Today’s marketplace can be a difficult atmosphere for the small business owner who must compete with bigger corporations who can afford large overhead and healthy advertising budgets. All is not lost, however, for the savvy small business owner who realizes that the online marketplace can be quite a level playing field. In fact, U.S. revenue spent online has escalated at an amazing pace: 2002 witnessed $72 billion in revenue, while 2010 experienced a staggering $228 billion.

As the statistics demonstrate, today’s consumers want to find their goods and services online. Many customers even base their purchasing decisions on the availability, quality, and ease of a company’s site. As a result, your website development has become increasingly important.

How Does Web Development and Design Affect the Customer Experience?

According to Business on Main, there are several areas that weigh heavily on the minds of potential customers while they peruse your site. If you fail to allay their concerns, you may lose that sale.

Branding

For instance, does your website present your company’s unique brand? Customers desire a relationship with the businesses they choose to frequent; consequently, they want to know who you are, what matters to you, and the service that you promise to your customer.

Clarity

If your site does not clearly present your products and services, then you are really missing the point. Organize your goods in a logical manner and make certain to provide a intuitive navigation program that will lead your guests where they anticipate. Customers who must redirect themselves to find what they desire will typical just redirect themselves to the exit.

Contact

Customers also really want to be able to readily access you if need be. Make certain to display your company’s email address, phone numbers, physical address, hours of operation, etc. If a customer contacts you via an email or phone message, operate with the genuine courtesy to quickly return their correspondence.

Testimonials

Customer testimonial has always been a powerful marketing tool. Today’s customer also wants to know what your previous customers have to say about your business. Does your business carry through on its promises? Are your employees knowledgeable and helpful? Are your products a good value? Provide as many of the answers to these questions as possible, whether through written, audio, or video testimony.

Security

Those consumers who opt not to shop online largely do not because of concerns about security. According to Internet Retailer, 51% of online shoppers worry themselves about security. Make sure to invest in the security your business and customers deserve, and then make certain to advertise those measures.

Order

Lastly, double check that your site effectively communicates with your guest. Once your customer makes a decision, the next steps should be clearly outlined, as well as the shipping options, delivery dates, and special offers.

Minneapolis Web Development

Your web design and development is largely responsible for your website’s positive or negative impact on your business. If you need expertise in putting your best virtual foot forward, give us a call at (763) 548-2297 or contact us by email.