Consumers these days often interact with a business’s website first, which can set the stage for all future dealings. That’s why website launches are such an important aspect of business success, as a poor first impression is likely to linger in the minds of users. Accordingly, businesses are encouraged to avoid the following mistakes when creating their websites and prepping them for launch.

Mistake #1: Failing to Make Use of New Technology

Websites are ideal customer service hubs since potential customers can access information about your business 24/7. To this end, chatbots are a vital component of customer service, as they can efficiently and effectively answer basic user queries regarding hours of operation, location, and more. Without chatbots, users may struggle to find important information, which can leave your business deprived of a sale.

Mistake #2: Forgetting to Include Important SEO Elements

Search engine optimization (SEO) involves including certain key elements in web design to increase a site’s ranking within search results pages. Good SEO increases visibility, which means more members of your target audience will be exposed to your website and business. Essential SEO elements include:

• Inclusion of a sitemap
• Use of internal links
• Careful keyword selection
• Quality backlinks
• Avoiding duplicate content

These elements must be built into the new website to ensure the best possible user experience.

Mistake #3: Using an Outdated Website Design

Site design is important for two reasons. First, a well-designed website offers a modern look and feel, which boosts confidence in a business. Second, a good design also ensures that the site is easy to navigate. Excessive amounts of text, garish colors, and confusing menus can cause users to click away from a website before they fully understand what your business offers.

Mistake #4: Lacking Calls to Action

As illustrated by the name, calls to action are statements that encourage users to take specific actions. A call to action can entice a user to contact a business directly, make a purchase, or sign up for a weekly newsletter. Calls to action provide clear, understandable instructions to users to ensure they’re fully aware of the next steps. While the volume of visitors to a site can be indicative of success, it won’t matter much if visitors never become actual customers.

Contact SonicSEO.com for Help With Website

With decades of web design experience behind us, SonicSEO.com has helped numerous clients successfully launch new websites. Thanks to our knowledge of SEO, we can help your business reach the top of the search results pages. We also help with app development, social media marketing, and more. Contact us today or call (505) 821-2000 to schedule a consultation.

Understanding the Consumer Buying Process

Most consumers go through a specific process before purchasing a product. This is known as the customer journey, and it involves these steps:

• Recognizing a problem
• Searching for a solution
• Considering alternatives
• Selecting a solution
• Evaluating the solution post-purchase

While most customer buying journeys take the same course, the factors influencing each phase of the journey can vary quite a bit.

What Drives Consumer Behavior?

There are a number of psychological factors that push consumers to make certain decisions:

• Attitudes
• Age
• Socialization
• Perception
• Socioeconomic status
• Culture
• Occupation

Not every marketing campaign has to address every one of these factors to be successful. In order to determine what drives your desired target audience, pay attention to analytics info. This can be information gleaned from past marketing efforts or website/social media analytics. You can also encourage your target audience to share their personal insights through surveys and feedback.

Principles to Apply to Your Marketing Strategy

The following principles can enhance marketing efforts by attracting more consumers and boosting a business’s conversion rate:

• Emotional Marketing – Consumers often respond strongly to emotional appeals. In this case, marketers can focus on one of the primary emotions to induce a consumer to act: happiness, disgust, trust, fear, sadness, surprise, anger, and anticipation.

• Call to Action (CTA) – Calls to action entice consumers to take a specific action. CTAs can prompt a consumer to make a purchase, sign up for an email newsletter, or stop by a physical location.

• Decoy Effect – This strategy entails introducing a third product (the decoy) when a consumer is making a decision between two products. The role of the decoy is to make the target product more attractive and push the consumer to choose it over a competitor.

• Information Gap Theory – Consumers will pursue knowledge to make up any gaps in information when they’re passionate about a subject. Marketers can design content that entices consumers to find information to fill in the gaps, which leads consumers to websites and social media pages.

Marketing That Merges Technical Prowess With User Psychology

You don’t need to have extensive knowledge of psychology to include essential principles in your marketing strategy. By choosing SonicSEO.com, you’ll benefit from our comprehensive SEO and web design knowledge, which incorporate essential marketing principles. Contact us today to learn more.

Your website is the digital representation of your business, so it must offer the right look and function to ensure users remain satisfied. When a website becomes outdated, the experience will suffer, and you may lose customers as a result. Here are some signs that it’s time to revamp your site.

Basic Information Is No Longer Relevant

Has your business recently changed locations? Are your hours of operation different? Perhaps you’ve added new products to your inventory. When the wrong information is presented on your website, users will be unable to make informed decisions about your business. In this case, a customer may be frustrated by the experience and turn to a competitor if they’re constantly dealing with inaccurate information.

Your Website’s “Personality” Is Lacking

Much like people, brands with bold, vibrant personalities tend to get the most attention. When website branding blends into the background, or doesn’t stand out much against the competition, chances are good that consumers will overlook it. In this case, consider the core mission of your business. You can also consider what kind of values you’d like to communicate. These aspects can inform your brand’s personality and make it more impactful.

You Have Lots of Broken Links

Users will also be frustrated if every link on your website leads to a deleted page. This highlights the importance of redirecting links to new pages or deleting links when necessary. While interlinking is beneficial, broken and dead links can cause irritation as a person is trying to navigate your website. In this case, a redesign is definitely in order.

Your Website Has an Outdated Look

Along with unmemorable branding, the visual style of a website can also work against it. Consider that web design trends vary quite a bit over the years, and outdated graphics, color schemes, and animations will create a poor impression in users. Your visual style should match your business’s brand, but it must also present a modern look.

When the time comes for an updated website, SonicSEO.com is happy to lend a hand. Our web design team ensures that the websites they create are mobile optimized, SEO supportive, and fully secured, which can provide your business with immense peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more or call (505) 821-2000 to schedule a consultation.

That’s the very principle behind mobile optimization, which ensures that a website offers a consistent experience from device to device. Here are a few signs to look for to determine whether your site is performing as expected on mobile devices.

Image Quality

Along with text, images ensure a dynamic web browsing experience. When a website is not mobile optimized, images that appear fine on a desktop may be of low quality on mobile devices. You may also find that image links are broken, which can be a frustrating experience for users.

Issues With Text

Text size is another important factor to consider. Text that is too small may be impossible to read on a mobile device, which can result in users clicking away to another site. Mobile optimization ensures that text is easy to read on all devices, regardless of their screen size.

Loading Speeds

Websites must load within three seconds, or you run the risk of losing a potential customer. When websites aren’t correctly optimized for mobile viewing, extended loading speeds can become a real issue. Users are accustomed to swift loading speeds these days, which means they aren’t likely to wait around when a website isn’t functioning correctly on a mobile device.

Scrolling Left or Right

Text and images must also fit reasonably within the screen of the mobile device. Needing to scroll to the left or right to continue reading text will probably turn off users. It may also prevent them from accessing the information they need to take the desired action, such as contacting your business or purchasing a product.

Web Design Services You Can Trust

For decades, SonicSEO.com has provided web design services to clients all over North America. We know that mobile website design is key to reaching as many members of your target audience as possible, so we make certain that our client’s sites look amazing on all devices, from desktops to smartphones and notepads. Call (505) 821-2000 today or contact us to learn more.

In some cases, traffic decreases can be blamed on changes to search engine algorithms. In others, there may be a specific issue plaguing your website. Here are a few common causes of decreased traffic and what you can do about them.

Keyword Cannibalization

Keyword cannibalization occurs when one search term links to multiple URLs on your website. Instead of directing web traffic to a single page, keyword cannibalization splits traffic to multiple pages on the site, which then decreases web traffic. Keyword cannibalization typically occurs after the creation of lots of new content that focuses on a single topic.

 Problems With Redirects

It may be necessary to redirect traffic to different areas of your website over time. You must make sure that these redirects are functioning as expected, otherwise you run the risk of leading visitors to dead ends, which can be quite frustrating. A poor user experience can cause a person to click away from a website, which decreases web traffic and lowers your conversion rate.

Robots.txt File Issues

Robots.txt files provide instructions to search engines on which pages they can access on your website. When these files are not configured correctly, it slows down the function of search engine web crawlers, which in turn reduces your site’s rank among search results pages. You can ensure proper function by adding certain rules to the robots.txt file. For instance, enabling the indexing of main category pages only prevents web crawlers from getting overwhelmed and lowering your search rank.

Here at SonicSEO.com, we know that web traffic can fluctuate from time to time. That’s why we continuously monitor websites to ensure they maintain a good search rank. We also offer ranking repair service to get your site back to the top of the search results pages. Get in touch with us today to discuss your current search rank and how it can be improved.

You can determine whether this is the case by reviewing your website’s conversion rate. While there are many metrics you can use to establish the success or failure of your site, conversion rate is especially important, as it links to your business’s bottom line. This brief overview explains more about conversion rates and how you can boost yours to increase profits.

What Is a Conversion Rate?

Conversion rates measure how many visitors to your website complete a desired task. For instance, you may want visitors to end their web session by purchasing a product. If you have a service-based business, the end goal may be for a user to schedule a service. In other cases, you may want users to sign up for a newsletter, provide their email for future correspondence, or download an app.

Conversion rates are measured in percentages, and a high conversion rate indicates that you’re accomplishing your goals. On the other hand, a low conversion rate signals that there is a roadblock between visitors and the end goal, whatever it may be.

How Can You Increase a Low Conversion Rate?

Conversion rate percentages vary from business to business, so you may need to consider pertinent details if you’re unsatisfied with your website’s current rate. However, there are some universal steps that can boost conversion rates for numerous businesses. They include:

• Use Calls-to-Action (CTAs) – CTAs are prompts that provide users of your website with clear actions to take. While they commonly appear at the end of webpages, they’re often most effective when used throughout content, particularly near the beginning of a page.

• Develop Strong Landing Pages – Unlike other webpages, landing pages are linked to a specific marketing campaign. In a sense, landing pages are just larger CTAs meant to entice users to complete a single goal. Incorporating them into your website provides visitors with clear directives, which can then boost your conversion rate.

• Establish an Email Campaign for Abandoned Carts – Abandon shopping carts, which means a user began a purchase but never completed it, are a common occurrence on eCommerce websites. Businesses can use follow-up emails to remind visitors that they left an item behind, which can be a good motivator to complete the purchase.

• Use Chatbots to Answer Questions – Abandoned carts sometimes occur because a user would like more information but can’t access the answers they need. Chatbots are great for addressing common queries and don’t require an actual person to field questions and provide information.

Are you looking for proven methods to enhance your website’s conversion rate? Thanks to our decades of experience, the skilled team at SonicSEO.com can provide guidance on this and other online marketing topics. Contact us today to discuss a new web strategy for your business.

Site design plays a crucial role in user satisfaction, so you must make updates as needed. Here are a few signs that your website could use a little spring cleaning.

Outdated Fonts

There’s a good reason why fonts like Comic Sans are the subject of repeated ridicule. Using the wrong font on your site can make your business look unprofessional and unpolished, which will negatively impact customer confidence. It can also make your site difficult to read if you use an overly elaborate or ornate font. The best fonts are sleek, simplified, and modern, as these characteristics ensure easy readability while also making the best impression.

Mobile Incompatibility

A large portion of your audience browse the internet on mobile devices these days. As a result, you must ensure that your website is compatible for viewing on mobile devices. If the site is clunky or hard to navigate on a smartphone, users will click away and head straight into the arms of your competitors. On the other hand, a mobile friendly design will offer a great experience to all visitors, no matter what type of device they’re using to access the internet.

Analytics Information

The best way to determine whether your website is due for an update is to review your analytics information. This data provides insight into metrics like increased bounce rates (the percentage of users that leave the site after looking at one page), decreased web traffic, and less time spent on the site. These factors indicate that something about the site is providing a lackluster experience to users, who are choosing to leave the site in response. Understanding analytics data and how it corresponds to user satisfaction can serve as a roadmap to your web design strategy.

When it comes to your website, rest assured that SonicSEO.com remains on the cutting edge of design trends. We can evaluate your existing website to determine whether it needs an update. We also continually monitor and track site performance to ensure you remain at the top of search results pages. Reach out to our team today to discuss your website design needs.

What Is Responsive Web Design?

Responsive web design means that your site offers a quality experience regardless of what kind of device it’s viewed on. Users on desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets should all experience the same ease of navigation, simplified layout, and visual appeal when interacting with your site. This entails using certain site elements and practices to ensure the website looks and functions the same across all devices.

Why Is It So Important?

In addition to meeting Google’s ranking criteria, developing a responsive website can also help you improve conversion rates. Consider that 58% of the purchases made online involved a mobile device when it came time to close the sale. Also consider that people spend many hours each day on their mobile devices, which offers ample opportunities for users to interact with your website.

User experience is another important factor to consider. People these days are accustomed to a seamless web browsing experience. When a page takes too long to load or there are challenges with navigation, a user is likely to leave the page and never return. When it comes to your business, that could mean that you lose a customer to the competition.

What Can You Do to Improve Website Responsiveness?

Here at SonicSEO.com, we know the importance of creating a mobile-friendly website for our clients. We want your customers to have the best experience possible when viewing your site, which is why our web design team insists on dynamic designs that look just as amazing as they function.

We’re always happy to discuss our services and techniques with our clients. Feel free to contact us today to discuss your website and its responsiveness.

Simplified Design

Website design entails functional considerations, but aesthetics are equally important. While in the past the goal was to pack as much information as possible into a web page, designers these days are taking a simplified approach. Instead of cluttering pages with lots of text and bold colors, ample white space and subdued tones are becoming more and more common. Messaging is also becoming simplified, focusing on essential points as opposed to offering long-winded explanations and descriptions.

Micro-Interactions

Micro-interactions are interactive web elements intended to enhance engagement and improve the user experience. For example, many mobile-friendly websites use swiping instead of tapping to navigate between menus and pages. Micro-interactions can also include animations. In this case, an animation can demonstrate the proper steps to something, such as signing into an account. They can also be used to entice and delight the user, similar to the playable graphics often found on Google’s homepage. Other examples of micro-interactions include dynamic calls to action, proactive data input, and system information updates.

Wholesome Content

Perhaps in response to the uncertain state of the world, there has been a shift online towards more wholesome content. Users want to be supported and they want to support others through positivity and encouragement. These values must be reflected in your content, which should focus on the positive aspects of your business. Use upbeat language when discussing challenges and emphasize how grateful you are for all the people who patronize your business.

Enhanced Accessibility

Users approach websites from many diverse perspectives. For differently abled people, accessibility is crucial. That’s why designers are including accessibility features like font scaling, dark mode, and text-to-speech. These features allow users to customize their web experience to offer the most value based on their needs. They also show that your business is concerned with being inclusive, which makes a favorable impact on all your users, regardless of their needs.

SonicSEO.com remains on the cutting edge of web design trends, but we also know which proven practices must be employed when designing a site. We’ll make sure your site offers the experience users demand, while also presenting a fresh and dynamic perspective. Contact us today to discuss the future of web design.

Fortunately, standards set by Web Content Accessibility Guidelines can help you develop a site that appeals to all users. Here’s how you can improve the compliance of your site for a more positive experience for all.

Websites Must Be Easily Understood and Navigated

Both the information presented on a web page and layout must be easy to comprehend by all individuals. Simple, direct language is key in this regard, as are easy-to-understand menus. Pages should use predictable patterns, which allows users to apply context clues even if they’re unfamiliar with the content contained within. This is especially important on ecommerce sites where payments can be made, as mistakes could cost users.

Websites Must Be Able to Be Perceived by All

Perceivability means that a website’s content must be able to be perceived by at least one of their senses. For example, a person with restricted vision should have access to voice options, so the text on the website can be interpreted by them. Captions are a good option when presenting video content, which ensure people with hearing loss can understand. Additionally, perceivability applies to all aspects of a website, from the text to links to buttons to images and more.

Websites Must Be Compatible with Assistive Technologies

Assistive technologies help people with disabilities read and understand websites. Your site must be able to operate in conjunction with these technologies for maximum accessibility. Additionally, you should also make room for sites to be amended or updated when a new assistive technology emerges.

Here at SonicSEO.com, we approach web design from the perspective that your site should be easily accessible by everyone. We also know that your website must serve as your digital storefront, which means it should look amazing and offer reliable service to customers. Call 888-437-3737 today to discuss your current web design and how we can improve upon it.