Having a website for your industrial automation business is like having a 24/7 showroom where potential clients can peruse your product portfolio and services at their convenience. It has the added benefit of promoting globalization and localization on one digital platform.
It’s a digital gateway that expands your reach beyond geographical boundaries, attracting a global audience. Additionally, a well-designed website can establish your credibility and expertise in the industry, fostering trust among both existing and potential customers.
What constitutes a good website?
Think of a good website as a well-organized and efficient factory floor. Just as a factory floor needs clear pathways, labelled equipment, streamlined processes, etc., good websites include features like easy navigation, detailed product or service pages with accurate and relevant information, and an intuitive user experience. Potential customers should be able to find the required information quickly, be it case studies, product information, or contact details.
Here are some key features that a website ought to have:
1. Responsive design
Anyone accessing your website should be able to see it properly on all devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) and all web browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.). A responsive website adjusts seamlessly to all screen sizes, device configurations, and browser window sizes.
Responsive websites also have touch-friendly navigation, meaning they can be as easily accessed and navigated on touch-enabled devices as ones that don’t have touch features.
2. Clear Navigation
A website is the digital essence of your brand, and its performance shapes the perception of your brand. That’s why it’s important to have a user-friendly website.
People who come to your site should quickly find what they’re looking for without getting lost in complicated information. A simple navigation bar is really important for this. If it’s too basic, visitors might get frustrated because they can’t find the specific things they want. But if it’s too complex, readers will find it hard to use because they might get confused by too many options and links.
3. Compelling Visuals
Your website mirrors your business, your items, your services, and ultimately your brand. Therefore, it’s important to have a visually attractive, refined, and professional appearance.
Incorporate empty areas and tidy arrangements with high-quality photos and graphics and ensure that your brand message comes through clearly.
4. Contact Information
A website makes for good leads. Which means that you should be accessible 24/7 through your website. You should offer multiple communication mediums, including email, phone numbers, and a physical address, to accommodate different user preferences. Finally, it should be placed prominently, preferably in the header or footer, ensuring visitors find it easily.
5. Call-to-Action (CTA)
Most CTAs engage visitors and guide them towards desired actions (Click here, Download now, Contact us). They should be placed strategically and prominently to get maximum user engagement. Use action-oriented language like Shop now, Get Started, Take a Quick Demo and Sign up to encourage an immediate response. But make sure that you keep the required steps associated with the action to a minimum to encourage readers to take action without hesitation.
6. Loading Speed
If your website is slow, it can have a detrimental effect on the user experience, leading to frustrated customers. Slow websites also negatively affect search engine rankings, as search engines prioritize fast-loading websites. Ideally, your webpage should load in under 3 seconds (on the higher side).
7. Security Features
Your website should have good security to protect user data and ensure a safe browsing experience. Features like SSL/TLS Encryption, Firewall and Authentication, robust data governance protocols, and user permissions improve website security significantly.
Regular and automated backups should be taken to ensure the safety and continuous availability of your website’s data.
8. Testimonials and Reviews
Including testimonials and reviews on your website gives potential customers an upfront idea of what to expect from your organization. It improves brand perception and encourages users to engage with your product or services.
9. SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Content and Keywords
Your website will experience a boost in online visitors if it achieves organic rankings in Google’s search results. SEO and content strategies play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. Examples of these tactics include optimizing keywords, creating high-quality content, and improving the user experience on your site.
