Top 4 Things Modern Consumers Look For in a Business by Jeremy Bowler

By: Jeremy Bowler

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An individual editing a photo with a drawing tablet and their laptop

Source: Pixabay

Writer Jeremy Bowler explains some of the most important elements consumers look for on business’ websites.

There are over 28 million small businesses in the United States, and all compete for customers depending on their industry. While you may have used several marketing techniques such as SEO and loyalty programs, the modern consumer looks for much more.

If you have a business website, the design process can be overwhelming. So here are some of the things you should include to suit the modern consumer’s needs.

Contact Information

Including your contact information such as the location, email, and phone number may seem obvious. However, some businesses, especially those carrying out their activities online, may see no need to publish a location or address. For those with home offices, it can seem a bit too personal to publish such contact information.

The modern customer needs to know they can trust the businesses they visit. Having a physical business address — even when you don’t allow walk-ins — is an ideal way to build trust and credibility. It makes your business appear more legitimate.

Clear Step-by-Step Processes

If you have a business website to market your goods, some of the essentials to include are step-by-step procedures on activities such as making orders.

After an internet user goes through your website, you want them to convert into customers. When carrying out their transactions online, they can face challenges. They need to have all the information they can get in case something out of the ordinary happens.

Include information such as status reports procedures, how to use discount codes, make online payments, and reach you in case of a complaint.

Appealing Design and Usability

Many internet users use their mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to go online. If users visiting your site can’t navigate it, they’re likely to abandon it within seconds.

If the design isn’t familiar, lacks consistency, or isn’t appealing, users will leave it for your competitor’s pages. To enhance your consumers’ experience, conduct regular checks with Userzoom’s usability testing framework to study traffic on your site and determine their usage patterns.

This way, you can make the necessary changes to give anyone who interacts with your website an excellent experience.

Third-Party Validation

Sometimes, your word isn’t enough to build trust within consumers. Consumers want to know who they’re doing business with, and what people say about it and their products/services.

Third-party validation such as client lists, testimonials, recognition and awards you’ve received, as well as case studies go a long way in boosting your business’ credibility.

Client lists are necessary, especially if your customers are other businesses. Also, include your social networks as part of your third-party validation.

If you’re on social media, leave your handles so consumers can visit them and see your engagement with other clients on those platforms. There, they can view how you respond to customers and get to see a more humane side of your business.

Bottom Line

Boost your small business with a great website. Websites are powerful marketing tools that enable internet users to find you and interact with your business from different locations.

However, it’s essential to boost their experience by making the information they need accessible. Build trust and leave a good first impression by including validation from third parties and making the site usable with an appealing design.

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