Web Design and Why Your Business Should Invest

How much time does a prospective client spend on your website?

You know the saying: “Never judge a book by its cover”? It may be a sound philosophy, but it doesn’t reflect online user behaviour.

The truth is that snap judgments are a fact of life. And they have significant implications in the digital world. Did you know that it takes no more than 50 milliseconds (a blink of an eye) for users to form an opinion about your website? 0.05 seconds – that’s all a user needs to decide whether they like or don’t like your site. ?

Why companies should invest in good web design

Great web design instils trust in your business. According to web research from Stanford, 75% of users admit to making judgments about a company’s credibility, based on their website’s design and what they see.

In an age where 85% of customers research the web before making a purchase decision, your website has the best chance of being a prospective client’s “first impression” of your company and offerings. It’s important to point out that the look and feel of your website are the primary drivers for those first impressions.

First impressions are 94% design-related. Don’t get us wrong, quality content matters a lot. ?But even the best content is rendered powerless when embedded in poor design. Studies of user behaviour; have found that visual appeal and website navigation are the biggest influences on people’s first impressions of your brand.

Positive first impressions lead to higher satisfaction. The initial impression that a user gets from your site can have a priming effect on how they perceive future interactions with your business. Research shows that positive priming can boost user satisfaction and, as you might expect, negative first impressions are a substantial drag on user satisfaction.

First impressions can last for years. And there’s an abundance of research to prove it. One study found that NBA players’ careers are determined by their position in the draft, regardless of their on-court performance. Another study finds that subsequent impressions, no matter how contradictory, can never make up for the first impression – bringing a more than literal meaning to the saying that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

The truth is that visual appeal matters a great deal. And nowhere is that the case than on the web and social posts. Today’s internet user has infinite options about where to commit their attention. And, as the research shows, they form their opinion about your website in milliseconds.

The stakes are high for professional services:

A good first impression is even more valuable in the professional services arena. At Somewhere Uncharted we work with new and established businesses who know the value of a lead. First impressions don’t just paint a pretty picture; they generate real financial value.

We have found that time and again good design pays off. In a crowded, competitive landscape, it’s crucial to carve out a space where your brand and what you offer stand out, grabbing and holding the attention of your target audience. You’ll never know how many leads are lost with a bad first impression. And those leads will never tell you why they didn’t choose your business…

To learn more about Somewhere Uncharted and our approach to web design. Visit our website or message us and let's have a conversation.

We are Somewhere Uncharted: [email protected]

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