strong></h3><p>Another one of the key benefits of Google Ads services is that they can provide you with in-depth analytics and insights into your campaign. This information can help you to improve your campaigns and get better results.</p><p>There are many types of data involved in a PPC campaign, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Impressions: </strong>The number of times your ad is shown.</li><li><strong>Clicks: </strong>The number of times people click on your ad. (Surprise, surprise!)</li><li><strong>Click-through rate (CTR): </strong>The percentage of people who see your ad and click on it. A high CTR is good — it means people are interested in your offering.</li><li><strong>Conversions: </strong>The number of people who take the desired action on your website, such as making a purchase.</li><li><strong>Conversion rate: </strong>The percentage of people who take the desired action on your website out of the total number of people who click on your ad.</li></ul><p>This can quickly become a lot of data to comb through. For example, say your impressions are high, but your CTR is low — do you have a relevant keyword but poor copy? Or did you create high-quality copy, and it’s limited by poor targeting?</p><p>Unless you have a crystal ball or a genie’s wish, Google Ads management services are your best bet to track all of this data. They can also provide insights into what is working well and what needs improvement.</p><h2><strong>Types of Google Ads Management Services</strong></h2><p>There are many different types of Google Ads Management services. Some offer a complete suite of services, while others focus on specific areas, like copywriting or data analytics.</p><p>Some standard services offered by Google Ads Management companies include:</p><ul><li><strong>Campaign setup and management: </strong>This involves setting up your campaign, researching keywords, and creating ad copy.</li><li><strong>Reporting and data analysis: </strong>This involves tracking your campaign’s performance and insights into what works well and needs to be improved.</li><li><strong>A/B testing: </strong>This involves testing different versions of your ad to see which one performs better.</li><li><strong>Copywriting: </strong>This involves writing compelling ad copy that will capture people’s attention and persuade them to click on your ad.</li></ul><p>Overall, these services have one core objective: get in your Google Ads account, create search ads that convert, and bring you more business online.</p><h2><strong>How to Choose a Google Ads Manager</strong></h2><p>Not all Google AdWords management services are created equal. When choosing a service, you should consider the following factors:</p><p><strong>The size of your business: </strong>If you’re a small business, you might not need all the bells and whistles that a large enterprise would require. Conversely, if you’re a large enterprise, you’ll need a service that can scale to meet your needs.</p><p><strong>Your budget: </strong>Search ads can be expensive, so it’s crucial to find a service that fits within your budget.</p><p><strong>Your goals: </strong>What are you looking to achieve with your Google Ads campaign? Make sure the service you choose matches your expectations.</p><p><strong>Your level of expertise: </strong>If you’re new to Google Ads, you’ll need a service to provide you with guidance and support. Conversely, if you’re an experienced user, you might want a service that offers more advanced features.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_cta_0 et_pb_promo et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark"> <div class="et_pb_promo_description"><h2 class="et_pb_module_header">Grow Your Business With Google Ads Management Services Today</h2><div><p>If you’re looking for a way to boost your SME, then Google Ads management services may be the answer. By taking advantage of the benefits listed above, you can get ahead of your competition, boost return on ad spend, and reach more potential customers.<br />So what are you waiting for? Get in touch today and let us supercharge your Google Ads!</p></div></div> <div class="et_pb_button_wrapper"><a class="et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button" href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/google-ads-management/">Get in touch today!</a></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_2 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><h3><strong>What is Google Ads management?</strong></h3><p>Google Ads Management is the process of creating and managing Google Ads (or Google AdWords) campaigns. This includes setting a budget, choosing keywords, designing ads, and tracking results.</p><h3><strong>Why use Google Ads management Services?</strong></h3><p>There are many benefits of using Google Ads (or Google AdWords) management services, including reaching a wider audience, getting more leads, saving time, and improving your return on investment.</p><h3><strong>Can I combine Google Ads management with other marketing efforts?</strong></h3><p>Yes, you can use Google Ads or (Google AdWords) management services in conjunction with other marketing efforts, such as search engine optimization and content marketing. This can help you to reach even more potential customers.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://greencardinaldesign.com/4-major-benefits-of-google-ads-management-you-must-know-about/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How to Master Website Homepage Design: The Only Guide You’ll Need</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-master-website-homepage-design-the-only-guide-youll-need/</link> <comments>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-master-website-homepage-design-the-only-guide-youll-need/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Web Dev]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2022 15:37:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Websites]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://greencardinaldesign.com/?p=327855</guid> <description><![CDATA[The homepage is probably the most important page on your website. After all, it is the first thing that your visitors will see when they arrive on your website. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_1 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_3 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">The homepage is probably the most important page on your website. After all, it is the first thing that your visitors will see when they arrive on your website.</p><p>Your homepage quality will influence your conversions, SEO rankings, and bottom line — for better or for worse. But don’t panic!</p><p>This comprehensive guide will discuss website homepage design and give you all you need to create a page that will impress your visitors and help you achieve your business goals. Let’s go!</p><h2><strong>Why is Website Homepage Design So Important?</strong></h2><h3><strong>Nail the first impression</strong></h3><p>First impressions count, especially when it comes to your online presence. For every website, the homepage is a critical page. When someone visits your site, it’s the first thing they’ll see. A solid first impression is crucial!</p><h3><strong>Establish that you’re credible and trustworthy</strong></h3><p>Your website homepage is also your opportunity to establish credibility and trust with your visitors. You can do this by including elements like customer testimonials, awards, certifications, and more. (Heck, even an encouraging text message from your parents works!)</p><h3><strong>Show what you offer</strong></h3><p>The homepage is also the perfect place to showcase what your business has to offer. This could include a list of products or services, photos or videos of your work in action, or even a ‘featured product’ section.</p><p>Whether it’s an investor, customer, enemy, or friend, they should walk away from your homepage with a solid understanding of what you do.</p><h3><strong>Guide customers to your other pages</strong></h3><p>Finally, the homepage can provide lead visitors to the next step — whether that’s subscribing to your newsletter, giving you a high-five, downloading a white paper, offering you a compliment, or making a purchase. (Three truths, two lies).</p><h2><strong>How Do I Create a Good Homepage?</strong></h2><p>Creating a good website homepage can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few easy tips to help you create a page that will impress patrons and help you succeed.</p><p>First, you need to decide what you want your homepage to achieve:</p><ul><li>Is it meant to introduce your company and its products or services?</li><li>Or is it meant to provide more in-depth information about your business?</li><li>Are you trying to gather emails for potential leads?</li></ul><p>Once you’ve determined your goal, you can start designing the page. It’s essential to develop your page with your visitors in mind and ensure that it is visually appealing and easy to use.</p><ul><li><strong>Convey a robust and concise idea as your main header/hero message. </strong>Be sure to use a clear and easy-to-read font and use headings and subheadings to break up the text.</li><li>You should also include a section that contains the most critical information — <strong>a lead content block that offers an overview</strong> or a pitch.</li><li>Finally, don’t forget to <strong>include a call to action!</strong> This could be a form for visitors to fill out, a button to click, or simply a link to another page on your website.</li></ul><p>Let’s go into more detail on these essential homepage features, plus two other must-haves:</p><h2><strong>Homepage Design Essentials You Cannot Miss</strong></h2><h3><strong>Hero message</strong></h3><p>The hero message on a webpage is the primary message you want to communicate to your visitors. You should feature your hero message prominently on your homepage, usually in the form of a headline or tagline.</p><p>Your website’s hero message should:</p><ul><li><strong>Be clear and concise: </strong>You only have a few seconds to capture your visitor’s attention. Make sure that your hero message is short and to the point.</li><li><strong>Be attention-grabbing: </strong>Use strong language and visuals to make your hero message stand out from the rest of the content on your homepage. A clear, readable font, paired with a high contrast background, goes a long way.</li><li><strong>Communicate what you do: </strong>Your website visitors should know what your business does within seconds of landing on your homepage. Ensure that your hero message communicates your company’s mission, goals, or offerings.</li></ul><h3><strong>Lead content block</strong></h3><p>A lead content block is the section of your homepage where you showcase your most important content. Make sure that the lead content block is both attention-grabbing and informative.</p><p>Some things to consider when creating a lead content block:</p><ul><li>What’s the most critical information that you want to communicate?</li><li>Who is your target audience?</li><li>What kind of tone do you want to set?</li><li>What action do you want website visitors to take?</li></ul><p>The lead content block should be prominently featured on your homepage and should be easy for website visitors to find. It’s often a good idea to place it near the top of the page, above the fold.</p><h3><strong>Call to action</strong></h3><p>A call to action is an instruction that encourages website visitors to take a specific action. It’s essential to include a call to action on your homepage, as it can help you achieve your business goals.</p><p>Some things to consider when creating a call to action:</p><ul><li>What do you want website visitors to do?</li><li>What is the desired outcome?</li><li>How can website visitors easily complete the desired action?</li><li>Are there any obstacles that might prevent website visitors from completing the desired action?</li></ul><p>The call to action should be easy to find and easy to complete. It’s usually best to place it below your hero message and above the fold. You can also include one in your navigation menu, but do this sparingly!</p><h3><strong>Contact information</strong></h3><p>Your website should allow visitors to contact you with ease. This means including precise and up-to-date contact information on your homepage.</p><p>Some things to consider when including contact information:</p><ul><li>What is the best way for website visitors to get in touch?</li><li>Do you have more than one location?</li><li>Is your contact information easy to find?</li><li>Is your contact information up-to-date?</li></ul><p>It’s usually best to place contact info near the bottom of the page, below the fold. You may also want to consider including a map if you have multiple locations.</p><h3><strong>Footer</strong></h3><p>The footer is the section of your website that appears at the bottom of every page. It typically includes links to important pages on your website, copyright information, and contact information.</p><p>Some things to consider when creating a footer:</p><ul><li>Are there any vital pages that website visitors should be able to access from the footer?</li><li>Do you have any social media profiles that website visitors can follow?</li><li>Is your contact information up-to-date?</li></ul><p>The footer is an integral part of your website: it’s usually best to place it at the bottom of every page, as it will also help you with SEO internal link building.</p><h2><strong>Tips For Building A Website Homepage That Converts</strong></h2><h3><strong>Write a winning headline</strong></h3><p>Writing a good headline can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. To make an eye-catching headline, you’ll need to focus on the benefits that your product or service offers. You should also make sure that your headline is relevant to your target audience.</p><p>Here are some common frameworks for writing compelling copy (plus examples for inspiration):</p><p><strong>Problem-Agitate-Solution:</strong></p><p><strong>Hero vs. Villain / Us vs. Them:</strong></p><p>Audience-Service:</p><h3><strong>Include aesthetically pleasing visuals</strong></h3><p>Your website homepage should look stellar! Aesthetically pleasing visuals can help create a favorable impression and encourage people to stay longer on your website.</p><p>For example, slideshows and videos can be a great way to capture website visitors’ attention and introduce them to your business. They can also help you simply explain complex concepts. When creating a slideshow or video, be sure to keep it concise.</p><h3><strong>Use testimonials to show credibility</strong></h3><p>Testimonials are a great way to build trust and credibility with site visitors. If you have happy customers, showcase their testimonials on your homepage! Avoid using generic or fake testimonials — they will only hurt your business in the long run.</p><p>When choosing testimonials to feature on your website, look for ones that:</p><ul><li><strong>Are real: </strong>Make sure that the testimonials are from real people who have actually used your products or services.</li><li><strong>Are relevant: </strong>Choose testimonials that are relevant to your business and target audience.</li><li><strong>Are specific: </strong>Generic testimonials are not as effective as specific ones. Look for testimonials that mention specific products, services, or features.</li></ul><h3><strong>Send a clear and concise message</strong></h3><p>Your homepage must have a clear and concise message. This means that you should focus on one or two main goals and communicate them effectively to your visitors. Don’t try to cram too much information into a small space — it will only confuse and overwhelm your guests.</p><h3><strong>Ensure visitors have easy navigation</strong></h3><p>A well-designed website homepage should be easy to navigate. This means that your visitors should be able to find what they are looking for with ease. If they spend too much time hunting for information, they’ll quickly lose interest and move on to another website.</p><h3><strong>Optimize for multiple formats</strong></h3><p>Like the rest of your website, your homepage should be attractive and functional on mobile devices, desktops, and tablets alike. Responsive/interactive web design is your friend here!</p><h3><strong>Frequently change it up</strong></h3><p>There’s a high chance that the homepages featured in the next section will be different by the time you read this — and that’s okay! Homepages are meant to be dynamic; they should adapt to your current brand message, campaign, release, etc.</p><h2><strong> The 7 Best Homepage Design Examples We’ve Seen</strong></h2><p>To make your website’s homepage design brilliant instead of just good, we need to look at some examples.</p><p>Here are the homepage designs we’re going to look at:</p><ul><li>FreshBooks</li><li>Airbnb</li><li>Evernote</li><li>TED</li><li>KIND</li><li>Basecamp</li><li>Netflix</li></ul><h3><strong>FreshBooks</strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327861 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1-2.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="609" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1-2.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1-2-480x418.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>FreshBooks gets a lot right with this homepage:</p><ul><li><strong>Effective headline. </strong>Their header is a great example of the classic audience-service format: the ‘Owners’ are the audience, the service is ‘Accounting Software’. They delivered the core message in just five words.</li><li><strong>Repeated call-to-action.</strong> Typically, having two CTAs on your homepage isn’t a great idea — but FreshBooks repeats the ‘Buy Now & Save’ prompt twice so you know it’s the ideal action.</li></ul><h3><strong>Airbnb</strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327862 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2-1.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="593" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2-1.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2-1-480x407.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>Whenever anybody discusses homepage designs, Airbnb inevitably comes up. Here’s why:</p><ul><li><strong>The core offering is front and center. </strong>Airbnb helps you find places to stay when you’re traveling, so they place their search bar above the fold where you cannot miss it.</li><li><strong>Unconventional header and CTA. </strong>Your copy should address your readers’ concerns and validate them — Airbnb does that with this headline. The CTA is in first-person, making the page more personable.</li></ul><h3><strong>Evernote</strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327863 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3-1.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="639" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3-1.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3-1-480x438.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>Evernote joins Airbnb in the upper echelons of fantastic homepage designs. It’s changed several times over the years, but some things persist:</p><ul><li><strong>They have balanced messaging. </strong>Their header is compelling and straightforward, while their lead content block describes a few key benefits. Evernote provides a suite of productivity tools beyond just note-taking, so it’s crucial they can communicate all of their advantages.</li><li><strong>The right visuals. </strong>There are a lot of note-taking apps out there — by using mockups of their UI, Evernote can differentiate itself right off the bat. If the homepage leads to an app download, this is an especially great idea!</li></ul><h3><strong>TED</strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327864 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/4-1.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="643" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/4-1.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/4-1-480x441.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>The TED website curates its massive library of content, so the homepage has lots of potential for the organization:</p><ul><li><strong>Uses the homepage to its fullest. </strong>TED Membership is the organization’s contribution system to collect funds in exchange for live events, Q&As, and more. This is clearly a vital business goal since it features so prominently — if you’re focusing on a major campaign, shill it front and center!</li><li><strong>The leading block is recent content. </strong>You’ve probably watched one TED talk, which led to another, and another, all the way down an internet rabbit hole that ends at 3 AM. TED knows this, so they start you off with recent content right away. Then, just follow the white rabbit…</li></ul><h3><strong>KIND</strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327865 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/7.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="552" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/7.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/7-480x379.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>KIND bars are popular health snacks that you can order as a subscription service. They also offer some excellent website design inspiration:</p><ul><li><strong>Strong visuals. </strong>Firstly, KIND bars have great packaging — showing them off in the hero visuals is an attractive choice. Secondly, the image shows you what you can expect if you subscribe, assuaging any uncertainties a site visitor may have.</li><li><strong>Interactive web design. </strong>You don’t need to develop a new-gen digital experience to make your homepage interactive. A slider — like KIND’s — is really all you need.</li></ul><h3><strong>Basecamp</strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327866 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/6.jpg" alt="website" width="677" height="700" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/6.jpg 677w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/6-480x496.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 677px, 100vw" /></p><p>Basecamp is a fascinating example of how to keep your homepage dynamic and relevant. Notice how that first header emphasizes remote work? It’s from February of 2022. Now, look at the same web page but in January of 2020:</p><p><img class="wp-image-327867 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/8.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="304" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/8.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/8-480x208.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>No mention of remote work at all.</p><ul><li><strong>Keep your homepage relevant. </strong>As remote work became an increasingly important topic, Basecamp must have realized that A) their product is great for remote teams and B) they could capture growing search volume around remote work.</li><li><strong>Casual call-to-action. </strong>Most B2B project management software is very professional and robotic in its language. Basecamp takes a different approach with a non-committal “Give Basecamp a Try”. The number of companies below is also great social proof!</li></ul><h3><strong>Netflix</strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327868 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="693" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9-480x475.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>Netflix’s starting page is understated and simple — but that doesn’t mean it’s not a brilliant homepage design:</p><ul><li><strong>Say no more than necessary. </strong>Netflix’s NPS (net promoter score) is off the charts. You probably knew about Netflix long before you bought it. So, when you get to the homepage, you want minimum friction when signing up. Netflix knows they don’t have to try too hard to sell you on their service, so they limit copy and simplify the CTA.</li><li><strong>Understated visuals can be just as compelling. </strong>The background image is a series of shows and Netflix originals you’ve probably heard of before. It’s constantly updated with new shows and movies, so you can always get a peek at the latest content. (We all have to catch up on Ozark!)</li></ul><p> </p><p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_4"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_cta_1 et_pb_promo et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark"> <div class="et_pb_promo_description"><h2 class="et_pb_module_header">Perfect Your Website's Homepage Design Today</h2><div><p>Your homepage will be easy to use and visually appealing if you follow these simple tips. Experiment with different layouts and design elements until you find a combination that works for your business. And don’t forget to include a clear headline, an engaging slideshow or video, and easy-to-find contact information.</p><p>By implementing these elements, you will be able to wow visitors and accomplish your goals with no issues.</p></div></div> <div class="et_pb_button_wrapper"><a class="et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button" href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/bespoke-website-design/">Get in touch today!</a></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></h2><h3><strong>How do I create a homepage for my website?</strong></h3><p>There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You should experiment with different layouts and designs until you come up with the right fit for your brand. Remember to have a descriptive headline, engaging content, and accessible contact information.</p><h3><strong>What are some common website homepage design mistakes?</strong></h3><p>Some common design mistakes include:</p><ul><li>Cramming too much information into a small space</li><li>Failing to include a clear headline</li><li>Making it difficult for visitors to navigate the site</li></ul><h3><strong>How can I improve my website’s homepage design?</strong></h3><p>If you’re not happy with your website’s current homepage design, there are a few things you can do to improve it.</p><ul><li>First, take a look at the overall layout and see if you can change anything to make it more user-friendly.</li><li>Second, try to rephrase your header in as few words as possible.</li><li>Finally, optimize your visuals so they all convey the same message.</li></ul><p>Whether it’s a custom wedding website, SaaS product, or government database, these tips will help regardless!</p><h3><strong>How long should my website’s homepage be?</strong></h3><p>There is no definitive answer, but longer is generally better. Aim for anywhere between 1,500 and 2,000 words. Supplement this with rich testimonials, images, video, and other interactive content.</p><h3><strong>What should be on the homepage of a website 2022?</strong></h3><p>Some essentials include:</p><ul><li>Hero message/headline</li><li>Lead content</li><li>CTA</li><li>Contact info</li><li>Footer</li></ul><p>On top of that, ensure you offer easy navigation, aesthetically pleasing visuals, and testimonials.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-master-website-homepage-design-the-only-guide-youll-need/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>What is a Landing Page? The Best Tool In Your Arsenal For Converting Visitors</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com/what-is-a-landing-page-the-best-tool-in-your-arsenal-for-converting-visitors/</link> <comments>https://greencardinaldesign.com/what-is-a-landing-page-the-best-tool-in-your-arsenal-for-converting-visitors/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Web Dev]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:01:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Websites]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://greencardinaldesign.com/?p=327841</guid> <description><![CDATA[Did you know that 53% of marketers spend at least ½ of their entire budget on generating leads? Clearly, lead generation is an essential part of business. The number one strategy behind it?]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_2 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_6"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">Did you know that <a href="https://www.ruleranalytics.com/blog/inbound-marketing/lead-generation-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">53% of marketers</a> spend at least ½ of their entire budget on generating leads?</p><p>Clearly, lead generation is an essential part of business. The number one strategy behind it? Creating effective landing pages.</p><p>But what is a landing page exactly? And more importantly, how can you make sure that your landing pages convert more than they bounce?</p><p>This blog post will answer these questions and provide some tips on creating high-conversion landing pages. Ready? Let’s go!</p><h2><strong>What Is a Landing Page?</strong></h2><p>A landing page is a standalone web page on your website designed to drive visitors towards a specific action. For example, you might use a landing page to promote an upcoming event or collect email addresses for future marketing campaigns.</p><p>A good landing page will be relevant, easy to find, and well-written with compelling visuals that immediately capture the reader’s attention.</p><p>A typical landing page has three main components:</p><p><strong>The headline</strong> – this is what people see first when they land on your site (e.g., “Sign up to get 30% off your first order!”). The goal here is usually to get someone’s attention. It should be short but catchy enough for them to read what comes next.</p><p><strong>The body copy</strong> – this is where you’ll put all of your content. Use brief paragraphs broken up by images, video clips, and other visuals that appeal directly to your visitor’s questions about your offer.</p><p><strong>The call-to-action button (CTA)</strong> – what does your visitor need to do next? Is it signing up for an event or subscribing via email so they can receive updates? Whatever the goal may be, make sure there’s no confusion about what action should be taken once a prospect lands here.</p><h2><strong>Different Types of Landing Pages</strong></h2><p>There are many different types of landing pages. Overall, they fit into two categories:</p><ul><li>Lead generation landing pages</li><li>Conversion landing pages</li></ul><p>We’ll cover some examples of both:</p><h3><strong>Squeeze Page</strong></h3><p>In 2022, <a href="about:blank">78% of marketers</a> see growing engagement with email campaigns. Bottom line: email is an unfairly powerful channel.</p><p>A squeeze page is a landing page used to collect email addresses. The goal is to get people to sign up for your mailing list by giving away something of value, such as an ebook, white paper, or first-born child.</p><h3><strong>Lead Capture Page</strong></h3><p>A lead capture page is very similar to a squeeze page, but it collects information about potential customers rather than email addresses.</p><p>It usually includes a form where visitors can enter their contact info in exchange for some sort of incentive, such as a discount coupon, access to exclusive content, or just a really solid high-five.</p><p>Remember, the average bounce rate for a website <a href="https://www.semrush.com/blog/bounce-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is around 50%</a>. So, if you’re asking visitors for more info than usual, your offer needs to be very compelling.</p><h3><strong>Paid Search Landing Page</strong></h3><p>The average ROI for a <a href="https://techjury.net/blog/ppc-stats/#gref" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google Search Ad is 200%</a> — if you want to take advantage of those search engine results pages, you’ll need a landing page.</p><p>A paid search landing page is designed specifically for people who have clicked on one of your ads on social media or search engines. The goal is to convince them to either buy what you’re selling or sign up for more information about what you have to offer. Think Twitter bio, but a million times more powerful.</p><h3><strong>Click-through Landing Page</strong></h3><p>A click-through landing page is used when the visitor has already decided that what you’re offering sounds exciting and wants to learn more before making any purchases.</p><p>The goal here is not necessarily conversion but rather engagement. After all, the average CTR for <a href="https://mixpanel.com/blog/optimizing-call-to-action/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTA buttons is around 5%</a>. Pages like this typically need testimonials to really put a ring on the visitor.</p><h3><strong>Long-form Sales Landing Page </strong></h3><p>A long-form sales landing page is a more detailed version of your standard product landing page. It’s designed to persuade people who are already interested in what you’re selling to make a purchase.</p><p>On average, people spend just under a <a href="https://www.klipfolio.com/metrics/marketing/average-time-on-page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">minute on web pages</a>. That’s why this type of landing page usually includes lots of images, videos, and testimonials to help seal the deal.</p><h2><strong>Which Kind of Landing Page Should You Use?</strong></h2><p>The right type of landing page depends on what you’re trying to achieve in your marketing campaign. If you’re looking for email subscribers, a squeeze page or lead capture page might be the best option. If you want people to buy what you’re selling, a paid search landing page or click-through landing page would be more appropriate.</p><h2><strong>Why Should You Use Landing Pages?</strong></h2><p>Like memes, landing pages are an essential part of any marketing strategy. They’re a great way to increase your website’s conversion rate by focusing on specific goals. That lets you provide the right content and call-to-action for each campaign.</p><p>Landing pages also help you track the results of your marketing efforts so you can see what’s working and what needs improvement. And since they’re easy to create and relatively inexpensive to produce, there’s no reason not to use them!</p><h2><strong>Benefits of Using a Landing Page</strong></h2><p>Landing pages have several benefits, including:</p><p><strong>Increased conversions. </strong>It’s easier to convert visitors when they’re on a page that’s been designed specifically for what you want them to do. This means there won’t be any distractions like navigation bars or sidebars with links to other pages competing with your primary goal!</p><p><strong>Improved SEO ranking. </strong>Landing pages provide an opportunity to target specific keywords and phrases that you wouldn’t normally rank for on your website’s homepage. And since Google likes websites that are regularly updated with fresh content, using landing pages is a great way to give your SEO efforts a little boost.</p><p><strong>Easier tracking and analysis. </strong>Landing pages make it easy to track the results of your marketing campaign so you can assess and iterate on your creative. You can then use this information to create future campaigns that are even more successful!</p><p><strong>Quick and easy creation. </strong>Creating a landing page typically takes less time than creating an entire website from scratch — plus, there are plenty of online templates if you feel like copying someone’s homework (no shame, we’ve all done it).</p><h2><strong>How to Make a Killer Landing Page</strong></h2><p>The time has finally come to build your own landing page. But how do you go about this? Here are some landing page best practices to follow:</p><p><strong>Keep it simple. </strong>The most successful landing pages are clean and uncluttered with just enough copy to get your point across — without overwhelming visitors (or Google). You should also include an easy-to-read CTA button throughout the page, so people know what action they’re supposed to take next!</p><p><strong>Make sure you have a clear goal in mind. </strong>And not a New Year’s Resolution — something that will stick. Make sure that your goal for this campaign is not only achievable but measurable too. And remember: keep it specific! A generic goal like “I want more money” is relatable — but it won’t cut it here.</p><p><strong>Use images and videos. </strong>People are visual creatures, so using eye-catching photos and videos is a great way to reel them in. Plus, it helps break up the text and makes your page more interesting to read.</p><p><strong>Include testimonials. </strong>Social proof is a powerful tool, especially on landing pages. Including quotes or endorsements from happy customers can help convince others that they should buy what you’re selling too!</p><p><strong>Make it easy to share. </strong>If people like what they see on your landing page, chances are they’ll want to share it with their friends on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. So make sure you include buttons or links for easy sharing!</p><p><strong>Test, test, test! </strong>The only way to know what works best for your company is by testing different versions of the same landing page and seeing what gets better results.</p><h2><strong>Landing Page Examples to Learn From</strong></h2><h3><strong><u>Airbnb</u></strong></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327850 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="608" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/1-480x417.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p><img class="wp-image-327851 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="575" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2-480x394.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>This Airbnb landing page has conversion as its center. It’s designed for people curious about hosting on the platform, and it does several things right:</p><ul><li>Clear call-to-action</li><li>User testimonials</li><li>Information resources</li></ul><h3><a href="https://lp.therowhouse.com/try-row-house?amp_device_id=s8MdMyuwybbZawdTYA2gG3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Row House</strong></a></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327852 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="415" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/3-480x285.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>This lead generation landing page from Row House hits the mark perfectly. While the bottom half of this landing page isn’t anything extraordinary — it doesn’t have to be.</p><ul><li>Header copy is clear and memorable</li><li>Body copy is concise and informative</li><li>Video background is attention-grabbing</li></ul><h3><a href="https://sunbasket.com/try/90off-sunbasket/?gcid=9947148695&gclid=CjwKCAiAksyNBhAPEiwAlDBeLHMNKlXo-dY9i4gxPQOn6iobuZMsbxFhcioFIkyEUWkd8CoNeWkocRoC9xsQAvD_BwE&offer=SEMBMKSPRING90&utm_source=google&utm_medium=semnb&utm_campaign=conversion&utm_content=mealkits&utm_term=price&message=price&ggid=107168528370&gfid=&gcrid=554397088984&gnwk=g&gdev=c&gpos=&gmkw=blue%20apron&gkmt=e&gtgt=kwd-512472970&gdevm=&gplc=&gptg=&grnd=14573399088873978888&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_107168528370_w_kwd-512472970_h_1019105_ii__d_c_v__n_g_c_554397088984_l__t__e__r__vi__&gclid=CjwKCAiAksyNBhAPEiwAlDBeLHMNKlXo-dY9i4gxPQOn6iobuZMsbxFhcioFIkyEUWkd8CoNeWkocRoC9xsQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sunbasket</strong></a></h3><p><img class="wp-image-327853 alignnone size-full" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/4.jpg" alt="website" width="700" height="497" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/4.jpg 700w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/4-480x341.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 700px, 100vw" /></p><p>This lead generation page from Sunbasket follows a classic formula. Tease a compelling offer ($90 + 1 free gift), then hide it behind a form. Here’s what’s great about this landing page:</p><ul><li>Bright colours and imagery</li><li>All the information is available front and center</li><li>One of the CTAs is ‘Claim Your Free Gift’ — by making your visitor feel ownership, you can boost conversions.</li></ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_7"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_7 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_cta_2 et_pb_promo et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark"> <div class="et_pb_promo_description"><h2 class="et_pb_module_header">Start Creating Landing Pages That Convert Today!</h2><div><p>Now that you know what goes into an excellent landing page, it’s time to get started! The best way to learn is by example, so be sure to check out some of the best landing pages out there and see what makes them work. And don’t forget: always test multiple landing pages to see what gets the best results.<br />Still curious about landing page optimization, web design, and beyond? </p></div></div> <div class="et_pb_button_wrapper"><a class="et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button" href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/bespoke-website-design/">Get in touch today to learn more!</a></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_8"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_8 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</strong></h2><h3><strong>What is the purpose of a landing page?</strong></h3><p>Generally, landing pages work toward some kind of conversion. While it typically depends on where someone is in the marketing funnel, that conversion is usually from impression to lead (a lead-gen page) or lead to customer (a sales page).</p><h3><strong>How long should my landing page be?</strong></h3><p>There’s no set answer, but it’s essential to keep your copy concise and easy-to-read, so people don’t get overwhelmed or distracted. Generally, shorter web pages are easier to read — but harder to rank (for SEO). Finding a balance is critical.</p><h3><strong>What’s the difference between a landing page and a website?</strong></h3><p>A landing page is typically a single web page designed as part of your marketing campaign. On the other hand, websites are what you use to host all of your content (blog posts, product pages, etc.).</p><h3><strong>What does a landing page consist of?</strong></h3><p>A landing page usually has a headline, a subheadline, introductory text, and a form. It may also include images or videos and testimonials from happy customers.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://greencardinaldesign.com/what-is-a-landing-page-the-best-tool-in-your-arsenal-for-converting-visitors/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>7 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Web Design Agency</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com/7-reasons-why-you-should-hire-a-web-design-agency/</link> <comments>https://greencardinaldesign.com/7-reasons-why-you-should-hire-a-web-design-agency/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Web Dev]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2021 11:48:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Websites]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://greencardinaldesign.com/?p=327679</guid> <description><![CDATA[]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_3 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_9"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_9 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Not having your own business website is a bit like hosting a dinner party without a table. Sure, it’s doable, but your visitors won’t be pleased about it — why on Earth would you do that?</p><p>Without a professional website, your business or project fails to get in front of thousands of eyeballs. And let’s face it, we all need a little attention.</p><p>That’s where a website design company comes in. By the end of this explainer, you’ll know precisely why professional web design agencies are the key to unlocking your online presence. Ready? Let’s go!</p><h2><strong>What Is Web Design?</strong></h2><p>Web design is a process that considers the design of a website’s content and its graphical representation of data. Web design often integrates multimedia, like sound and video, as well as graphics and animation.</p><p>A professional web designer is someone who:</p><ul><li>Designs web pages using many different types of software.</li><li>Optimises user journeys and content.</li><li>Saves puppies from burning houses.</li></ul><p>(Two truths, one lie).</p><h2><strong>How Does a Web Design Agency Work?</strong></h2><p>A professional web design company will work with you to understand your business and what you want your website to achieve. They will then create a design that meets your needs and budget.</p><p>After you’ve approved the design, the agency goes into battle (they’ll build the website). They will also be responsible for getting it hosted and optimising it for search engines.</p><p>Hiring a web design agency is like getting a tattoo: be sure to do your research first, because it’s a pain to hit the undo button. Ask for referrals from friends or family, or check out online reviews. And always ask to see examples of their previous work!</p><h2><strong>What Services Does a Web Design Agency Provide?</strong></h2><p>Web design agencies offer several services, including:</p><ul><li><strong>SEO</strong>. This is about optimising a website to rank higher in search results. Optimised sites are easier for your customers to find, translating to more leads and sales.</li><li><strong>Web development.</strong> This is the process of creating a website using code. A web developer is usually fluent in HTML, CSS, Java, witchcraft, JavaScript, and other elements that make a website tick.</li><li><strong>Graphic design.</strong> This is the art of creating visual elements for a website or print project. A web designer often has skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and other popular graphic design programs.</li><li><strong>Copywriting.</strong> This is the writing of web copy or content for a website. Choosing the right words can <a href="https://unbounce.com/conversion-rate-optimization/design-call-to-action-buttons/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase your CTRs by 90%</a>. Well-written copy can be the difference between a visitor and a prospect — done the right way, it’s a sales magnet.</li><li><strong>User experience (UX) design.</strong> This is the practice of creating an easy-to-use and navigate website. UX design is crucial for improving your visitors’ journey through your site.</li><li><strong>UI design.</strong> This is the creation of graphics and interfaces for websites and apps. An attractive UI will make your website memorable and fun to use.</li></ul><h2><strong>The Downsides of Making Your Own Website</strong></h2><p>Modern tools have made it possible to become an amateur web designer yourself. You might be tempted to build your site with a website template or website builders like Squarespace or Wix.</p><p>If you’re building a simple website just for you, that’s perfectly okay! But for small business owners, non-profits, and other big organisations — it’s a much better idea to hire a professional web design company.</p><p>Here’s why it can be a bad idea to build your own site:</p><h3><strong>It Takes Time and Money</strong></h3><p>Building a website from scratch can take weeks or even months, depending on your skill level. And if you’re not familiar with coding, you’ll need to learn how to use different software programs.</p><p>This can be a costly investment, both in terms of your time and money. To boot, you’d have to invest in expensive design tools that you’d only use once or twice, then rarely ever again.</p><h3><strong>The Results Might Not Be Perfect</strong></h3><p>Building a website is a lot like putting together a puzzle. If you don’t have any experience, it can be challenging to get everything to look and work the way you want. You might end up with a website that’s cluttered, hard to navigate, or just plain ugly. (But beautiful on the inside, we’re sure of it!)</p><h3><strong>You’re Limited in What You Can Do</strong></h3><p>With a website template or website builders, you’re limited to the pre-designed layouts and features, and you can’t customise your site in any way. This might seem like a good thing, but it’s easy for your site to look outdated after just a few months.</p><h3><strong>You’re Missing Out on Tools That Help Grow Your Business</strong></h3><p>Professional web design agencies use tools that can help your business grow. These might include SEO services, web development, copywriting, and more. Without these services, you’re at a disadvantage compared to companies that have hired an agency.</p><h2><strong>7 Reasons Why You Need to Hire a Web Design Agency</strong></h2><p>When it comes to creating or updating a website, many business owners feel overwhelmed. After all, there is a lot to think about – from designing and developing the website to optimising for search engines. This is where a web design agency can come in handy. Here are seven reasons why you should consider hiring one:</p><h3><strong>Reason 1: Professionalism and Experience</strong></h3><p>A professional web design agency will have years of experience creating websites that look great and achieve business goals. They’ll also be up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, which means they can make a website that is both stylish and functional.</p><h3><strong>Reason 2: Time and Money Saving</strong></h3><p>Hiring a web design agency can save you a considerable amount of time. Creating a new website from scratch can take months of work, whereas having an agency do it for you will probably only take weeks.</p><p>You’ll have to pay the company a fee, but this will be <em>more</em> than made up for in the amount of money you’ll save on web designers’ salaries.</p><h3><strong>Reason 3: They Know How to Make a Website That Looks Great</strong></h3><p>Your website needs to look visually appealing (just like you, you charming devil) to stand out from the competition. A professional web design agency will know how to create a design that catches the eye and makes a good impression.</p><p>A web design company can also help ensure your business website looks great on mobile. This is crucial since <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/277125/share-of-website-traffic-coming-from-mobile-devices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more than half the people</a> on the web are using mobile devices.</p><h3><b>Reason 4: They Have Access to Specialised Software</b></h3><p>Professional web designers use various software programs to create and design websites. This includes graphics software, such as Adobe Photoshop, and website-building software, such as WordPress. Web designers also have the skills needed to operate these types of software, which means they can make your website look outstanding.</p><p>If some aspects of your website need speciality work, such as advanced animation or video integration, a professional web design agency will have the resources you need.</p><h3><strong>Reason 5: They Can Help You With Search Engine Optimization</strong></h3><p>Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving the ranking of a website on search engines. Web designers can optimise the website content, structure, and on-page elements like titles, meta descriptions, and anchor text.</p><p>A professional web design agency will know how to do this and can help you achieve better results in less time. In turn, this will help your website attract visitors who are interested in your business.</p><h3><strong>Reason 6: They Can Take Care of All the Technical Details</strong></h3><p>The agency will be responsible for building your website, hosting it, and ensuring that it’s optimised for search engines. An agency can also ensure your website is fast: one study found that lowering load times by 1/10th of a second could <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/web-design-stats-for-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grow conversions by 10.1%</a>.</p><p>This means you don’t have to worry about any technical details — they’ll take care of everything.</p><p>When you hire a professional web design agency, you get access to their expertise in creating great-looking websites. And because they have lots of experience working with clients from various industries, they can create a unique site that feels authentic to your business. This leaves you more time to focus on other areas of your business.</p><h3><strong>Reason 7: Continued Support and Maintenance</strong></h3><p>You are not just getting a one-time service when you hire a web design agency. Most agencies offer continued support and maintenance so that your website stays up-to-date and performs at its best.</p><p>This also means that the agency will help you resolve the issue in the case of a sudden failure. All of this can save you time and money in the long run while also giving you peace of mind.</p><h2><strong>The Bottom Line: You Should Hire A Web Design Agency</strong></h2><p>Hiring a web design agency is a great way to ensure that your website looks great and achieves your business goals. By considering the seven reasons listed above, you can be sure that you are making the right decision.</p><p>If you are interested in hiring a web design agency, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to discuss your needs and recommend the best solution for you.</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_10"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_10 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_cta_3 et_pb_promo et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark"> <div class="et_pb_promo_description"><h2 class="et_pb_module_header">Let's get you going!</h2><div><p>If you are interested in hiring a web design agency, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to discuss your needs and recommend the best solution for you.</p></div></div> <div class="et_pb_button_wrapper"><a class="et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button" href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/bespoke-website-design/">Contact Us</a></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_11"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_11 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><h3><a></a><strong>Is web design hard?</strong></h3><p>Web design is complicated. You need to understand a lot to create a beautiful, functional website that will perform well and help you meet your business goals. That’s where a professional web design company comes in. You won’t have to worry about anything once you go through their work.</p><h3><a></a><strong>Do I need a mobile-friendly website?</strong></h3><p>In the past few years, people have been spending more and more time on their smartphones and tablets. If your website is not mobile-friendly, then many of your visitors won’t be able to access it. In this case, a web design agency can offer you a mobile-friendly version of your website so you can reach new customers on the go.</p><h3><a></a><strong>How long does it take to create a website?</strong></h3><p>The amount of time it takes to create a website varies depending on the complexity and size of the site. For example, do you need e-commerce functionality? A review section? Custom animations or video features? However, most agencies can have a preliminary website design ready for review within two weeks.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://greencardinaldesign.com/7-reasons-why-you-should-hire-a-web-design-agency/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How to Design Your Own Website Quickly</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-design-your-own-website/</link> <comments>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-design-your-own-website/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Web Dev]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2021 11:43:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Websites]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://greencardinaldesign.com/?p=327676</guid> <description><![CDATA[More and more people have realized the benefits of having their own web presence. And no, we are not talking about being on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We are talking about owning a website! ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_4 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_12"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_12 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><!-- divi:paragraph --></p><h3></h3><h3>Want to know how to design your own website?<span style="font-size: large;"></span></h3><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">More and more people have realised the benefits of having their own web presence. And no, we are not talking about being on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. We are talking about owning a website!</span> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- /divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn’t matter if you’re pursuing a passion project just for the fun of it, or if you’re launching a business that you hope to nurture into a multi-million dollar empire.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- /divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You need a website. And what’s more? Fortunately, you don’t have to be a descendent of Albert Einstein to get around designing a website for yourself. That’s exactly what we are going to help you out with this simple guide, how to design your own website.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- /divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, put your creative hat on, and let’s get designing!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- /divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 1: Define Your Website’s Purpose</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- /divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Defining the purpose of your website may sound like saying the obvious, but before you jump right into the creative stuff, you need to be absolutely clear about what you’re setting out to achieve.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- /divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Defining a path at this initial stage helps you maintain course and reach your objectives at the end. So, this is pretty important.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Firstly, one of the easier things to decide about is the structure, industry, and content strategy to adopt for your website. But all of those are what every visitor expects to see, hence won’t necessarily be wowed just by seeing you do them right.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, settling on your Unique Selling Point (USP) is where you need that thinking cap of yours.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">People will see through a shabbily designed website simply put out to generate traffic and bring you more sales. They can easily discern what your intentions are because they can compare your efforts to a lot of other greatly branded websites. If they can’t see what’s unique about you, they won’t visit your site again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What you need is to find a way to link your overall branding strategy to your website’s design. That’s the only way you can come across as authentic and engaging. Make no mistake about it, your visitors want to see reasons why you exist beyond making a profit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What actions do you want your visitors to take when they visit your site?</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once you have established what and who you are as a brand, the next is to decide what action you want your visitors to take after visiting your website. Some websites are just there to put out information, while others may encourage visitors to buy products, subscribe to a service, and so on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Establishing a clear purpose and answering the defining question will ultimately dictate the look and feel of your website.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One crucial component of every website is the landing page. Which every top website conversion rate expert believes should have one laser-focused CTA (call to action) accompanying it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 2: Research Web Design Trends</strong></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You may ask: if I needed to be unique with my website design, why do I have to look at what others are doing?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Valid question. But you can be unique even when conforming with what others are doing in your industry or niche.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.bluecorona.com/blog/20-web-design-facts-small-business-owners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The way a website is designed is an important factor</a>. Hence, it’s important that you take enough time and, at least, look at what your competitors are doing and learn from them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Depending on your industry or niche, websites under them will be designed in a certain way or style, have similar components and processes, and generally feel and look the same. So when you learn how to design your own website, you must know for sure whether your own design fits into what’s prevalent in your sector, or actually disrupts it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It’s good to research by industry rather than by age brackets or gender. There’s a whole lot to learn about web design around your industry like colour theory, fonts usage, and layout style.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you want something completely different from what your niche is offering, it’s all good and fine. But if you choose uniformity with your industry, there’s a clear path.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 3: Choose A Platform</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Admit it: the first thing that comes to most beginners’ minds when they hear top-notch web design is a <a href="https://greencardinaldesign.com">professional design agency</a>. Yes, no doubt a top-tier company will do a great job, but their charges can be expensive.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Luckily, there is an easier and cheaper way out to design your own website by using website builders and e-commerce platforms.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">These website builders are DIY tools that allow complete novices to design and customise their own websites without knowing a single line of code.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are a ton of options out there, but we have put in the work and summarised some of the best options for you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:list --></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Wix: </strong>very popular and generally regarded as one of the best website builders on the market. It has a very friendly editor and an easy-to-use drag and drop feature.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:list --></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Squarespace: </strong>very classy website builder with a premium feel to it. It has a lot of templates to choose from and can come across as very intuitive to creative persons.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:list --></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Weebly: </strong>website platform that appeals most to small businesses. It has great templates options and a user-friendly drag and drop feature.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:list --></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Shopify: </strong>currently the best e-commerce platform out there. It has a very wide range of themes designed specifically for different industries and businesses.<strong></strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Green Cardinal Design: </strong>Well we had to mention ourselves! If you need help with any of the platforms above, reach out to us <a href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/contact-us/">here</a> and we’ll walk you through them. </span></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 4: Select a Theme/Template</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you have carefully considered your choices from step 1 through step 3, you’ll have a clear idea of the template/theme that serves your needs.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A template or theme is effectively the layout of your website. Most platforms will offer you several templates to choose from, filled with example content to give you a feel of exactly how your finished design will look like.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The templates will likely be arranged under categories or industries, with each category served with built-in relevant contents to save you the trouble of adding them later.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the likely industry-curated templates you’ll see include health, tech, news, and start-ups.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 5: Decide on Your Branding Strategy</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you’re wondering when you are going to put in all you’ve learned so far and start designing your website, that time is now.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When designing your website, think of every little detail you decide to include – or exclude – as an opportunity to relate and promote your overall brand. Every visual elements matter and your visitors will certainly be affected by your choices. The colour scheme, font style, and imagery all play a specific role in telling your brand story. So, make sure they are all telling the same story – your brand.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 6: Add and Optimise Your Content</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How to create engaging content is a topic for another day. However, two important things help you present your content in the best way possible to readers: positioning and optimisation.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The positioning</strong> has to do with where content sits on a page, and their layout. When it comes to layouts, research has told us that people consume website content in an <strong>‘F-shape’ </strong>format. For that reason, many websites are laid out with the navigation menu across the top, since it’s the first item most visitors look for their first time on a page.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Optimisation </strong>is a behemoth on its own, but Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is when you make changes to your website to increase its rank when a user performs a search on a platform like Google or Bing.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Things like metadata, images, texts, and responsiveness are just some of the major areas where website optimisation is most needed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 7: Publish Your Website</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It’s time to publish your newly designed website. But remember: the first impression truly counts, so make sure everything from step 1 through 6 is incorporated as intended.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Before you go live, make sure your website is tested thoroughly by other people like family, friends, and colleagues. They are the users, so gather their thoughts and make the necessary changes. Also, there are a lot of UX checklists online that you can use to preview your site before you put it online.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Take your time and make sure everything checkouts correctly. <strong>Then, publish!</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Step 8: Analyse and Improve Your Website</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you’re here, congratulations website builder, you’ve learned how to design your own website! But you’re not quite there yet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now, it’s important to keep track of the performance of your brand new site. Thankfully, most platforms have their own built-in analytics or third-party apps.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You can even configure Google Analytics to your website and be able to track a whole bunch of things like conversion rate, bounce rate, impressions, clicks, etc.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The fact is, a website is never truly a finished product. To constantly keep your website optimised and up to date, you have to regularly keep track of its performance and behavioural stats. If not, your competitors will get ahead of you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>SHOULD You Design it Yourself?</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Depending on your skill level, this whole process may sound too complicated. Especially if it’s your first foray into web designing.</span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, <strong>should you design your website yourself? </strong>That depends on your budget and your requirements. If your site is complex or you want to make the most impact, it’s best to seek the expertise of a professional web design agency.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><!-- divi:paragraph --></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If that’s you and you’d rather we take web designing off your hands and build something amazing, why not check out <a href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/bespoke-website-design/">Green Cardinal Design?</a> </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><!-- /divi:paragraph --></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_13"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_13 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_cta_4 et_pb_promo et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark"> <div class="et_pb_promo_description"><h2 class="et_pb_module_header">Let's get you going!</h2><div><p>If that’s you and you’d rather we take web designing off your hands and build something amazing, why not check out Green Cardinal Design?</p></div></div> <div class="et_pb_button_wrapper"><a class="et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button" href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/bespoke-website-design/">Contact Us</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-design-your-own-website/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>8 Different Types of Websites and How To Use Them For Your Business</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com/8-different-types-of-websites-and-how-to-use-them-for-your-business/</link> <comments>https://greencardinaldesign.com/8-different-types-of-websites-and-how-to-use-them-for-your-business/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Web Dev]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:34:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Websites]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://greencardinaldesign.com/?p=327611</guid> <description><![CDATA[There are 1.86 billion websites online in 2021. That’s more than the population of North America and Europe — combined.]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_5 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_14"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_14 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h1><strong>8 Different Types of Websites and How To Use Them For Your Business</strong></h1><p>There are <a href="https://firstsiteguide.com/how-many-websites/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1.86 billion</a> websites online in 2021. That’s more than the population of <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/continents/north-america-population" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North America</a> and <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/continents/europe-population" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Europe</a> — <em>combined</em>.</p><p>If you’re working on anything in the 21st century, you need a website. But with so much variety out there, it can be tricky to figure out what kind of website best suits your needs — the last thing you want is customer confusion.</p><p>But never fear: we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that covers all the different kinds of websites you should know about. And by the end of the next eight minutes, you’ll know exactly which one is right for you. Let’s go!</p><h2>Eight Different Types of Websites</h2><p>We’re going to go over some of the common types of websites you’ll see online:</p><ul><li>e-Commerce websites</li><li>Business websites</li><li>Portfolio websites</li><li>Non-profit websites</li><li>Brochure websites</li><li>Blog websites</li><li>Entertainment/media websites</li><li>Membership websites</li></ul><p>Let’s take a closer look at each one:</p><h3>eCommerce Websites</h3><p>eCommerce (or electronic commerce) is a rapidly growing industry — <a href="https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/global-ecommerce-sales-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">16.8% in 2021</a>, to be precise. If you run a business where you can sell goods online, you <em>must </em>join this <a href="https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/global-ecommerce-sales-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$4.9 trillion</a> market.</p><p>Your ticket to the e-commerce train? A snazzy e-commerce website, of course! We’re willing to bet $1 million you’ve already run into one. Okay, not really, but the point is this: online stores are some of the most popular types of websites around.</p><p>Here’s what makes them unique:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case: </strong>for businesses selling products and services.</li><li>eCommerce websites must be able to sell goods, consultations, art, etc.</li><li>A shopping cart feature is a necessity.</li><li>Payment gateways that allow for sales through the site.</li><li>Company branding throughout.</li></ul><p>Most businesses you’re familiar with have an online store. Let’s look at Levi’s:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327615" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2-1.png" alt="website" width="892" height="906" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2-1.png 892w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2-1-480x488.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 892px, 100vw" /></p><p>Notice the CTA to ‘Shop Now’, the shopping cart icon in the top right, and product photos on the home page.</p><p> </p><h3>Business Website</h3><p>A business website may sound like an eCommerce store, but there’s a reason they’re two different sections. Business websites are designed to showcase and represent businesses online.</p><p>Suppose your business specializes in bespoke products and services that require consultation or customization. In that case, a business website may be the way for you to give customers a peek into what you do and your past work.</p><p>Here’s how you can identify a business website:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case:</strong> Businesses selling bespoke products or services.</li><li>Displays testimonials, product descriptions, and content about the company culture.</li><li>Its branding is consistent with the company.</li><li>It links back from all the corporate social media.</li><li>There is some kind of CTA — filling out a form, sending an email, signing up for a newsletter, etc.</li></ul><p>Take Deloitte as an example, a consulting firm that works with large corporate clients:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327616" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1.png" alt="website" width="1246" height="774" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1.png 1246w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1-980x609.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1-480x298.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1246px, 100vw" /></p><p>The site prioritizes the company’s content and messaging, Deloitte’s signature green is visible everywhere, and the CTA in the top right leads to a phone call, not a purchase.</p><p> </p><h3>Portfolio Website</h3><p>One of the most creative types of websites you’ll see is the portfolio website (or the personal website). The days of running around with a dossier filled with bent headshots and scattered documents are gone — enter the online portfolio.</p><p>This kind of website is meant to showcase your (or your agency’s) past work and accomplishments. Your goal with a portfolio website is to let your work speak for itself. (If your website is only for you, it’s a personal website).</p><p>Here’s what you can expect:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case:</strong> Displaying creative and visual work from past projects.</li><li>Lots of visual and written content describing previous work in detail.</li><li>Client testimonials or interviews.</li><li>A contact CTA.</li><li>Links to other social media.</li></ul><p>The portfolio website is an ideal choice for creative businesses and people. Let’s take a look at branding agency Collins’ website:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327617" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4-1.png" alt="website" width="1221" height="843" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4-1.png 1221w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4-1-980x677.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4-1-480x331.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1221px, 100vw" /></p><p>Collins has a rotating carousel of all their most recent projects. Their work speaks for itself: big clients like Mailchimp, Spotify, Sweetgreen, and Match Group make a feature. Also, notice the Contact CTA in the upper right.</p><p> </p><h3>Nonprofit Website</h3><p>Nonprofits need websites for the same reasons businesses do: establishing a digital presence, having a platform to distribute their message, and most importantly — a way to collect money.</p><p>If you run a non-profit organization, it’s <em>critical </em>that you have a well-designed, professional-looking website for potential donors and volunteers to trust you. Here are some of the features you can expect from a non-profit website:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case:</strong> Sharing information about the organization and collecting donations.</li><li>Messaging and stories about the nonprofit’s impact.</li><li>CTAs include donating or signing up for a newsletter.</li><li>Should be able to accept donations through an on-site payment gateway.</li></ul><p>Let’s look at <a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Feeding America</strong></a> as an example:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327618" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5.png" alt="website" width="1016" height="987" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5.png 1016w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5-980x952.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/5-480x466.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1016px, 100vw" /></p><p>All the prominent CTAs are about donating or getting involved, and the first content on the homepage is about Feeding America as an organization. In the navigation bar, they also have an entire section dedicated to the problem they’re solving, hunger in America.</p><p> </p><h3>Brochure Website</h3><p>If you’ve ever walked around a small business neighbourhood, you’ve probably been handed a brochure. Most brochures are very simple: two or three pages, a few photos, and some social media or contact info about the business.</p><p>Brochure websites are very similar. They’re handy for small businesses who only need an online presence, not a fully-fledged store or lead generator. Here are a few things most brochure websites have in common:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case: </strong>A digital business card for SMBs.</li><li>A minimal number of pages.</li><li>CTAs are typically singular and direct.</li><li>Lots of contact information: location, phone number, email, etc.</li><li>If it’s for a restaurant, the brochure may just contain the menu.</li></ul><p>Since so much business happens online, the brochure website has fallen slightly out of style. However, its younger cousin, <strong>the landing page,</strong> has gained popularity. Landing pages are typically one-page destinations for marketing campaigns, and their sole purpose is to get people excited about one specific CTA. CashApp is a great example:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327619" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.png" alt="website" width="1271" height="854" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6.png 1271w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6-980x658.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/6-480x323.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1271px, 100vw" /></p><p>Notice the bold colouring, the product display, and exciting graphics. You can use Cash App on the web, but this website’s central goal is an app download. They make it easy by providing a QR code you can scan on your phone.</p><p> </p><h3>Blog Website</h3><p>Of all the ones on this list, the blog is probably the type of website you recognize most. The simple ‘web log’ has been around since the early days of the internet, and it shows no sign of stopping: in 2021, you can find nearly <a href="https://firstsiteguide.com/blogging-stats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">600 million blogs</a> floating around the interwebs. Talk about staying power!</p><p>Blogs are among the easiest websites to start, so they benefit from lots of customization and diversity. Still, there a few features to always look out for:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case:</strong> building an audience to read written content.</li><li>Articles are typically published on a predictable schedule.</li><li>CTA can be subscribing to a newsletter or leading back to a business/eCommerce store.</li><li>Content focuses on a central topic: travel, sports, finance, etc.</li><li>As far as search engines go, blogs are also a great way to rank for specific keywords and concepts.</li></ul><p>One of the most popular blogs in the world is Wait But Why:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327620" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/7.png" alt="website" width="825" height="935" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/7.png 825w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/7-480x544.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 825px, 100vw" /></p><p>Tim Urban (the blogger) writes long-form posts about nearly anything. See how there’s a featured article bolded in the center of the page? Although the visuals may feel out of date, the blog’s email subscriber count speaks for itself. It makes sense, considering the prominent CTA for this website is subscribing to the newsletter.</p><p> </p><h3>Entertainment Website</h3><p>Entertainment and media are some of the most popular types of websites. How often have you gotten distracted from work because you saw an article from the Onion or a BuzzFeed quiz?</p><p>Media websites can include all sorts of content: comics, videos, articles, podcasts. Like blog websites, they can generate revenue via ad placements or (as we’ll see soon) membership subscriptions. Here’s what you can expect from a media or entertainment website:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case:</strong> Showcasing and distributing multimedia content.</li><li>Regularly updated posts and contributions.</li><li>Themed content; current affairs, comedy, business, etc.</li><li>CTAs can vary considerably: buying proprietary merchandise, signing up for a newsletter, etc.</li></ul><p>New York Magazine is an excellent example of what we’re talking about:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327621" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/8.png" alt="website" width="1142" height="921" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/8.png 1142w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/8-980x790.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/8-480x387.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1142px, 100vw" /></p><p>The home page is plastered with different pieces of written content, New York Magazine’s specialty. While the CTA is hard to spot, it’s actually to subscribe to the magazine in the top right. That’s because NYMag is also a membership website, which we’ll discuss right now.</p><p> </p><h3>Membership Website</h3><p>If your business runs a membership website, it probably means your website (or at least the content that lives there) is the product. Membership websites have paywalls between visitors and premium content — you’re probably familiar with video streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus that do this. Paywalled educational websites also do the trick if you’re selling online courses or guides.</p><p>Membership websites generally have some of the following:</p><ul><li><strong>Use Case: </strong>Distributing premium content to a paying audience.</li><li>A subscription service that collects payments from customers on a monthly or annual basis.</li><li>Some content is provided for free to entice new subscribers.</li><li>Usually, the CTA is to subscribe or sign up for a free trial.</li></ul><p>Skillshare is an educational website that ticks most of these boxes:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327622" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/9.png" alt="website" width="1489" height="975" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/9.png 1489w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/9-1280x838.png 1280w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/9-980x642.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/9-480x314.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1489px, 100vw" /></p><p>Some of Skillshare’s original classes on the carousel are offered for free. The website also collects payments and incentivizes sign-ups with a bright green free trial CTA in the upper right.</p><p> </p><h2>Choosing The Right Type Of Website For You</h2><p>Let’s make one thing clear: you don’t have to pick just one. You could have a membership-based blog, an eCommerce store for media and entertainment, a landing page to collect donations — the possibilities are endless. But if you’re a business owner establishing an online presence, consider these two different types of websites most heavily:</p><ol><li><strong>eCommerce store: </strong>Even if you don’t specialize in selling things online, a simple eCommerce website will do wonders for your business.</li><li><strong>Blog:</strong> A blog is a no-brainer. You can attach one to practically any website, they’re a great way to improve your rankings in search engines, and they can bring in new leads.</li></ol><p>You can incorporate all the other websites’ elements into these two, and they’ll combine to make a killer digital footprint. Want to get started on your business’ web design journey? Contact our experts today, and we’ll get you started!</p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_15"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_15 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_cta_5 et_pb_promo et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark"> <div class="et_pb_promo_description"><h2 class="et_pb_module_header">Let's get you going!</h2><div><p>You can incorporate all the other websites’ elements into these two, and they’ll combine to make a killer digital footprint. Want to get started on your business’ web design journey? Contact our experts today, and we’ll get you started!</p></div></div> <div class="et_pb_button_wrapper"><a class="et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button" href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/bespoke-website-design/">Contact Us</a></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_16"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_16 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span>Frequently Asked Questions</span></h2><p><span></span></p><h3><span>What do web designers do?</span></h3><p><span>Web designers are behind the planning and development of websites. They’re usually tasked with turning all the code, media, and content into a cohesive online experience for your visitors. A web designer will also help you with design, engineering, and optimization for your site.</span></p><h3><span>What is a conversion-focused website?</span></h3><p><span>Conversions are desired actions. For businesses and websites, these can vary: signing up for a newsletter, joining a free trial, following on social media, etc. A conversion-focused website is optimized for these kinds of conversions.</span></p><h3><span>Why is visual design important in web design?</span></h3><p><span>The right visual design can make your website feel professional, inviting, and trustworthy. Good graphic design immediately creates a positive association with your website in visitors’ minds. Bad design can turn away customers and hurt your business.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://greencardinaldesign.com/8-different-types-of-websites-and-how-to-use-them-for-your-business/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How to Design a Website that Converts: Tips for 2023</title> <link>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-design-a-website-that-converts-tips-for-2023/</link> <comments>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-design-a-website-that-converts-tips-for-2023/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Web Dev]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2021 13:03:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Websites]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://greencardinaldesign.com/?p=327600</guid> <description><![CDATA[Did you know that e-retail sales in 2020 came out to $4.2 trillion globally? Let’s face it: we’ve all spent more time (and money) online recently than ever before. Here's how to design a website that converts. ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_6 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_17"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_17 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2>Want to know how to design a website that converts?</h2><p> </p><p>Did you know that <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/379046/worldwide-retail-e-commerce-sales/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">e-retail sales</a> in 2022 came out to $4.2 trillion globally? Let’s face it: we’ve all spent more time (and money) online recently than ever before.</p><p>Your website is the portal between your company and a whole world of new customers. If your website isn’t converting visitors, you could be missing out on thousands in sales.</p><p>Fortunately, there are techniques you can apply to make your website a high-converter. And by the end of this seven-minute guide, you’ll be an expert in all of them. Ready to start? Let’s go!</p><p> </p><h2>What Exactly Do We Mean By Conversion Rate?</h2><p>Your website’s conversion rate is the ratio of visitors who perform a certain call-to-action (CTA) to the number of total visitors overall. The CTA is usually a micro-conversion; a smaller action that typically leads up to something bigger:</p><ul><li>For SaaS websites, this is often a free trial.</li><li>Blogs might ask readers to sign up for a newsletter.</li><li>E-commerce businesses may get you to view their offers.</li></ul><p>A significant part of your web design should be focused on creating conversions. Of course, that’s easier said than done — which is why we’ve put together a list of six tips you can use to design a high-converting website.</p><p> </p><h2>6 Tips for Designing a High-Converting Website</h2><p> </p><h3>Tip #1: Determine the source of your bounce rate</h3><p>Before making any significant changes, it’s best to solve your most pressing issues first. That means it’s time to live out those CSI fantasies and do an autopsy on your website. Okay, we’re being dramatic — your website just needs an audit to identify what’s turning visitors, users, and potential customers away. Here are some common problems:</p><ul><li><strong>Downtime</strong> from your web hosting service.</li><li><strong>Slow loading pages.</strong> (For every additional second of load time your visitor’s experience, website conversion <a href="https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/page-load-time-conversion-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">falls by 4.42%</a>).</li><li><strong>Complex checkout</strong></li><li><strong>Poor quality content</strong> <strong>and copy.</strong></li></ul><p>Whether it means switching payment gateways, paying for a CDN, or hiring a new content lead, solving these problems sets you up for success. Average bounce rates are between <a href="https://www.gorocketfuel.com/the-rocket-blog/whats-the-average-bounce-rate-in-google-analytics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% – 60%</a>: anything lower than 20% might be a technical analytics issue, while a rate over 90% probably means a blazing dumpster fire of a webpage.</p><p> </p><h3>Tip #2: Prioritise the audience in your design</h3><p>And we’re not just talking about looks here — although visual attractiveness is another pillar of good web design that we’ll circle back to later.</p><ul><li><b>High-converting websites must be easy to navigate. </b>Make sure the most important parts of your website are easy to access via the navigation menu. This is essential if you want to know how to design a website that converts. Pro tip: include a call-to-action button directly within the menu bar. </li><li><strong>Follow the WCAG.</strong> (Unfortunately, WCAG is not an acronym for a shadowy spy organization). The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are a set of principles for making web design accessible for everyone, covering things like contrast ratios, web-safe fonts, UI elements, and more.</li><li><strong>Use high-quality images and especially videos</strong>. Websites that <a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/03/08/video-marketing-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">use video</a> have conversion rates of 4.8% vs. 2.9% for the ones that do not. On a landing page, it can boost conversions <a href="https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/03/08/video-marketing-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by 80%</a>. Besides, who hasn’t wanted to be a YouTuber/TikToker at some point? Videos can increase trust in you and your brand.</li></ul><p>Here’s a great example: <a href="https://rechargepayments.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Recharge Payments</strong></a></p><p><img class="alignnone wp-image-327602 size-large" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2-1024x618.png" alt="website" width="1024" height="618" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2-1024x618.png 1024w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2-980x591.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2-480x290.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /></p><p>The menu includes every core component of the site, including a button to start on their free plan. You can’t see it in the image above, but they also use a video animation background.</p><h3>Tip #3: Leverage customer behavior data and testing</h3><p>When Rockwell put out ‘Somebody’s Watching Me’ 1984, he probably didn’t realize how prescient his words would be in the digital age. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing though! With so much access to user behavior data on your website, you have all the information you need to optimize your web design for conversions:</p><ul><li>Look at your click-through rate metrics.</li><li>Use A/B split testing to see which calls to action perform better.</li><li>Time spent on individual pages is a strong indicator of what kind of content your visitors want.</li><li>Observe the pages on your site with the most traffic to inform your content strategy moving forward.</li></ul><p>Using data to inform your conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategy also helps you keep track of your progress as you test out ideas.</p><h3>Tip #4: Write a strong headline</h3><p>Landing pages are like first dates — they’re sweaty, important, and everyone’s trying to put their best foot forward. If you want to build a home or landing page that converts, you’re going to need a killer headline:</p><ul><li><strong>Don’t be generic.</strong> Your headline should be memorable and unique.</li><li><strong>Reflect user expectations, AKA message matching. </strong>If someone found your website through an ad or search results promising a discount, they’ll expect the first thing they read (the headline) to reflect that. If not, you can expect your bounce rate to rise.</li><li><strong>Summarize your value proposition. </strong>The key is to empathize with your visitor, user, or customer — instead of focusing on a feature, emphasize the benefit it provides.</li><li><strong>Clarity is king.</strong> It’s tempting to use a witty metaphor or analogy, but in <a href="https://unbounce.com/landing-page-examples/formulas-for-landing-page-headlines-with-examples/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">88% of cases</a>, straightforward headlines have a better rate of conversion.</li><li><strong>Keep it short.</strong> A good principle for first dates and website headlines alike! Headlines aren’t meant to be highly informative, they just need to hook your viewers.</li></ul><p>Test out a variety of headlines to see which ones lead to the highest website conversion.</p><p>Here’s another great example: <a href="https://www.uber.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uber</strong></a></p><p><img class="alignnone wp-image-327601 size-large" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1024x520.png" alt="website" width="1024" height="520" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-1024x520.png 1024w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-980x498.png 980w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/3-480x244.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" /></p><p>It’s short, simple, and speaks directly to the audience (potential drivers, in this case). They’ve also managed to do some very subtle wordplay by using the word ‘get’ twice. Uber is definitely getting a second date.</p><h3>Tip #5: Have a convincing call to action</h3><p>Your call-to-action, or CTA, is what it all comes down to. This is the micro-conversion you’re optimizing for, the gold medal race (cue the intense sports movie soundtrack). A convincing CTA doesn’t just need a good copy — it needs formatting and value-adds as well. Here are some tricks for writing CTAs:</p><ul><li><strong>Don’t break the flow of your content. </strong>CTAs should integrate seamlessly when on-page, and fit the formatting of your web design anywhere else.</li><li><strong>Create a sense of urgency. </strong>Using temporal words like ‘now’ or ‘today’ builds an immediacy that can boost conversions.</li><li><strong>Use action words.</strong> You’re familiar with ‘Subscribe, ‘Join’, ‘Download’, and ‘Try’ — all verbs. Besides, a call-to-action with no real action words is bound to have an identity crisis.</li><li><strong>Offer something of value</strong>. Often, you’re simply trying to get an email address. It’s easier to do this when you offer something useful — think checklists, how-to guides, even a short e-book.</li></ul><h3>Tip #6: Show your visitors you are reliable</h3><p>The Internet is a scary, strange, and wonderful place. While search engines tend to weed out sketchier websites, consumers are still wary of new blogs, stores, and products. Use these strategies to show potential customers you’re the real deal:</p><ul><li>Whatever industry you’re in, you likely have some kind of qualification you can brag about. It doesn’t matter if it’s a degree, award, official accreditation, or just some impressive metrics — it’s time to show off.</li><li><strong>Ratings, reviews, and testimonials.</strong> Social proof is one of the most powerful factors in making a decision, so showing your visitors that you have a history in your field has a massive impact.</li><li><strong>Quality content. </strong>Generating consistently good content provides value to your visitors <em>and </em>search engines — a win-win in our books.</li></ul><p>Here’s an example from <a href="https://business.calm.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Calm for Business</strong></a>:</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-327604" src="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4.png" alt="website" width="981" height="589" srcset="https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4.png 981w, https://greencardinaldesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/4-480x288.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 981px, 100vw" /></p><p>As a B2B product, medium-length testimonials from past and current clients add to Calm’s reliability and reputation.</p><p> </p><h2>Build A High-Converting Website Today</h2><p>Let’s do a quick recap of how to design a website that converts:</p><ul><li><strong>Diagnose </strong>the existing bounce rate issues</li><li><strong>Design </strong>your site with the audience in mind</li><li><strong>Use </strong>customer behavior data for testing</li><li><strong>Write </strong>a clear and concise headline</li><li><strong>Use </strong>value-oriented calls to action</li><li><strong>Show </strong>reliability to your visitors</li></ul><p>Incorporating all these tips can be challenging, which is why we provide professional web design services for operators like you. That way you don’t have to learn how to design a website that converts, as we’ll do it for you. If you’re interested in learning how to get a website that sells, contact us today!</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_7 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_18"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_18 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_cta_6 et_pb_promo et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_bg_layout_dark"> <div class="et_pb_promo_description"><h2 class="et_pb_module_header">Let's get you going!</h2><div><p>If you’re interested in learning how to get a website that sells, contact us today!</p></div></div> <div class="et_pb_button_wrapper"><a class="et_pb_button et_pb_promo_button" href="https://greencardinaldesign.com/bespoke-website-design/">Contact Us</a></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_19"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_19 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span>Frequently Asked Questions</span></h2><p><span></span></p><h3><span>How much is it to design a website?</span></h3><p><span>Web design projects can vary in costs, with some website builders offering monthly options for just a few dollars. Building from WordPress templates may cost you up to $50 monthly, whereas custom-built sites can run into the thousands.</span></p><h3><span>How do you design for conversions?</span></h3><p><span>User-oriented design and attractive layouts are a great start. Quality content can show reliability and increase visibility via search engine results pages. Solid headlines and convincing CTAs also help facilitate micro-conversions. As well, the load time for the pages on your site can play a massive role. Take a look at the above guide again if you really want to nail down on how to design a website that converts. </span></p><h3><span>What is a good conversion rate for a website?</span></h3><p><span>Rates can vary between industries, but they typically range <a href="https://adoric.com/blog/what-is-a-good-conversion-rate-2020/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">between</a> 2% – 5%. This number is likely higher for established brands since conversion often occurs long before customers even visit the site.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div></p>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://greencardinaldesign.com/how-to-design-a-website-that-converts-tips-for-2023/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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