Top 25 Website Features Every Website Must Have
In today’s digital age, every businesses needs to have a website. But with so many different features and options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Your website should be a digital storefront AND salesperson at the same time. It should tell a visitor what to do with the information you have provided, provide answers to their questions, and solve their problems. And it has to do all of this in as few clicks as possible. With the web and consumer behavior ever-evolving, there are still some very basic components to a website’s functionality that remain constant. Here are the Top 25 Website Features Every Website Must Have:
1. Domain Name
A domain name is the address of a website on the internet. It is what you type into a web browser to visit a website. Domain names are made up of two parts: a top-level domain (TLD) and a second-level domain (SLD). The TLD is the part of the domain name that comes after the final dot, such as .com, .net, or .org. The SLD is the part of the domain name that comes before the TLD, such as google or yahoo.
A domain name can also include subdomains, which are like mini-sites within a site. Subdomains are often used to create separate sections of a website, such as blog.example.com or shop.example.com. A domain name can be registered with a registrar, which is an organization that manages the assignment of domains.
Once a domain name is registered, it can be used to create a website, set up email accounts, and more. Domain names are an important part of any online presence, so it’s important to choose one that is both easy to remember and relevant to your business or personal brand.
2. Phone number & Live Chat
Mentioning a phone number is very important for local business websites. You should also add a live chat functionality. The more communication options you offer customers, the better. Adding live chat to your website can be a great way to improve customer service and boost sales. Here are four reasons why you should consider adding live chat to your site:
1. Live chat provides real-time help.
When customers have questions or problems, they want answers fast. With live chat, they can get the help they need right away, without having to wait for an email response or make a phone call. This can save them a lot of time and frustration.
2. Live chat gives you an opportunity to upsell.
When you’re chatting with a customer, you have a chance to introduce them to other products or services that they might be interested in. This can lead to more sales and repeat customers.
3. Live chat helps build trust.
When customers see that you’re available to help them in real-time, it builds trust and confidence in your brand. This can encourage them to do business with you again in the future.
4. Live chat is cost-effective.
Compared to other customer service channels like phone or email, live chat is relatively inexpensive to set up and maintain. And, since it can help boost sales and repeat business, it can pay for itself quickly.
3. Logo
A website logo is a graphical element that represents a website or brand. It is typically placed in the top-left corner of a website’s homepage. Website logos are often used to help visitors quickly identify the site they are looking for. The most effective logos are simple and easy to remember. They should also be relevant to the website’s subject matter. A well-designed logo can help to build trust and credibility with website visitors.
4. Main menu / Navigation bar
A navigation bar is a set of links that helps visitors move around a website. The navigation bar can be located at the top, bottom, or side of the page, and it typically contains links to the most important sections of the site. The navigation bar is an important part of e-commerce website design, as it helps visitors find the information they are looking for quickly and easily.
A well-designed navigation bar should be easy to understand and use, and it should be consistent on all pages of the site. When designed correctly, the navigation bar can greatly improve the user experience on a website.
5. Heading and tagline or USP
A website USP is a unique selling proposition. It’s a statement that sets your website apart from other websites in your industry. It should be something that makes your website worth visiting, something that solves a problem or fills a need that your target audience has.
A website USP should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should be prominently featured on your website so that visitors know what you have to offer and why they should choose your website over others. A strong website USP can be the key to driving traffic and conversions on your website. It is quite difficult to get this right and this is where a digital marketing expert can really help and add value. Wellmarkit can provide excellent support here with our high quality team and experience in working with Health & Wellness businesses.
6. Your Homepage content
Amongst the Top 25 Website Features Every Website Must Have, it is critically important that you get this right. This is one of the reasons why you should involve an expert in creating your website. If your website messaging does not connect with clients, you will not get any business.
When it comes to website design, the old adage “first impressions count” is especially true. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your homepage copy is well-written and engaging. After all, if visitors can’t be bothered to stick around and read what you have to say, they’re not going to stick around and become customers. So how can you make sure that your homepage copy is up to scratch? Here are a few tips:
a. Keep it short and sweet. Homepage copy should be direct and to-the-point. Visitors should be able to quickly get an idea of what your website is all about.
b. Use strong headlines. Headlines are key when it comes to getting visitors to read your homepage copy. Make sure that your headlines are catchy and persuasive.
c. Be clear about what you offer. Your homepage copy should make it crystal clear what visitors can expect from your website. If you offer products or services, make sure that this is immediately apparent.
d. Use images and videos. Homepage copy shouldn’t just be about the words on the page – it should also be visually appealing. Use high-quality images and videos to break up the text and add interest.
e. Use calls to action. Throughout your homepage copy, make sure that you include calls to action – i.e., invitations for visitors to take further action on your website (such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase). By following these tips, you can ensure that your homepage copy is up to scratch – and that visitors will stick around long enough to find out more about what you have to offer.
7. Banner image
A banner image is a digital image that is placed on a website, typically at the top of the page. The banner image usually contains text and / or a logo, and it can be clickable (linked to another web page). Banner images are often used to communicate a brand message or to promote a special offer.
In many cases, the banner image is the first thing that visitors will see when they come to a website, so it’s important to choose an image that is attention-grabbing and visually appealing. When selecting a banner image, it’s also important to consider the dimensions of the image and how it will fit with the overall design of the website.
8. Online Form
Website forms are an essential part of any online business. They provide a way for customers to contact the company, make purchases, and provide feedback. However, forms can also be a source of frustration for users. Poorly designed forms can be confusing and difficult to navigate, leading to abandoned carts and frustrated customers. To avoid these problems, it is important to design forms that are easy to use and understand. Here are some tips:
-Keep the form short and to the point. Only ask for the information that you absolutely need.
-Use clear and concise language. Avoid technical jargon or long, complicated sentences.
-Use straightforward questions. Make sure that each question can only be answered in one way.
-Provide clear instructions on how to complete the form. Include information on what type of information should be entered in each field.
Following these guidelines will help you create website forms that are user-friendly and effective.
9. Quality content across your website
Quality content is one of the most important components of a successful website. Off the Top 25 Website Features Every Website Must Have, this is one of the most important. It is the foundation upon which visitors will base their opinion of your site, and it is what will keep them coming back for more. Great content must be well-written, accurate, and informative, providing visitors with the information they need in a way that is easy to understand. It should also be visually appealing, using images and videos to break up text and add interest. Finally, great content must be updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and useful to visitors. By investing in quality content, you can ensure that your website will be successful for years to come.
Here is a short but useful video on the importance of content for your marketing & website.
10. Easily readable font
The importance of easily readable font on a website cannot be overstated. Your website is often the first point of contact between you and your potential customers, and if they can’t read the text on your site, they’re likely to move on to a competitor’s site. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a font for your website.
First, consider the overall tone of your site. If you’re trying to convey a sense of professionalism, you’ll want to choose a more traditional font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. However, if you’re going for a more casual feel, you might opt for a sans-serif font like Verdana or Comic Sans. Additionally, it’s important to choose a size that will be easy to read on both desktop and mobile devices.
Finally, remember that less is more – don’t choose an overly complicated or ornate font that will be difficult for visitors to decipher. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your website’s font is both visually appealing and easy to read.
11. Testimonials and social proof
When you’re making a decision, whether it’s what brand of toothpaste to buy or what financial advisor to use, you want to know that you’re making the right choice. After all, no one wants to waste their time or money on something that isn’t going to work out. This is where website testimonials and social proof can come in handy. By reading what other people have said about a product or service, you can get a better idea of whether or not it’s right for you.
Since we’re often more likely to trust the recommendations of people we know, seeing testimonials from people who are like us can be especially helpful. So next time you’re trying to decide whether or not to give something a try, be sure to check out the testimonials and social proof first. It could just help you make the right decision.
12. Newsletter signup form
A website newsletter signup form is a great way to stay in touch with your customers and keep them up to date on your latest products and news. By providing their email address, customers can opt-in to receive your newsletters as well as other communications from you. In addition, a newsletter signup form allows you to collect valuable customer data that you can use to improve your marketing efforts.
By understanding who is signing up for your newsletter, you can tailor your content and offers to better meet their needs. As a result, a website newsletter signup form can be a powerful tool for driving customer engagement and loyalty.
13. Contact information
A website’s contact page is one of the most important pages on the site. This is where visitors can get in touch with the company or individual behind the website. The contact page should include basic information such as a name, email address, and physical address. It should also provide a brief description of the products or services offered by the website.
In addition, the contact page should include a form that visitors can use to send a message. The form should be simple and easy to use, and it should allow visitors to attach files if necessary. Finally, the contact page should also include a link to the website’s privacy policy. This will ensure that visitors know how their personal information will be used and protected.
14. Link to social media pages
In today’s digital age, it’s important for businesses to have a strong online presence. One way to achieve this is by including links to your social media pages on your website. This makes it easy for visitors to find your pages and follow you on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In addition, social media links can help to increase traffic to your website and improve your search engine ranking. As a result, including social media links on your website is a smart way to connect with more potential customers and grow your business.
15. Footer menu
The footer menu of a website is typically located at the bottom of the page, below the main content area. This menu typically contains links to other pages on the site, such as the home page, contact page, and privacy policy. The footer menu can also be used to link to external sites, such as social media profiles or partner websites. In many cases, the footer menu is the last thing a visitor sees before leaving the site, so it’s important to make sure that it’s well-designed and easy to navigate. A well-designed footer menu can help keep visitors engaged with your site, and it can also promote other parts of your website that they may not have seen otherwise.
16. Readable URL
A readable URL is a web address that is easy for people to remember and type into their browser. Readable URLs are often short and simple, without any special characters or numbers. They are also easy to pronounce, which makes them ideal for use in marketing materials such as radio ads or billboards. In addition, readable URLs can help to improve search engine optimization, making it more likely that people will find your website.
While there are no hard and fast rules for creating readable URLs, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. First, use keywords that accurately describe your content. Second, keep your URLs short and sweet. And finally, avoid using numbers or special characters whenever possible. By following these tips, you can create readable URLs that will help people find your website and remember your web address.
17. Links to other pages
Any website worth its salt will have links to other pages, both on and off the site. These links serve a number of important functions. First, they provide visitors with additional information about the topic at hand. For example, if you are reading an article about car engines, a link to an page about how car engines work would be very useful. Second, links help to improve the search engine ranking of a website.
Search engines use algorithms that take into account the number and quality of links when determining where a website should appear in search results. Finally, links can be used to generate revenue for a website. If a website features links to products or services that are available for purchase, each click on those links represents a potential source of income. In summary, links play a vital role in the success of any website.
18. Maps / Direction
Any good website should have a clear and easy to use maps & directions section. This is especially important for businesses that want to attract new customers. After all, if potential customers can’t find your business, they’re not going to be able to become paying customers. The best maps & directions sections will include a variety of features to make it as easy as possible for users to find their way.
These features might include an interactive map, turn-by-turn directions, and even public transportation information. By including all of these elements, you can be sure that your website’s maps & directions section will be user-friendly and effective.
19. Privacy policy page
When you visit a website, you may be asked to provide personal information such as your name, email address, and contact information. This information is collected by the website in order to provide you with the services you request or to contact you about their products and services. However, this information may also be used for other purposes, such as marketing or advertising. It is important to know how your personal information will be used before you provide it to a website.
Each website has its own privacy policy that outlines how they collect, use, and protect your personal information. This policy should be easily accessible on the website so that you can review it before providing any information. If you cannot find a link to the privacy policy, or if the policy is not clear, it is best to avoid providing any personal information to the website.
20. FAQ
Customers frequently have questions they want answered before they make a purchase on a website. A FAQ, or Frequently Asked Questions page, is a great way to address common concerns and objections that potential customers might have. By including a FAQ page on your site, you can address common concerns before they even arise, making it more likely that customers will complete a purchase. Furthermore, a FAQ page can help to build trust with potential customers by demonstrating that you are transparent and willing to answer their questions. Including a FAQ page on your website is a simple way to provide valuable information to potential customers and increase the likelihood of making a sale.
21. Blog
In today’s business world, having an active blog is essential in order to draw attention to your website. Search engines are constantly on the lookout for new content, and a blog provides an easy way to keep your site updated with fresh, keyword-rich material. Furthermore, a blog gives you the opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry by sharing your insights and expertise. In addition, a blog can help to build relationships with potential customers and partners by providing a platform for two-way communication. By taking advantage of the power of blogging, you can ensure that your website remains highly visible in the ever-changing world of online search.
22. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Ability to easily update title tag and meta description
Anyone who has ever tried to build a website knows that getting visitors to actually find your site can be a challenge. There are millions of websites out there, and standing out from the crowd can be difficult. That’s where search engine optimization comes in. Search engine optimization, or SEO, is the process of improving the visibility of a website in search engine results pages. By optimizing your site for relevant keywords and phrases, you can attract more visitors who are actually interested in what you have to say. There are many different techniques that can be used to improve SEO, and an experienced webmaster will know how to use them all to get the best results. However, even a basic understanding of SEO can go a long way towards making your site more visible and attracting more visitors.
Title tags and meta descriptions are used on the search engine result pages and how well they are written can determine which page your website shows up on and how many clicks it gets. The title tag is one of the strongest onsite ranking factors and the meta description helps a searcher understand what the page is about. You or your SEO agency should be able to easily update the page titles on your website. Wellmarkit have a recognized team of SEO experts who can really add value to your business.
23. Mobile responsiveness
In today’s world, an increasing number of people are using their smartphones and tablets to access the internet. As a result, it’s more important than ever for websites to be designed with mobile devices in mind. A responsive website is one that can adapt to the user’s screen size, ensuring that content is easy to read and navigate regardless of the device being used.
In addition to providing a better experience for mobile users, responsive design can also help to improve a website’s search engine ranking. With more and more people using mobile devices to go online, having a responsive website is essential for any business that wants to stay competitive.
24. Optimize website speed and performance
Website speed and performance is important for a number of reasons. First, fast loading pages improve the user experience. Visitors are more likely to stay on a site that loads quickly and is glitch-free. Second, fast loading pages improve search engine rankings. Google and other search engines factor in load time when determining where to place websites in search results.
This means that sites with faster loading times are more likely to be seen by potential customers. Finally, fast loading pages improve conversion rates. Studies have shown that even a small delay in page load time can cause a significant decrease in conversion rates. For these reasons, it is essential to focus on improving website speed and performance.
25. Local Business Schema
Schema.org is a collaborative standard for structured data on the internet. It helps search engines understand your website content. A local business schema is a type of structured data that helps search engines understand the content on your website. It can be used to provide information about your business, such as your address, phone number, opening hours, and more. By including this information in your code, you can help improve your website’s visibility in search results. In addition, schema can also be used to provide Rich Snippets, which are short snippets of information that appear alongside your listing in search results. This can include things like customer reviews, pricing, and product information. Including rich snippets can help to improve your click-through rate from search results, making it an important part of SEO for any local business. Here is a great video on Local SEO & Local Schema from Ahrefs.
That’s it. These are the most vital features for a small local business website. We hope that now you can look beyond the layout or colour scheme and understand the subtle elements that make your website more user-friendly as well as loved by search engines. Ultimately, these are the things that will dictate whether your website is successful and delivers on your business goals. If you take the shortcuts and get your website built on the cheap, you can rest assured that it will not do what you dream of it doing.
Why are some Health & Wellness business owners more successful in growing their practice / clinic / business than you are? Ask us! We probably helped them. We created Wellmarkit to support Health & Wellness business owners who struggle with 4 main pain points:
1. Difficulty with finding & retaining clients in order to maintain a steady income.
2. Difficulty with marketing and promoting their services.
3. Difficulty with business management: Tax, accounting, planning and knowing what is best practice in running the practice.
4. Difficulty with managing administrative tasks: Administrative tasks, such as billing, record-keeping, insurance, time management can be burdensome.
At Wellmarkit, we specialize in supporting health and wellness business owners with high-quality yet affordable services. Our services include:
• Website design & development, online booking, branding, logo and graphic design.
• Online marketing, marketing strategy, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) & social media.
• Group & one-to-one business mentoring + advisory services. We regularly run training courses & workshops on all of the aforementioned topics.
Since we focus 100% on health and wellness businesses we bring expertise to the table that our generalist peers lack. If you want to know why your competitors are booked out and rank towards the top of Google search, ask us! We probably helped them get there. Wellmarkit are the No.1 Marketing & Web Design team for Health & Wellness businesses.
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