We've just gone through the process of building and launching a new website, and we'd love to share with you the 10 most crucial things to know about building a new website, why a good website is so important, and how Cube's websites are so different.

If you haven't yet, take a moment to check out the new Cube Online website at https://www.cubeonline.com.au 

 

10 essential tips for a new website

Building and launching a new website can be a daunting and time-consuming task. We've only just finished, and it feels like it takes FOREVER! Let's be honest, you've probably been thinking about getting a new website for quite a while but you just don't want to get it wrong - We feel you!

Our new list of 10 essential things to know about making a new website will help you get the motivation to get the ball rolling. Get ready to take notes, because this could save you a lot of time and effort!

 

1. Planning & more planning

Like many things in business, it almost goes without saying that planning is the most important step in the whole process of building a new website. You should be putting as much time into planning the structure, flow, and content of a website as time spent actually building it. An effective planning phase should involve research into competitor websites, customer journey, look and feel, menu hierarchy, content flow, and call-to-actions - among other things. This is especially true if you don't currently have a website, or if your new site will change drastically. It's important to not get stuck in the planning phase, but don't skip it!

2. Structure & messaging

From the moment your customer lands on your website, there should be no confusion about what your company does, and your content should appear in a logical and helpful order. Lead with your most important and concise messages, and keep your product descriptions simple and clear. To avoid information overload and other distractions, spend time refining the main features and benefits of your company, products, and services. Your brand should have a clear story and purpose, always keeping the customer experience in mind. Ask yourself this question: 'what is my customer looking for, and what do they need to know'.

3. Quality & helpful content

It's not only important to your customers that your content is interesting and useful, but it's also essential that search engines can see that your site adds value to your users, encouraging them to stick around for longer and keep coming back. However, it's essential you keep your copy clear and simple: information overload will push people away. This sort of relevant and optimised content proves to search engines that your site should appear closer to the top of search results, and means you will be found by the right people. Try creating FAQ's, blogs, tutorials, ebooks, interviews, and videos which even you would watch if you were a customer.

4. Give value up-front

The traditional business mindset asks the customer to pay for a product/service before they receive any value in return, but this requires a huge level of initial trust by the customer before they even know if it's worth it. Trust is earned, not bought. If your company will, in fact, help your customer, then why save all the value for after they pay? Show them that they can trust the quality of your products and services by starting the value exchange first. Try offering a free strategy session or quote, industry tips or through-leadership, or ebooks and resources.

5. Trust & integrity

Be honest and up-front about your products/services. In 2020, digital customers are more savvy and discerning than ever. Armed with reviews and testimonials, customers almost always fact-check your credibility and claims online. If you try to pull the wool over their eyes with exaggerations or sales jargon, they will see right through it. The best bet is to actually provide amazing products and services to build your integrity and prove your value.

6. Testimonials & reviews

You might be the best business in your industry, providing the best service and products, but if you don't show new customers that previous customers were happy, then they just have to take your word for it. Reviews and testimonials are the biggest reason why someone will decide to either choose or not choose your business, so you can't afford to leave this out. For maximum impact, prioritise a good system to get positive reviews from your customers at the right moment.

7. Optimise for Google

Did you know that 92% of web traffic goes to the first page of google results? Optimising your website for search engines is accepted as one of the most essential parts of digital marketing for 2020, because it can drastically increase your website traffic and leads. Even if you have a beautiful website with amazing content, if it's not being found by customers who are searching for it, then you could be wasting your time. It's essential to our customers that we provide effective SEO because it's a reliable way to generate leads and skyrockets their ROI.

8. Get fresh eyes

As you have spent so much time on your business, it can be very hard to see your company through the eyes of a new customer. For things that might seem obvious to you, it may be confusing or concerning to a new set of eyes. A really valuable process for refining your content is to ask others to give you honest feedback about your website, or watch them browse your site to see what they are drawn to and what they avoid.

9. Call-to-actions

Once you have shown your website visitors that you're providing useful and actionable content, they are more likely to trust you with their email address and want to hear from you more. You should save some of your best and most useful content or services for after they subscribe to a mailing list or make a purchase. This gives your company a way to contact them even after they have left your site, helps them remember your brand, and keeps the value exchange going. While designing your website, don't forget to include a call-to-act or incentive to contact on every page.

10. Incentives to act

Unless potential customers are prompted or encouraged to take action while they are there, they may never do so. There is plenty of competition in most industries online, and it's hard to stand out and get a customer to commit to contacting you. Sometimes you need to reward them for taking action, and you'll need to use a special deal or discount to help them decide. For example, Cube has decided that we are willing to offer a huge 38% discount on our standard website design service and wave the $300 setup fee for people who take action on this offer!

 

Are you proud of your website?

No matter your business, in today’s digital world it’s essential to have a great website to stay ahead of your competition.

It supports your customers, helps you be found, increases your brand trust, and acts as your virtual sales rep 24/7. 

We build custom-made, google-optimised, mobile-friendly, high-impact and affordable websites with blazing quick setup and unlimited support.