I’ve been designed websites now for around 20 years. Starting back in the day on DreamWeaver, trying to muddle my way through all the coding that was unnecessary. Honestly, I’m still not even sure what I was doing or how it worked. I remember getting so fed up with the situation that I ended up creating one giant PDF, uploaded and added a few buttons and links here and there. None of the text was clickable as everything was embedded in the PDF. How glad I am that these days, web development is not restricted to merely to code. These days there’s so many different types of drop and drop builders, such as Marketing Botics CRM, Wix, Square Space, and even WordPress when using designing tools like Elementor. How I love what we can do now. That anyone can do and not needing to spend £2K/£3K + on a website.
It;s more the drag and drop.
But web development isn’t just about dragging and dropping things into place. Now, we need to understand the mindset of the user when viewing our website. We need to consider what we want them to do. What we want them to take away from our website. Web development on 2023 and beyond needs to include various forms of marketing and branding, and business strategy. Developing your website correctly is critical to the success of your company, and here is why.
Web Development is an Important Part of Digital Marketing
One of the essential aspects of online marketing is your website. I see many small business or those stuck in their way dismiss it as something not currently needed, which as a marketing consultant know is crazy. Not having a website in 2023 is like a taxi driver not having a car.
‘But it’s ok, I have a Facebook page’ I hear you say. Brilliant, it’s great that you do but unless your only business is to trade on Facebook’s Marketing Place you need to be where the people are. And more people are using Google to search for things then Facebook. Facebook has over 44million subscribers within the UK, while the internet has over 66million users within the UK.
People also use Facebook to see and speak to friends and family while people use Google and Bing to search for things, such as your products or services.
Although having a Facebook page is important, having a website is vital. But to make it work, it needs to be part of a bigger picture. Your web development needs to be part of your digital marketing plan. It needs to consider your overall strategy.
Web Development Generates More Leads than Other Marketing Channels
Getting it right with your web development has a massive impact. Your website can really be hit or miss. It can turn customers away or aid to captivate them and turn a visitor into a lead. To make sure you get it right, you need to know your buyers journey. You need to know why they might be visiting your website and develop downloadable tools, documents, supporting material that the person can take away. They might have to part with their email address for that download which allows you to get information on that lead and follow up. They might leave a digital footprint, which allows you to retarget them with Facebook Ads. They might press the ‘call now’ button and get in contact.
So many business don’t think about their buyers, and instead just plaster their website with ‘about me’ information. The visitor has the opportunity to learn more about you, but little more than that. Additionally, with the way most buyers are now they don’t actually care. In 2015 you could get away with convincing some to buy from you based on how great you are and why they should use you. But in 2023 all they want to know is what they’ll get from using you. So tell them, tell them everything. Tell them how to do what you can do and what they can get from it. What results they should expect. I guarantee those that where planning to buy from you still will.Why those that never would will take all your information and try it themselves. They might not buy but they become amazing advocates.
Web Development Increases Revenue
Look, your website is one of the primary contributors to a rise in revenue. If you want to see an increase in the amount your business is paid, you need to ensure that you have excellent web development. You post on social media, people will go and check out your website. You go to network meetings, people will go to your website. You hand out a business card, people will go to your website. Your website is stable place for people to get information, but also an ever evolving development with Google optimisation.
I’ve picked this up in another blog, but leads are the most important thing to drive revenue into your business. Without leads you have no sales, so the greater the number of people landing on your website the greater among of potential customers you will have.
If you’re having a website developed by a web developer, or agency then you need to be aware that you are still responsible for planning out your website based on your buyers journey. Your web development company isn’t getting paid on the amount of revenue your business earns, or even how much your website brings in. But you are. The revenue matters to you, so make sure you always have full control.
Web Design Creates Brand Awareness
People’s initial impressions of a website are almost always shaped by its aesthetic. The look is so important. When someone lands on your website it takes them less then 3 seconds to make a judgement on you. Imagine it’s Internet dating, imagine it’s Tinder where someone swipes left or right within seconds. That;’s what someone is doing to your website, within 3 seconds they have decided to swipe left and go back, or swipe right and continue browsing. I’ve never been in Tinder so hopefully I have that comparison right.
I appreciate just how challenging is it to attract people’s attention and the complexity to maintain their attention with the words they’re going to read. I said above that you are responsible for the website journey, working with your designers to make sure it works, design is slightly different and I would expect your web designers to be responsible for the creation of this stunning design. If you are doing it yourself, then there are some amazing templates that you can get to start you off.
Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about web development and their respective introductions and answers:
What is web development?
Answer: Web development refers to the process of creating and maintaining websites. It involves various tasks, including designing the layout, coding the functionality, and optimizing the site for performance and user experience. Web developers use programming languages, frameworks, and tools to build websites that are visually appealing, interactive, and accessible across different devices.
What are the advantages of using drag-and-drop website builders?
Answer: Drag-and-drop website builders have gained popularity due to their user-friendly interface and ease of use. These platforms provide pre-designed elements and templates that can be simply dragged and dropped into place, eliminating the need for coding knowledge. They allow individuals without technical expertise to create professional-looking websites quickly. However, it’s important to note that advanced customization and flexibility may be limited compared to custom-coded websites.
How does web development contribute to digital marketing?
Answer: Web development plays a crucial role in digital marketing strategies. A well-designed and optimized website serves as a central hub for online presence, providing valuable information about products or services to potential customers. It enables businesses to showcase their brand, engage with visitors, and generate leads. Web development techniques like search engine optimization (SEO) help improve the website’s visibility in search engine results, driving more organic traffic and increasing online visibility.
How does web development impact lead generation?
Answer: Effective web development can significantly impact lead generation efforts. By understanding the buyer’s journey and incorporating appropriate call-to-actions and lead capture forms, a website can convert visitors into leads. Providing valuable resources, such as downloadable tools or documents, in exchange for contact information allows businesses to nurture leads through targeted marketing campaigns. Furthermore, website analytics and tracking tools enable businesses to monitor visitor behavior, identify opportunities for improvement, and refine their lead generation strategies.
How does web design contribute to brand awareness?
Answer: Web design plays a vital role in creating a strong brand identity and establishing a positive first impression. A visually appealing and cohesive design that aligns with the brand’s style and messaging helps create a memorable user experience. Consistent branding elements, such as logos, color schemes, and typography, build recognition and reinforce brand associations. By investing in a well-designed website, businesses can enhance their brand’s credibility, professionalism, and overall online presence.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, web development has evolved significantly over the years, moving beyond the realm of complex coding and into a more accessible and user-friendly landscape. Drag-and-drop builders and designing tools have empowered individuals to create their own websites without the need for extensive coding knowledge. However, web development is not just about the visual aspect; it encompasses the mindset of the user and the overall marketing and branding strategy.
Having a website is no longer an option but a necessity in today’s digital age. While social media platforms like Facebook are important, search engines like Google remain the go-to source for information and discovery. Your website serves as a central hub for your online presence, allowing potential customers to find you, learn about your products or services, and take desired actions.
Web development, when done right, generates more leads and contributes to revenue growth. Understanding your buyers’ journey and creating compelling content and resources that address their needs can turn visitors into leads and ultimately customers. Your website becomes a revenue-generating asset that captures leads, enables retargeting through digital ads, and provides a platform to showcase your expertise and value.
Moreover, web design plays a crucial role in leaving a lasting impression and building brand awareness. Within seconds, visitors form opinions based on the aesthetics and usability of your website. A visually appealing and user-friendly design, aligned with your brand identity, helps create a positive perception and enhances credibility.
To maximize the impact of your web development efforts, it’s essential to incorporate it into your broader digital marketing strategy. Ensure your website aligns with your overall goals and targets your audience effectively. Regularly analyze website analytics and adapt your approach to optimize performance and conversion rates.
In summary, web development is a critical component of digital marketing, lead generation, revenue growth, and brand awareness. Embrace the power of a well-designed and strategically developed website to establish your online presence, engage your audience, and drive your business forward in the dynamic digital landscape of 2023 and beyond.
