A successful site
A successful website – You should know these terms and criteria for a successful website!
A company’s website is the key to success. For this reason, companies should deal with their website. Questions that many ask themselves like: What is a website? What does a successful website look like? We answer these and other questions about websites in the following article.
Basic website concepts
Website or webpage?
Website and website are often interpreted as synonyms. Since one spelling comes from German and the other from English, the two words are treated as translations. But this thought is not entirely correct. Because both words belong to the German language, but mean completely different things.
The website refers to the entire website of a company. In addition to the start page, which appears when you enter the company’s web address in the address line of the web browser, the company’s overall appearance on the Internet also includes the subpages. The subpages include B. the “About Us” page, the shopping cart or the contact page. The term “website” refers to the entirety of all components of a company’s website.
Contrasted with the website is the web page, which denotes a single page of the website. So this article you are reading is a web page within the Schwarzer Knick website. In English, the term web page is used for the subpages. By structuring it into subpages, the website is designed to be clear for the user. Because imagine if your favorite online retailer’s website consisted only of their website. You are looking for a specific blue t-shirt. Then have fun searching…
However, there are also some websites that actually only consist of one website. These are called one-pagers and are characterized by a minimalist appearance. This type of website is particularly suitable for manageable content.
home page
The concept of the homepage is often equated with the website. But even here there are differences. The homepage is the start or main page of the company exit on the Internet. Clear navigation and links to the subpages ensure that the user is captivated by the company and that I can find my way around the website. The user experience can be positively influenced by the homepage.
link
The linking of different websites are referred to as links. A distinction must be made between internal and external links. Internal links are links to web pages within the same website. External links, on the other hand, connect third-party content with one another. The use of internal links in particular has an impact on user-friendliness. Setting links can make it easier for the user to find their way to their destination. It only takes a few clicks through the links to reach its goal. The links can be built into continuous text or in the navigation bar.
Responsive site
A website with a responsive design adapts to the end device. This means that the classic version is displayed from the desktop, but when the website is opened via a smartphone, a slimmer version of the website is displayed. The responsive design takes into account the change in users, because they are increasingly using their smartphone to open a website. Since this change in user behavior is moving in the direction of mobility, this is also known as Mobile First Design.
hosting
Hosting refers to the provision of storage space on a server. A server is a computer that is powerful and connected to the Internet. The use of hosting by a website provider is necessary because a website usually contains a lot of data. The storage space required can vary greatly. A website with an integrated online shop requires more storage space than a website that has few subpages and is only used as a digital business card.
domain
The internet address of a website is called a domain. This is individual for each website. To ensure this, a domain must be registered. So it may be that the desired domain is already taken and you have to switch to another domain for your website.
CMS
CMS stands for Content Management System. These make it possible to manage the content of the website. CMS editors can upload their own contributions, images and videos. No programming or web design skills are required for most CMS. The most well-known content management system is WordPress.
SSL
Secure Socket Layer is a communication protocol. This protocol encrypts data and protects it from unauthorized access by third parties. As cybercrime increases with digitization, the SSL certificate is a must-have for a reliable website.
Reasons for a website
A website is essential for a company in the digital age. But what exactly are the advantages of a website? We would like to show you the four biggest advantages.
Be discoverable online
The majority of potential customers gather information about a company online before making a decision. The website is the opportunity to be found on the Internet and to present yourself. A professional website that meets the needs of its target audience is key.
The search engine optimization of your website ensures that your website is placed at the top of the Google search.
contact option
Customers often feel the need to get in touch with you. Payment options, the availability of a specific product or a question about your offer are all reasons why customers want to contact you. Through your website, they can find a phone number or email address. But a contact form is also a way of making it easier for the customer to contact you.
corporate image
Your website is an opportunity to influence the perception of your company. Because your corporate image is closely related to your website. Through content and design, you can increase popularity and thus your sales.
earn money
A website offers you different possibilities. Regardless of whether you have a shop that is only moderately frequented or whether you offer body-related services. You can also make money online through their website. You can offer your products in an online shop or offer your customers online appointment scheduling.
This is how you should build your website!
Your website is the face of your company on the internet. Potential customers have to be convinced in a few moments, because they usually don’t have that much more time. A certain order on your website is therefore all the more important. The usual structure of a website ensures that the customer can quickly find their way around your website.
Create a tree structure!
Many websites are built in a tree structure. The content of the website is sorted by topic and sub-topic. At the top of the tree structure is the home page. All other pages of the website are subordinate to the home page.
one pager
A website, which is on the branching tree structure, is the one-pager. Although the website consists of only one page, a certain order must be maintained. The page should be organized by different headings. The main heading, also called header or H1, is followed by the content area. This should in turn be structured by the subheadings H2 and H3. It is particularly important with one-pagers that the navigation area is always visible. Your one-pager should also contain a footer, which is located at the very end of your website. In addition to your contact details, this should contain the legally required imprint.
Criteria for a good website
We have already mentioned that a good website is important for every company. But which criteria are used to decide whether it is a good website? In the following paragraph you will find the most important criteria for a good website.
→ Security
You should not neglect the security aspect of your website. SSL encryption is one of the most important aspects of a good website. As already mentioned, SSL encryption protects data from third-party access. The SSL encryption can be recognized by the “HTTPS” in front of your domain.
→ crisp domain
Your domain or web address should be crisp and accurate. Your domain should reflect the company name or the industry in which you operate. When choosing a domain, make sure that it is not too long and does not contain any numbers or foreign words.
→ speed
Speed is the key to a good website. If website content doesn’t load within a few seconds, potential customers will quickly turn away and switch to the competition. Speed is one of the most important factors for a successful website.
→ Responsive design
Your website is no longer only opened on the home computer. Websites that are designed exclusively for viewing on the desktop are not up to date. The responsive design ensures that your website adapts to the end device and, above all, the view on the smartphone.
→ harmonious design
It is well known that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Change the color here, change the font there. All these little things should not be underestimated. Because it is precisely these that decide whether a customer perceives your website as harmonious and coherent.
→ Ease of use
Usability determines how well a visitor finds his or her way around your website. Good navigation and helpful menu items ensure that even a visitor without Internet knowledge can click through your website as if by themselves.
→ content
Visitors to your website should be able to see directly which products and services they offer. Show your customers the added value you have with your products or services. The better you know your target group, the better you can respond to their needs. You can tailor the content of your website to your needs.
→ Opportunity to interact and get in touch
Your website should invite visitors to connect and interact with you. You can offer visitors this opportunity with a clear and easy-to-use contact form. Call-to-action buttons or a chatbot are other options.
→ SEO and content
The best website is of no use to your business if it is not seen by the search engines. You should ensure that search engines see added value for the user in your website. You can do this by using industry-typical terms in the content of your website. Your content also gives you the opportunity to convince with expert knowledge. This creates trust among customers and convinces Google of the relevance of your website. For a good Google ranking, you should provide texts with high-quality content and relevant keywords on your website.
→ topicality
The content of your website should always keep you up to date. In addition to pictures, opening hours and information about your company, you should also check links and update them if necessary.
→ Accessibility
The aspect of accessibility is rarely considered if you are not affected yourself. Accessibility allows deaf and visually impaired people to access your website. This includes providing ALT texts. These texts describe images, videos and graphics that people with disabilities would otherwise not be able to see. If your website is barrier-free, you not only collect plus points from the visitors concerned, but also from Google.
→ Imprint
The imprint is required by law. In any case, the imprint should contain your name / company name, place of residence / registered office of the company and the object of the company.
