No two websites are the same, all use different practices to set themselves apart from the competition. Whether you are an avid web surfer or have only visited a handful of websites in your time, I’m certain there are websites you have visited that you find more favourable than the rest. They just have that certain something that makes them easier on the eyes, or more pleasant to visit, here are the best website practices according to Stylistic.
Storytelling
When I say storytelling, I don’t mean that you have to come up with some elaborate fairytale to explain your product or service. Storytelling is used to provide your customers with more information about your company, such as where it all began, what it has accomplished, and what it hopes to accomplish in the future.Telling a story helps a customer become closer to the product. When a customer feels closer to the product and knows the reason behind it, it can make them feel compelled to buy it. Not only will it persuade a customer to buy the product, but if they really resonate with the message behind your product, they may become regular repeat customers.
Personalisation
I’m sure that after you decide to create a website for your business, one of the first things that you do is scout out the competition. Peruse their websites and see what makes them tick. While this is a great method to find a starting point and a direction for your website, it can be easy to fall into the trap of becoming just like all the others. A huge part of what makes your business unique and better than all the rest is you. This is why it is paramount to include you on your website. Adding in a bit of personalisation and your own personality is what is going to make your website and your business stand out from everyone else. You don’t want someone to visit your website and forget it because it looked exactly like all the rest. You want them to visit your website and make a striking impact on your visitors so that they don’t forget. You want them to see your website and know that it is yours. For example, we recently created a website for a local pub, The Bell Inn, Smalley. Through our photography and illustrations, we created a personal and friendly interface, helping drive more bookings.
Credibility
This is arguably the most important and undervalued quality by most businesses. Displaying credibility on your website is a fantastic way to communicate to customers the reliability and integrity of your business. Now, figuring out how to make your business seem credible may seem like a confusing task, but I can assure you it’s not. Making your website credible is as simple as being honest with your customers. Be genuine. Say exactly what your products are. Tell me exactly what your services offer. Don’t hide behind the small print and clauses. Make sure that when a customer visits your website, they know exactly what they’re buying. A lack of credibility can lead to a lack of trust and a bad reputation. These things will not only stop repeat business but deter traffic from your website. On the flip side, credibility will encourage regular customers and attract new ones too.
Accessibility
Accessibility is another one of the practices that I believe is frequently overlooked. The internet is a place that anyone has the right to access. This means a very diverse range of people may be part of your internet traffic, including people who have disabilities. People may have disabilities that affect their viewing or interactive experience, so it is important that your website accommodates that. A customer who is comfortable is a happy customer. Accommodating people’s needs makes them feel welcome, and there is nothing better than feeling like you are welcome. A few ways to make your website accessible are:
- Offering text alternatives—making sure that all non-text elements are narrated so that visually impaired individuals can understand them.
- Make your content easy to see and hear. This includes using contrasting colours and making all audio on your website controllable for those who may be hearing impaired.
- Ensuring total functionality through the keyboard: Not everyone can use a mouse. A keyboard may be their only way of interacting with your website.
There are many website best practises out there; these are merely the tip of the iceberg. But we do think that these are some of the most important and undervalued qualities on all websites. If you follow these practices, we believe that it is certain to increase traffic to your website and drive revenue. But most importantly, your website will be a pleasant place to visit.
