Forbes published an article earlier this year on the top 7 mistakes in web design that small businesses make. We’ve chosen three of the biggest mistakes, given them a positive spin, and brainstormed 3 ways you can improve your small business’s website design.

1. Use a clear call to action.

When a visitor lands on your website, they should be able to figure out where to go next within the first few seconds. Guide your visitors through your website by letting them know exactly what you want them to do, whether that’s signing up for a newsletter, purchasing a product, or calling a toll-free number for more information.

A well-trained web designer will know how to make your call to action stand out on the page. They’ll also know the general path that a visitor’s eyes take across and down the web page so that important elements don’t end up in a visitor’s “blind spot.”

2. Keep your content fresh.

Moved your business to a new location? Change your business hours or prices? Update your website as soon as possible to keep your customers posted on the latest information about your business, products, services, and contact information. It’s a no-brainer, but many small businesses fail to update their websites because of cost and complicated coding.

Without being able to update your website regularly and affordably, you won’t be able to use your website as an effective marketing tool. If your website is difficult to update, switch to a simpler content management system (CMS), such as WordPress. It’s cheaper to maintain, and you don’t need to speak coding language to update the site.

An easy-to-use CMS will save you money on web development services. That’s more money in your pocket for marketing and payroll.

3. Narrow your target market.

If you’re trying to get your message out to everyone but no one is listening, what good does that do you? Instead, focus on a specific group or type of people. Which of your customers are the most loyal? The best brand advocates? The highest spenders over a long period of time? These are the type of customers you want to target for your business.

Figure out the message that speaks directly to these customers. Then focus your marketing efforts around this group of customers.

Web Design MN

Looking for more web design tips? Our Minneapolis web design team is at your service. Give SNAP Agency a call at (763) 548-2297 or send us a note on our contact form.

Image Credit: Johnny does on Flickr