With the prevalence of the internet and social media, it’s sometimes hard to believe there was ever a time when almost everyone didn’t have an online presence. These days, it can seem odd when someone does not have an online footprint, especially professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners. Since you probably spend a good amount of time online, there are a lot of companies vying for your attention. If you’re a business owner, one of the best ways to capture the attention of your target audience is by maximizing the user experience, also known as UX. This means your online platforms are engaging and speak to the heart of your audience.
It’s not enough to drive traffic to your website, once they arrive, users must be inspired and satisfied by the content and overall experience. On the surface, this may not seem like a big deal, but the reality is that engagement impacts bottom line results. Why? Because the longer a user is on your platform, the more time they have to explore your products and services, which ultimately leads to more sales and increased revenue. Ongoing user engagement often increases brand loyalty and recognition because customers will generally establish a level of trust when they have used a brand over a long period of time with success.
Increasing user engagement is not as complicated as it may seem on the surface. It’s a matter of increasing interest using many of the same techniques found in a brick and mortar store, which includes making sure customers have a positive experience during every interaction starting from the moment they walk through the door. The same applies to the web experience, whether they are visiting your website or one of your social media pages. The user should enjoy the experience, which requires an attractive website that feels safe because it has the markers of a trusted brand. Part of that trust is cultivated by ensuring consistency across all platforms. Ensuring a reliable website is also important, which is why companies monitor WiFi.
The components of a great user experience sometimes depend on who you ask since there are different approaches. For example, there are many successful websites that have adopted a minimalist approach to website design because it aligns with their brand strategy. While others prefer a bolder aesthetic. Whether minimalist or bold, every platform should be easy to navigate to eliminate any unnecessary frustration and it should be responsive. As is customary in sales, there should always be a call to action available on every page, which can significantly boost engagement and sales.
It’s been said that feedback is imperative for business growth. Many companies have adopted this philosophy by frequently requesting feedback from their customers to ensure they understand what they’re doing right and what needs to be changed. If a customer service survey is unavailable, it’s incumbent upon web designers to consider UX principles to ensure the website flows and leads users in the right direction. There are quite a few elements involved in the website design process that requires selecting the right colors, images and content. Without a doubt, a company’s digital ecosystem can maximize the user experience and boost profits.