These three web design trends are just a few of those we’re seeing, but they are the ones that can make the biggest difference in a company’s online presence and, ultimately, their bottom line.
Because website development and design are always changing, one of the things we hear a lot at Cat on the Couch are questions that begin with “Does my website need…” Then comes the list: a shopping cart, a video section, a blog, a gaming component, a photo section, a calendar, more copy, less copy, more pictures, fewer pictures, mobile capability, tablet capability, social media, welcome pages, splash pages, independent sites that link to the main site—and it goes on and on.
Fact: no single website solution is going to fit every business. A monolith like Apple or Nike is not going to have the same development needs as your neighborhood grocery store. And yes, there is even a difference between the needs of small businesses and medium-sized ones. Here are three trends we’re seeing in web design and development for midsize businesses right now.
- Improved user interface and experience. In many cases, midsize businesses often don’t have the ability to interact personally with every client (like their smaller competitors) so their online presence must often speak for them. Making the website easy to navigate, straightforward in its presentation and usable on any device attracts customers to the site and keeps them there longer. MoustacheUSA.com is an example of how a simple design executed well can tell a remarkable story in a powerful way.
- Frequent updates, flexible CMS. The days of putting up a site and letting it remain unchanged for months (even years, in some cases) are long gone. Websites for midsize businesses must be updated frequently to keep them relevant, improve optimization and, most importantly, ensure customers continue to come back. A site designed to be easily updated through the use of a flexible CMS means that employees can blog, add products or services and include photos or calendar updates—keeping it looking and sounding new. (See how our client, Black River Roasters is making the most of their blog to share their message, increase optimization through relevant content and links and giving customers a reason to buy their great products.)
- Better CRM through integrated design. Midsize businesses are more focused on efficiencies than ever, meaning their websites are playing an increased role in CRM. Sites properly designed and developed to integrate the right tools to track customers, respond to requests and streamline interactions—without compromising user experience and satisfaction—are not just a growing trend, but a must-have for these companies.
These three trends are just a few of those we’re seeing, but they are the ones that can make the biggest difference in a company’s online presence and, ultimately, their bottom line.
