A business’s website often serves as the very first point of contact with potential customers. This initial interaction is profoundly influential, shaping perception long before any product features or service benefits are communicated. Research shows that 94% of first impressions about a business online are influenced by its website design. Users form a judgment in just 50 milliseconds, much faster than the time needed for conscious thought. Users’ eyes take just 2.6 seconds to focus on key areas of a webpage that impact their decision to stay or leave. A well-designed, professional, and user-friendly website is essential; it influences whether visitors stay or leave.
Website Design Quality is Necessary
Beyond the initial visual assessment, consumers actively and explicitly use websites to evaluate the legitimacy and trustworthiness of a business. 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website design and quality. Nearly half (48%) of respondents consider website design the most important factor in assessing a business’s credibility. A polished, professional, and informative website sends a powerful signal: this is a serious, established, and trustworthy operation. It suggests competence and attention to detail, qualities customers value.
A poorly designed, outdated, or hard-to-navigate website can damage trust. Potential customers may view a lack of a professional online presence as a sign that the business is outdated, unreliable, or inactive. A poor website sends users away to competitors with a more trustworthy online presence. This makes a professional website not just an opportunity to build trust, but a necessity to avoid actively damaging it. Visual design quickly reflects competence; if it appears unprofessional, users may conclude that the business operates poorly and disengage without evaluating the quality of its offerings.
You Can Control How Your Brand is Perceived
A dedicated website offers unparalleled control over how a brand presents itself to the world. It is the key platform for consistently applying essential brand elements, such as the logo, color palette, typography, brand voice, and core values. This consistency across the site is crucial for building brand recognition and reinforcing a professional image. A website allows a business to create a unique online presence that reflects its identity, unlike third-party platforms with branding and layout restrictions.
Key website components play a vital role in this process. An ‘About Us’ page is essential; it’s usually one of the first places visitors look to understand the company’s story, mission, and team. Indeed, 52% of website visitors state they want to see the ‘About Us’ page first upon landing on a site. Using real photos of staff instead of stock images adds authenticity and strengthens the connection with the audience. Clear and accessible contact information is essential; without it, 44% of visitors leave the site. These elements create a sense of transparency and professionalism, fostering trust and making the business more relatable and approachable.
Social Channels Are Not Enough
Relying solely on social media for marketing and customer engagement can lead to a lack of credibility. Consumer perception clearly distinguishes between a dedicated website and a social media profile. Research indicates that 84% of consumers view a business’s website as inherently more credible than its social media presence. A study finds that 79% of UK consumers think a well-designed website makes a business appear more credible than simply having a social media page.
Despite this evidence, a notable portion of small businesses still believe social media alone is sufficient for their online needs. This view ignores how consumers assess businesses and the risks of using platforms that the business does not control. Social proof, like customer testimonials and reviews, builds trust. 89% of customers read online reviews before buying. A business’s website is the best place to showcase positive reviews, case studies, and endorsements, which helps build credibility. Consumers view having a website as a sign of stability and commitment, boosting credibility over free external platforms.
Conclusion
Just having a business and being active on social media is not enough. Potential buyers are looking to know more about you and your company. This is one of the reasons to have a website so you stay competitive. A poorly designed website can harm your business by appearing unprofessional and reflecting poorly on your work. A well-designed website is essential to showcase your work, introduce yourself, and provide social proof of your products and services.
If you want an affordable website created by web professionals, we are here to help!