Click, scroll, profit: how great web design equals great business

In this era of technology dependence, a well-designed website is more than a marketing tool - it’s the foundation of your brand’s online identity. From first impressions to customer retention, a business website design has the power to influence user engagement, brand perception, and revenue. Businesses that invest in professional web design reap the rewards of higher customer satisfaction; increased time spent on-site and improved online sales.

As of September 2022, there were 750,200 registered .nz domains, so standing out is no easy feat. Businesses failing to prioritise web design risk falling behind competitors who offer better user experiences. Your website design helps your business stay competitive in an increasingly crowded market. It is the foundation of a brand’s identity. A unique, professional website differentiates your business and strengthens trust with your audience.

1.  First impressions matter

Did you know that 94% of first impressions are based on web design? Within just 0.05 seconds, visitors form an opinion about your site - and your brand. Visual elements like images, videos, and colours play a pivotal role in shaping this perception. (Click here to learn how Digital Presence would update your current website design.)

Visual appeal: research shows that 40% of users prioritise photos and images, 39% focus on colour schemes, and 21% care about videos. These elements must not only captivate but also function seamlessly; 80% of users abandon a site if videos fail to load properly.

Credibility and trust: a whopping 75% of a website’s credibility stems from its design. A poorly designed site deters customers, eroding trust and reducing sales.

2.  User experience: the key to engagement and sales

User experience (UX) is the cornerstone of a successful website. Sites with intuitive navigation, fast loading times, and mobile optimisation not only keep visitors engaged but also convert them into loyal customers. The best website designs are developed to exploit the relationship between user engagement and business outcomes; the time consumers spend on sites correlates with revenue growth, underscoring the direct impact of effective web design on profitability.

3.  Navigation and content: guiding users to the checkout

Smooth navigation and quality content are the secret weapons of a successful website, especially when guiding users toward completing a purchase. Intuitive navigation helps visitors effortlessly explore your site, find what they need, and move toward the checkout. Clear menus, logical category structures, and well-placed call-to-action buttons reduce friction, keeping users engaged.

But navigation alone isn’t enough - great content seals the deal. Informative product descriptions, persuasive storytelling, and engaging visuals work together to build trust and inspire action. For instance, detailed product pages with high-quality images pre-empt questions and reassure buyers. Meanwhile, blog posts or FAQs address common concerns keep users browsing longer and build confidence in your brand.

The combination of seamless and navigation and compelling content creates a path of least resistance that gently but effectively guides users from interest to purchase. It’s a winning formula to boost engagement and driving sales.

4.  Social proof sells: the power of user-generated content

User-generated content (UGC), such as testimonials and reviews, is a trust-building powerhouse, increasing the likelihood of a purchase by 58%. Featuring UGC on your website adds authenticity and credibility, showcasing real customer experiences. Whether it’s glowing reviews or inspiring success stories, this social proof reassures potential buyers. After all, when customers see others loving your product, they’re more likely to follow suit—money sees, monkey do! Integrating UGC is a simple step with big conversion potential.

5.  Tech it to the next level: meeting visitor expectations

Meeting user expectations is critical for retaining visitors and driving conversions – and increasingly important to satisfy Google’s algorithms – a key component of SEO. Mobile optimisation is key, with mobile devices accounting for 65.49% of global web traffic. A responsive web design ensures the website design functions seamlessly across all screen sizes, satisfying user demands and keeping them engaged.

Equally important is website speed. While eye-catching visual elements like photos and videos grab attention, they can backfire if your site is slow. Mobile users typically abandon websites that take longer than 3 seconds to load. Don’t underestimate the importance of a technically efficient web design and fast performance.

Functionality is also non-negotiable. Poor navigation, broken links, and clunky interfaces frustrate users. Additionally, complex checkout processes result in a fifth of carts being abandoned. 

DIY website design: the cheapest way to get your business online?

Having a polished website is essential for any business or project and website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly are incredibly appealing due to their simplicity and low cost. But as in all of life, if something looks too good to be true, it usually is. A DIY website design can have drawbacks that hinder long-term growth and limit your business's success.

Hidden costs: features like custom domains, e-commerce tools, or ad-free experiences quickly increase costs. Subscription fees also add up over time. Plus, you may find you are locked into digital ecosystems, making future migrations expensive and time-consuming.

Limited customisation: builders use generic templates with restricted design options, making it hard to create a unique brand presence. The website design needs to work for visitors, but it also needs to work for your back-office operations too.

Scalability issues: as businesses grow, DIY website design builders can struggle to meet new demands, preventing you from scaling effectively, or even forcing you to rebuild the website entirely.

Why choose Digital Presence’s web design service in Christchurch?

For Christchurch businesses, professional web design can seem out of reach due to high upfront costs. However, Digital Presence’s Pay as You Grow model offers a flexible, affordable solution:

Affordability: spread the cost of your website over manageable monthly payments. Our Pay as You Grow website subscription packages, ensures Christchurch businesses receive a scalable, professionally designed website without hefty upfront costs, a daunting contract, or surprise fees.

Comprehensive services: packages include custom design, hosting, domain registration, and ongoing support – and we keep all your digital marketing needs in house for a stress-free experience. Whether you want help defining a content marketing strategy for your business or a Google Ads campaign to rocket launch sales, Digital Presence takes a holistic approach to growing your business.

Ongoing maintenance: keep your site updated, secure, and aligned with the latest design trends. You do not need to be a web design specialist; we take care of the technical side of your website.

Long-term value: by investing in a subscription package, you avoid the pitfalls of outdated website design. Regular updates and attention from Digital Presence mean your website remains functional, attractive, secure and aligned with your business goals.

Scalability: scalability is at the core of our website development philosophy. Our websites are designed to evolve alongside your business, so your online presence keeps pace with growth. Whether you're expanding your product range, adding new services, or targeting a broader audience, your website can seamlessly adapt.

A well-designed website is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining customers, boosting engagement, and driving sales. From creating strong first impressions to ensuring seamless mobile experiences, effective web design delivers measurable results. For Christchurch businesses, Digital Presence’s Pay as You Grow subscription model is an affordable way to access top-tier web design services – and proudly jargon free.

Book a free no-obligation consultation, contact Digital Presence today.