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We are living in a digital world. No surprise there! While there are true digital natives (those who were all but born with a smartphone in their hand!), even those pre-digital age have integrated technology into virtually all facets of their life. That means that having a website is crucial for any business or organization. You need a robust online presence.

Building a successful website takes more than just having a domain and some random content. There are certain elements that every successful website needs to have in order to attract and retain visitors, generate leads, and ultimately drive conversions. 

What key elements does every successful website need – and how much does it cost?

8 Keys to Building a Successful Website

Tossing up a generic, drag-and-drop website is a start – but it won’t take you across the finish line when it comes to pleasing customers and clients. What will?

1. Clear and Concise Branding

Your website should have clear and concise branding that reflects your company's mission and values. This includes a logo, color scheme, font, and overall design that is consistent with your brand. Your branding should also be present on all pages of your website, from the home page to the checkout page. This ensures your customers have a cohesive experience, from start to finish. It should also align with your in-person presence, if applicable. 

2. High-Quality Content

High-quality content is essential for building a successful website. This includes written content, such as blog posts, articles, how-to guides, and product descriptions, as well as visual content, such as photos and videos. Your content should be original, well-written, engaging, and informative. Above all, it needs to provide value to your visitors.

3. Intuitive Navigation

Your website should have intuitive navigation that makes it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for. This includes a clear menu structure, breadcrumbs, and a search bar. Visitors should be able to navigate your website easily and find the information they need quickly. If they can’t find what they need, answer the question on their mind, or scratch the particular itch that drove them to your site… They will leave. 

4. Mobile Optimization

With more and more people accessing the internet from their mobile devices, it's crucial that your website is optimized for these users This means using a responsive design that adjusts to different screen sizes, as well as optimizing your content for mobile viewing. This is the table stakes, folks. It’s not optional and really hasn’t been for years.

5. Fast Loading Speed

A website's loading speed can have a big impact on user experience and search engine rankings. Your website should load quickly, ideally in under three seconds. This means optimizing images, using a content delivery network (CDN), and minimizing HTTP requests. For every fraction of a second delay, you will lose more and more visitors. Strive for a low bounce rate; speed is key to that.

6. Clear Calls-to-Action

Every page on your website should have clear calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage visitors to take action, whether that's making a purchase, filling out a form, or contacting you for more information. Your CTAs should be prominently displayed and easy to find. Guide people exactly where you want them to go with clear, simple messaging.

7. Social Media Integration

Social media is an important tool for building brand awareness and driving traffic to your website. Your website should have social media integration, allowing visitors to easily share your content on social media and follow your brand on various platforms. If you’re not active socially, you are letting others guide the narrative around your brand.

8. Security Measures

Security is a top concern for many website visitors, particularly when it comes to e-commerce websites. Your website should have security measures in place, such as SSL encryption and a secure payment gateway, to ensure that visitors' personal and financial information is protected. Don’t ask for more information than you strictly need, and reinforce to visitors the steps you take to safeguard their data. 

Calculating Website Costs

Building a successful website is important. It is one of the best investments that you will make in your business. At the same time, it's also important to consider the price tag. The cost of building a website can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the design, the number of pages, and the features and functionality you need. Here are some factors to consider when calculating website costs:

Domain Name and Hosting

Your website will need a domain name and hosting in order to be accessible on the internet. The cost of a domain name can vary but typically ranges from $10 to $50 per year. Hosting costs can also vary widely depending on the provider and the level of service you require, but can range from $5 to $50 per month.

Design and Development

The cost of website design and development can vary widely depending on the complexity of the project. A simple website with a basic design can cost as little as $500, while a more complex website with a custom design and functionality can cost upwards of $10,000 or more.

Content Creation

Creating high-quality content also adds to the cost of building a website, but it offers a return on investment in terms of building brand awareness, trust, and affinity, and helps convert visitors into customers. 

Reach Out to THAT Agency

Need help building a successful website? THAT Agency has extensive experience and expertise in creating engaging sites for a wide variety of brands across industries. Connect with our team to learn how we can make your business stand out online.