You already know that every business needs a website if it’s going to stay competitive in the 21st century. Your business website is the first thing most of your potential consumers will see, so it’s important to update it regularly. Trends change and new technologies streamline how users navigate websites, so staying on top of the latest tech will give you the competitive edge your business needs.

White Spaces are Good

There’s an idea in the business community that white space on your website is just wasted revenue. After all, why leave a blank space, when you can sell ad space or promote your own product? In fact, research has found that users don’t like too much information thrown at them at once. Leaving spaces around text and headlines will give your site a neat, professional look. Polls show that users spend 20% longer on sites that make strategic use of white spaces.

Optimize Your Site’s Speed

The time it takes for your site to load can impact your visibility and performance. Search engines, including Google, will rank your site lower in search results if your load time isn’t fast enough. Additionally, users get frustrated with sites that take too long to load, compelling them to leave your site for a competitor’s faster loading website. This is known as a bounce rate and your bounce rate will increase by 20% for every five additional seconds of load time.

Make Sure Your Site is User-Friendly

Anytime there has been an upgrade or adjustment to your website, you should take the time to personally browse through your web pages. Make sure all of the links and menus work as intended. Also, evaluate the general feel of the site. You want to ensure it’s easy to use and any text can be read without difficulty. If users have a hard time navigating your website, this can cost you sales and future business.

SEO is Still Important

While the rules and trends regarding how SEO (search engine optimization) is used are constantly changing, one thing you can count on is that it will always be a vital tool. In particular, your use of keyword phrases and backlinks is essential to attracting new users to your site. Without the use of SEO, your site won’t turn up in searches and few people will find their way to your website. If you’re unsure how to use SEO to your advantage, hiring a professional would be a worthwhile investment.

Do Carousels Add Value?

More and more businesses are making use of carousels, otherwise known as slideshows. These can be distracting and draw attention away from important information you’re trying to convey, depending on how it’s used. The human brain is wired to notice any type of movement, so, in some cases, a carousel can work against you. However, it’s not always a bad feature to use. For instance, if you sell your products online, a carousel can provide a collection of photos for the same product. This helps the consumer get a better grasp of the product and may boost sales.

Headings Should Be Written with Care

If your website includes a blog, you already know the importance of creating quality posts, but what about your titles and headings? These will be the first things your site visitors will see, so they should stand out. Here are a few tips for creating attention-grabbing headlines:

• Include keywords or keyword phrases
• Summarize the Main Theme of the post
• Keep the wording concise
• Remember that sensationalism sells
• End with a hook

Creating great headlines is important, but you won’t excel at it right away. It’s going to take time and plenty of practice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out new ideas. This is your opportunity to stretch your creative muscles.

These are just a few ways you can help your website stand out in a positive light. When you realize that your website is a consumer gateway to your business, you begin to see the importance of keeping it fresh and relevant. Enlisting the help of Web Design Agency London can help you keep your website visible and competitive even as trends change.