Over the past several years, the term “optimization” has become very familiar in the online marketing world. Web searches have changed the way users find information, and getting onto that much-coveted first page ranking has become a business’s ultimate goal. But the typical
strategy for search engine optimization is on the decline, and a game changer is taking its place: user optimization.
We create our websites to draw the attention of Web users. So shouldn’t the users be the ones we focus our optimization efforts on?
A user-optimized website will encourage interaction, increase time spent on each page, and contribute to your company’s branding efforts. Optimize your website for an excellent user experience by focusing on these key areas.
Good presentation
Does your website showcase your company through the use of engaging design and clear branding? Keeping the design and layout of your website fairly consistent throughout all pages will make it easier for users to understand how to locate the information they are looking for. Also be sure to make smart use of whitespace — while it might be tempting to use lots of design elements and get as much information as possible onto each page, it typically leads to disastrous results. Remember: In Web design, less is more.
Excellent writing
Strong content is essential to a well-optimized website. Double-check all copy for spelling or grammar errors before placing it on your site, and ensure the language used is helpful and easy to understand. Place the most essential information on the landing page so visitors can understand the purpose of your website quickly. Save further details for separate, specified pages.
Easy to navigate
A visitor should not have to spend extensive amounts of time searching for what they need. Sort your website into helpful categories and place links in the header to direct them to specific information. A search bar adds further convenience, as it can rapidly locate keywords or phrases a visitor is looking for within your site.
Responsive design
Increasingly more people use their smartphones or tablets as a primary device for internet browsing. If your website isn’t optimized for these smaller screens, it makes it more difficult for visitors to find the information they need. Make sure your website is designed to be responsive to avoid alienating those who browse the Web on smaller devices.
It is easy to forget in the hype of SEO and marketing best practices that our websites are, above all things, a valuable tool for our current and potential customers. A user-centric approach to website optimization will make it easy for visitors to find the valuable information they need on your company’s website.
Optimizing your website is one more step towards marketing success. Contact the professionals at Active Blogs at 800-720-5398 or contact@activeblogs.com for a no-cost consultation.
