The Importance of a Navigable Website for Your Business
- RBF Admin
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
A website can be the first point of contact for potential customers, making it an essential part of your business presence. A website that’s easy to use and intuitively designed not only boosts customer satisfaction but also increases the chances of conversion. For small business owners, this is an essential step toward ensuring your digital storefront works for you.
Why Does Website Navigation Matter?
Navigability refers to how easy it is for visitors to find information on your website and take actions, like making a purchase or reaching out for services. A well-structured, intuitive website means your audience can quickly find what they need without frustration, leading to higher engagement and increased sales.
According to Smashing Magazine (2020), a user-first design is crucial for website success. A streamlined design ensures that your visitors don’t get lost in a maze of pages. The more intuitive the layout, the more likely users are to complete their intended actions, whether it’s buying a product, booking a service, or signing up for a newsletter.
Additionally, Google (2021) found that nearly 53% of mobile site visitors will leave a page if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. This makes site speed just as crucial as navigation when it comes to keeping your visitors engaged.
What Should a Navigable Website Include?
When designing a website, it’s essential to think about your target audience’s journey. Here are some key elements of a well-structured, navigable website:
Clear, Concise Menus: Navigation menus should be easy to find and clearly labeled, providing quick access to the most important pages (like "About Us," "Services," or "Shop").
Mobile Optimization: Many people access websites via their phones. A mobile-optimized site makes for a better user experience and encourages customers to stick around.
Fast Load Time: A website that loads in 3 seconds or less significantly reduces the chance of a high bounce rate
Call-to-Action (CTA): Whether you want visitors to sign up for a newsletter, make a purchase, or contact you for more information, having clear CTAs will guide your users toward conversion.
Challenges Faced by Women & LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs
For women and LGBTQ+ business owners, creating an accessible and navigable website is an opportunity to showcase professionalism. Unfortunately, many small business owners are often pressed for time and resources, juggling multiple roles in the business, from marketing to bookkeeping and beyond. With these challenges, it can be difficult to dedicate the time necessary to design a website that properly reflects your business.
The good news is that outsourcing some tasks, like design or website maintenance, can be an effective way to keep your site running smoothly while you focus on what matters most, growing your business.
How to Get a Navigable Website
Here are a few steps to get started:
Choose a User-Friendly Website Builder: There are plenty of website platforms that cater to small businesses. Choose one that’s easy to update and manage, even without a background in coding. Wix.com, WordPress.com, and Squarespace.com are all popular options.
Focus on Simplicity: Aim for a clean and simple design that doesn't overwhelm users with information. Prioritize the most important pages and make them easy to access.
Test and Optimize: Use analytics to track where users may be dropping off or getting frustrated with your site. Regularly test and update your site to ensure it’s working at its best.
No Time? No Worries! How Rooted Business Foundations Can Help...
At Rooted Business Foundations, we understand the specific needs of women and LGBTQ+ business owners. Our team offers support to help create, maintain, or levelup a navigable, user-friendly website that aligns with your brand and goals. Whether it’s providing expert advice or helping you optimize for SEO, we’re here to support your business at every stage of the process.
Sources:
Google. (2021). "Why Page Speed Matters." Google. Link
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