A professional, well-crafted creative web design should not be overlooked
Posted by Murray Sye on Tue, Jan 26, 2010 @ 03:58 PM
Ask yourself: “Does your website reflect your brand?”
There’s no question that the strategies, methodologies and techniques of Inbound Marketing are essential components to the success of your website—but the first impression you leave your customer and your prospect is of equal importance, and it shouldn’t be ignored.
We’ve all heard that you ‘dress for success’. Or, ‘first impression counts’. Smart marketers know that to build a successful online brand, you can’t afford to overlook the strength of your online presence. No matter how small or insignificant you think your website is, the way you position your business online can have a significant and lasting impression on your prospect and your customer.
Your website speaks your brand
Your online brand should be strong enough to convey a message and a feeling in an instant. Take a look at your website and ask yourself: does it reflect your brand? Will a prospect visiting your site be impressed or disappointed? Will they feel confident or apprehensive, confused maybe? Great companies lead with great brands that inspire loyalty and trust. Does yours?
Ask marketers and advertising experts why Mac users are so loyal and they all cite the same reason: Apple’s brand. The overwhelming presence of Apple comes through in everything they do.
Does your website have sticking power?
Your website has between 3-5 seconds to capture and hold the attention of a visitor. What kind of sticking power does your website evoke? Structure, quality content, delivery, type, colour and more—are all crucial branding elements to be considered when your site is under review and a redesign is emanant.
Companies like Starbucks, Apple, Target and even Martha Stewart, for example, have spent millions of marketing dollars developing and positioning their brand in the minds of the consumer. Admittedly these are giant companies with giant budgets, but the same principles apply no matter the business size.
Get help
Your business is NOT COOKIE CUTTER, therefore your website shouldn’t be. For companies to succeed today, businesses must leverage not only the best tools and strategies but effectively execute and communicate their brand online.
If you’re considering a website design or redesign, I would encourage you or your organization to entrust the counsel of a reputable design firm. The return on your investment will more than pay for itself.
About Murray Sye – Hi there. I’m an inbound marketing evangelist, a blogger, and a social media enthusiast. I specialize in helping businesses grow and thrive by leveraging the power of the internet.