Running a business in Doha, Qatar? And already have a website? Then you need to read this as there a far too many absolutely awful websites in Doha, that are slow loading or are a nightmare to navigate.
Bad web design is killing your brand, and ruining your conversion rates and trashing your business.
People absolutely hate slow loading websites, particularly in Qatar. We are lucky to have blanket 5G coverage. So the network in NOT to blame. A slow loading website kills conversions, the bounce rate of a website can increase by 32% when the page load time goes from 1 second to 3 seconds? Additionally, a 1-second delay in page response time can result in a 7% reduction in conversions. You can’t AFFORD a slow loading site.
1. First Impressions Matter
The first impression your website makes on visitors can determine whether they stay or leave. Studies have strongly suggested that it takes less than a second for users to form an opinion about a website, and this opinion is largely based on its design. A visually unappealing or outdated website can immediately turn off potential customers.
It needs to look good and LOAD fast, good looks mean nothing if your site just took 10 seconds to load an enormous JavaScript file, so you can animate a LOGO. Don’t do that!
2. User-Friendly Navigation
In 2023 Your navigation needs to be easy for people to navigate AND work correctly. So many sites in Doha have buggy navigation, how many times have you tried to click a link in the navigation menu only for it to disappear before you can click? It gets on my nerves!
A well-designed website should have intuitive navigation that allows users to easily find what they’re looking for. It should also be accessible, which means that keyboard navigation works correctly. This is essential for older or partially sighted users. For companies selling to America, accessibility is the law, and you could be sued for not adhering to the standards.
Additionally, confusing or cluttered navigation can frustrate visitors and lead to high bounce rates. By organizing your content in a logical and user-friendly manner, you can guide users through your website and encourage them to explore further.
Additionally, clear and prominent calls-to-action (CTAs) are essential for driving conversions. CTAs should be strategically placed and visually distinct, making it easy for users to take the desired actions. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, downloading an e-book, or making a purchase, a well-designed CTA can significantly increase conversion rates.
3. Responsive Web Design for Mobile Users
How about these for some sobering facts:
- Over 50% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices.
- More than 60% of Google searches now originate from mobile devices.
- 63% of people are more likely to make a purchase from a mobile-friendly website.
- 40% of users will abandon a website if it takes more than three seconds to load on mobile.
- Google now prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results.
If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, then you are dead to Google and losing customers, it’s as simple as that. At 974digital, our design philosophy is MOBILE FIRST. This means our sites are often SIMPLER than other web designers, would offer. This is because we understand that simplicity is KEY, people want information FAST and delivered in a format that is easy to understand, neglecting mobile optimization can result in missed opportunities for conversions.
4. Building Trust and Credibility
A well-designed website can help build trust and credibility with your audience. Elements such as professional branding, high-quality imagery, and well-written content can instil confidence in your visitors. By showcasing testimonials, client logos, and trust seals, you can further enhance your credibility.
Don’t undervalue this “social proof.” Make sure your site has an area for feedback. Every sale should be followed up with a polite request for a review. If you are receiving poor reviews, address them politely; don’t be defensive!
When users trust your website, they are more likely to convert. They feel comfortable providing their personal information, making a purchase, or reaching out for more information. Investing in good web design can pay off in terms of increased trust and higher conversion rates.
5. Continual Optimization
Good web design is not a one-time effort. It requires continual testing and optimization to ensure optimal performance. By analysing user behaviour, conducting A/B tests, and making data-driven design decisions, you can continually improve your conversion rates.
Regularly monitoring metrics such as bounce rate, time on page, and conversion rate can provide insights into areas for improvement. By identifying and addressing design issues or usability problems, you can create a better user experience and increase your conversion rates over time.
Invest in good web design and watch your conversion rates soar. Contact us today at 974digital.com to see what we can do to improve your site TODAY!