Websites are a lot like workout plans – they must be maintained in order to yield optimal results. Once a website is built, it must be updated for competitive purposes, as well as to give the end user a reason to come back again. These repeat visits are what are referred to in the web design industry as “site stickiness”. And they are ultimately what makes your business successful. Our digital strategist weighs in on what factors really influence your site’s stickiness level: Credibility plays a big role in whether or not users will invest time and money on your site. When visiting a site, users look to see whether other users have posted reviews or testimonials. They look for security seals and reputable payment methods, as well as Better Business Bureau information and a Privacy Policy. All of these things help to establish trust with visitors, which in return gives them a reason to do business with you on a repeat basis, as well as recommend your site to others. Customer Service is a major component that can make or break online businesses. With so much competition, e-businesses must be more flexible than ever before when it comes to providing customer support. This may be in the form of an online customer service chat, a clear return policy, a warranty or simply posting the company’s contact information in the header of every page. Visitors like to know that they are doing business with a real company – one who will answer the phone when they call and who values them as a long-term customer, not just a single sale transaction. Accessibility is a must for e-tailers. Having a website alone is no longer enough. Customers on-the-go with their mobile devices are consuming content at a rapid rate on social networks, all the while expecting the brands that do business with them to anticipate their location and tailor their content and promotions accordingly. This includes mobile optimized website and mobile apps, as well promotions tied in to social sites and check-ins. If you’re interested in making your website sticky, it’s a good idea to do an audit of the industry and see what’s working for top competitors and eaders in the space. Surveying your own customers and crowdsourcing is another useful technique, especially if you can make it fun and engaging for end users. Ask customers what they want – and then deliver.
Websites are a lot like workout plans – they must be maintained in order to yield optimal results. Once a website is built, it must be updated for competitive purposes, as well as to give the end user a reason to come back again. These repeat visits are what are referred to in the web design industry as “site stickiness”. And they are ultimately what makes your business successful. Our digital strategist weighs in on what factors really influence your site’s stickiness level: Credibility plays a big role in whether or not users will invest time and money on your site. When visiting a site, users look to see whether other users have posted reviews or testimonials. They look for security seals and reputable payment methods, as well as Better Business Bureau information and a Privacy Policy. All of these things help to establish trust with visitors, which in return gives them a reason to do business with you on a repeat basis, as well as recommend your site to others. Customer Service is a major component that can make or break online businesses. With so much competition, e-businesses must be more flexible than ever before when it comes to providing customer support. This may be in the form of an online customer service chat, a clear return policy, a warranty or simply posting the company’s contact information in the header of every page. Visitors like to know that they are doing business with a real company – one who will answer the phone when they call and who values them as a long-term customer, not just a single sale transaction. Accessibility is a must for e-tailers. Having a website alone is no longer enough. Customers on-the-go with their mobile devices are consuming content at a rapid rate on social networks, all the while expecting the brands that do business with them to anticipate their location and tailor their content and promotions accordingly. This includes mobile optimized website and mobile apps, as well promotions tied in to social sites and check-ins. If you’re interested in making your website sticky, it’s a good idea to do an audit of the industry and see what’s working for top competitors and eaders in the space. Surveying your own customers and crowdsourcing is another useful technique, especially if you can make it fun and engaging for end users. Ask customers what they want – and then deliver.