Websites should be easy. I bet you’ve heard the saying “keep it simple stupid,” and the principle applies when building a website that converts. Every business needs a website, but having one is not enough to make sales.
Your website is your business’s first impression to potential clients, so to make conversions, it has to speak to them. Psychological research shows that humans don’t purchase products. They purchase emotions. When planning your site, focusing on client connections should be at the forefront of your mind.
Eliminate the decision
To begin, let’s focus on the most critical content on your site. The “hero” section refers to the top section of any webpage. It is sometimes referenced as “above the fold,” similar to a newspaper. The hero section on your homepage will be the first thing visitors see.
This section should display an image of your product or service in use. For example, if you make jewelry, it should be an image of an ideal customer wearing a necklace. In addition, there should be clear header text describing your customer’s feelings while wearing that necklace.
The button linking to the product, in this case, your necklace, should stand out. Make it a contrasting color so your visitor’s eyes will go directly to it. The text on the button needs to say precisely what action your customer should take, “Get your sparkle now.” Ideally, the link should automatically add the product to the cart.
Choose only one product for your hero section. Too many decisions can add time to your customer journey and result in fewer conversions overall.
Eliminate Confusion
I’ve been helping business owners for 5 years now and by far the most difficult thing for my clients to do is write copy for their site without using industry jargon. You have to remember that you are the expert when it comes to your business. You know all the language associated with your product. A potential customer is not an expert on your product. This means that the language on your site needs to reflect the actual language your ideal client would use.
When you write a section of copy for your site, take a step back and ask yourself, “Is there a simpler way for me to say this?” Then, read what you wrote aloud; imagine you are talking to a friend. Would they understand what you are trying to say?
Another great way to ensure you speak your customer’s language is to do a little research. I love using Answer Socrates to find exactly what customers are searching for when it comes to a product I am selling.
Eliminate Skeptiscm
From the moment a visitor lands on your homepage, it is your job to convince them that your product is valuable and worth the price you are charging. The best way to squash any skepticism a visitor might have is to include social proof.
Testimonials should be displayed prominently on all of the pages on your website. This not only proves that someone has used your product before but that they have done so successfully.
Not to worry if you don’t have any testimonials yet, here are 3 ways to get them;
- Send a few products out to people in exchange for a review or testimonial.
- Ask for a testimonial or review in exchange for a coupon.
- Send an email with a link to fill out a satisfaction form with a place to write a testimonial.
Conclusion
Creating a website that converts shouldn’t be a struggle. Everything you include on your site must be simple and straight to the point.
The great thing is that customers visiting your site are already considering purchasing from you. That’s why they clicked on your site in the first place. Your job is to make it as easy as possible for them to make their purchase in the shortest amount of time possible.
