A customer-centric web design is a really integral part of the inbound methodology, and will not only help you increase your leads and sales but also keep your customers coming back for more.
Sound too good to be true? Below, I’m going to tell you exactly why you should be using customer-centric web design for your business.
(TIP: If you want to know more about what customer-centric web design really means, check out my blog entitled: ‘What is Customer-Centric Web Design?’
1. Enhance your image
This first one may sound like it’s about you, but it’s not. If a customer comes along and sees that your website not only looks good but is easy to navigate, well-organised, speaks to them AND reflects the character of your business, then your image will be boosted in THEIR eyes.
Doing all of the above will draw more customers in, rather than confusing them with a messy homepage that’s plastered with sales messages, promotions and information about your company. Those are major turn-offs that are likely to send them running directly into the arms of your competitors.
2. Help your customers find what they need
You may have a lot to offer to potential customers, but if your website isn’t easy to navigate, they may never stick around long enough to find it. For instance, have you ever been looking for something specific online and gotten to a website that is just so confusing you end up looking elsewhere out of pure frustration? This isn’t something that will endear you to potential customers.
Instead, look at your website from the eyes of someone who is only just visiting for the first time – what might they be looking for? Are your menus clear enough? Adding a search function may also be a great way to ensure visitors can quickly find what they are looking for – your customers will appreciate it.
3. Increase your conversion rate
It’s no secret that by far the biggest benefit of a customer-centric web design is that you’ll increase your conversions and sales. By optimising your website to guide your visitors through each stage of their buyer’s journey, there’s no chance they’ll be left confused or turned off by seeing the wrong things at the wrong time.
You can do this by providing valuable content that answers all their questions from the research stage, right through to the consideration and decision stages. That way, they’ll be able to decide exactly what they need and what you are offering to them – but the important part is, they’ll only get this information when they need it.
3. Make your website more accessible
It’s important to understand exactly who your customers are, and how they will most likely be accessing your web content. If you know this, you’ll be able to design a site that is the most compatible for them. For instance, if you determine a lot of your customers are mobile users, you could either have a responsive web design that will look just as good on a tablet as it does on a desktop. Another option is to have a specially optimised version of your site for mobile users.
4. Get customers coming back again and again
If you get it right with your customer-centric web design, you’ll be providing your customers with a website that is not only user-friendly and super helpful, but also rewarding and a joy to use. You may even find you’ll get repeat customers who will come back to your site again and again, and keep up-to-date with all your latest news and blogs. They’ll feel welcome, well-informed and inspired to buy your products and services, over those of your competitors.
5. Make your content easier to share
Finally, if you have a great, user-friendly, welcoming site filled with useful, valuable content that your customers love, they will be more likely to share your content with others on social media. For instance, imagine Susan has been reading a blog about solving a problem about her conservatory getting too hot – it’s exactly the same problem her friend Rita has been having. The answer? Share it and tag Rita on Facebook! Providing social sharing buttons makes it easier than ever for your visitors to share insightful blogs and information with their peers.
Conclusion
The benefits of a customer-centric website are clear to see, which is why your next redesign really needs to focus on what your customers want, rather than your designer. A customer-centric web design can enhance your image, help your customers find what they need, increase your conversion rate, and make your easily accessible content ready to share on social media.
TIP: To give you a helping hand, I’m going to put together a customer-centric web design checklist in my next blog – so stay tuned! Even better – why not subscribe to the blog and get it delivered straight to your inbox?