The world certainly isn't what it used to be. In today's society, most business is no longer transacted with a simple handshake, but with the almost as simple click of a mouse or the swipe of a screen.
Websites, and their mobile counterparts, dominate the business world for many reasons, and if your business doesn't have a great website, then you are for sure missing out.
Data, provided by Hostingfacts.com, reveals that online sales will account for about $2.84 trillion dollars in 2018 in the retail space alone. This is probably because 80% of internet users in the United States are expected to make a purchase online in the year 2019 and due to the average person spending about 5 hours per week shopping online.
Add to that the staggering figure that over 3.5 billion Google searches are performed per day, and it is no wonder that having a website is key for business development.
But what REALLY makes a great website? While things like industry, target market, and company budget can all factor into how this question is answered, there are a few key areas that most experts feel are no-brainer areas to focus on.
These are highly relevant and valuable things to include in your company website, no matter what your industry or business model is or who your customers are.
#1 - A Promotional Video
Whether you are selling a basic "staple" consumer product or a high end luxury service, video promotion and marketing is a great investment for your website.
What started as a trend, has grown into an obsession, with Cisco Systems forecasting that by 2020, online videos will make up more than 85% of the consumer internet traffic in the United States.
What else is important to note in the video space is that research shared on Wirebuzz suggests that viewers will retain upwards of 95% of what they watch in a video, compared to only a 10% retention when read in text.
What all of that means from a business development standpoint is that having a promotional video will not only drive traffic and interest to your business website , but also will convey your message better than print alone or other types of media.
And, if you are already thinking that creating a promotional video is outside of your league, don't fret! You can always enlist the help of an expert like Renderforest to assist! They provide a phenomenal video making tool that is fast, affordable, and easy for literally anyone to use.
#2 - A Professional Logo
Logos may have been around nearly forever, but minimizing their importance in the business development arena would be a crime. The tried and true marketing strategy of having a professional logo is often the beginning of a company's brand, helping to springboard their entire image and vision to life.
Not only does a great logo grab attention and make a strong first impression, but it is also something that many consumers feel is memorable, ultimately creating a sense of brand loyalty for the business.
When used consistently, it helps a company differentiate themselves from their competition and is a strong symbol of brand identity that can be used just about anywhere.
Another noteworthy mention in the area of logos is that they are a relatively inexpensive business development investment, even when you enlist the help of a professional.
No matter how you go about creating a logo, be sure to take the time to be thoughtful and thorough with your design, paying attention to colors, fonts, and the tone that it conveys.
After all, it may represent your business for years and years to come and will for sure be a key part of your marketing strategy and business development future.
Business is, at the end of the day, all about connecting with people and their needs. By investing time, effort, and budget into your company website as part of your business development plan, you will ultimately be taking your business to the online space where so many of the customers are looking and meeting their need for connection with you. Make a great first impression, with a business website that is relevant, functional, and content rich.
