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.