We hear a lot about the importance of Internet user experience, but what all does that really entail? Isn’t it more of a feeling and an outcome than an element?
Well, yes, in a way. User experience makes up the overall feelings the user has regarding the outcome of his or her interaction with your website. Broken down even more, user experience includes these three major components:
Design
Simply put, website design includes preparing, creating, and updating Internet web pages.
It involves the graphical elements, the coloring, styles, formats, texture, feel, use of icons, and general ambience of a website. Website design involves more than just making the page look pretty, however. Proper design also incorporates architecture, website structure, user interface, navigation flow, and general usability.
Where do you have your calls to action? To where does each page lead? Is it clear what the user is supposed to do next? Think about your end result, then work backwards and design the flow so the user can flow with ease. Our hourglass marketing system (link this to our page) will help you understand setting up your system for smooth flow.
Content
Content makes up all of the articles, text descriptions, videos, images, and everything else that conveys information on a website.
Web publishers utilize content to inform, educate, entertain, and connect people. Websites also use content, in to form of copywriting, to convince visitors to take some sort of action, such as purchasing a product or service, signing up for a paid membership, or even downloading a free giveaway.
Good web content provides quality, clarity, and relevance. Be sure you have original ideas, well-written text, and material relevant to your target market. Bottom line, visitors come to your page for your content and what you have to offer.
Quick Tips:
*Make it easy for people to find your blog by us Search Engine Optimization (SEO) keywords.
*Link your content to allow the user to dig as deep as they would like to go in their search for information.
*Provide a strong media mix, such as visual elements like videos and infographics that will capture the interest of visual learners.
*Include a call to action at the end of each blog post such as a newsletter sign-up, free giveaway, or an option to learn more.
Support
One you have your website up and running showcasing quality content, you will want to ensure that you keep it running smoothly for your visitors.
Websites aren’t “set it and forget it” applications. You should keep checking back and updating when necessary. You don’t want your visitors to struggle and have issues. When something goes wrong, step up and be willing to work through the bugs and fixes.
Respond to your customers when they contact you with problems. Make yourself available and understanding. You could turn a frustrated defector into a loyal customer just by resolving his or her issue with grace.
Tip: What’s your support system plan? How do you handle website downtime or issues? Come up with a plan now before you get caught off-guard.
Set up Google Analytics to monitor what sites refer your visitors so you can create strategies to best support them. Google Analytics will also tell you where your customers go when they navigate your site. Determine and understand what works and what doesn’t for your users or your goals. Ultimately, you want your visitors to arrive on the page you planned them to go.
Tara, I’m learning more and more how much time and effort go into maintaining a website. I’m very grateful for your invaluable advice and I’m absolutely blown away by the quality of UnboundVA’s services.
Mia xo
Unbound builds and creates the best when collaborating with clients to put their vision in place and you, Mia, are very much a visionary and such a joy to work with. 🙂
Really great article. There is so much I need to learn about SEO & Google Analytics to make my site more effective. Would love to know how you specifically support clients in these areas because I am pretty lost here.
Another goal of mine is to start making & posting videos.
I am going to look into Sharing Stories for a cause. Looks really interesting.
Judy, what a great idea on creating videos. They are very powerful and gain a lot of traction in the search engines. 🙂
There are a number of ways we support our clients, but most importantly we work hard at taking away the overwhelm of the technical aspects so they can focus on their passion. We help with strategy where needed AND the implementation of those strategies.
Can’t wait to see your first video. Would LOVE to have you as part of our book and we are already creating a very passionate group of women to support other women, through sharing our stories, throughout the world. With technology our reach can go far and my vision continues to expand. 🙂 -Tara
This was really informative, Tara. I set up my WordPress.org site on my own last summer with absolutely NO background (with a little help from WordPress for Idiots). Had a pro make a few tweaks a few months ago, and realize I probably need more help. Since I’m not really selling anything right now, and things seem to be working relatively smoothly, website maintenance issues haven’t been getting much of my attention. I’m sure I’m guilty of a lot of the mistakes you mentioned. I managed to install Google analytics, but I think I’m only using a fraction of its capability. And it’s all I can do to fit in the writing for the blog and the book I’m working on (while raising two boys) — learning about SEO seems overwhelming. I’ll check back here for more insights! Thank you! Martha
How wonderful, Martha, to jump in and get going on WordPress on your own! 🙂
It can be overwhelming, but you did it and that’s what counts. Websites are one of those things that constantly evolves and seems like something always needs to be tweaked, so don’t feel alone there. 🙂
We look forward to you checking back and please don’t hesitate to post any questions you may have and we’d be happy to share resources that may help you.
Tara,
Great points. All too often people underestimate how important strategy and content (copywriting) is when developing a website. I’ve also found that many don’t understand good design in relationship to strategy and results. 🙂
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon