Tuesday 29 December 2015

How Better Web Design Helps Increase Conversion Rates



Website design is considered both a science and an art. This term is typically used to define the whole process involved in developing and designing a website by using several different tools and methods. Web design is not only what we see, but also represents the user interface, menu structure and overall layout of the website. This is done with the help of different images, typeface, colours and contrasts. A well designed website not only performs well on a visual and user experience level, it also has a genuine impact on the volume of online company sales generated. 

Importance of web design
In order to promote your business well, and to get in front of your competitors, you have to visually engage and delight your web traffic visitors. Your website creates an initial and lasting impression of your business, so it’s crucial that its quality reflects the professionalism of your company. Consumers and potential clients need to identify with your brand - who you are, what you offer and why they should believe that your product or service is superior to others.

Types of Web Design
There are many types of web design available, and what you choose depends on the purpose for creating it;

StaticA Static website is one which does not have either a database or interactive content and no any server side functionality. This type of design is used for smaller websites that do not require any complicated functions or features. The static design is cheaper, faster, and simpler to design as compared to other designs. 

DynamicDynamic websites use server-side programming and database to stock and distribute the content. This kind of website enables web pages to carry out complicated functions along with displaying complicated data and collaborative content. Dynamic designs are appropriate for larger websites which require a large number of pages. However, this type of design needs more initial work as compared to static websites, therefore it’s typically not recommended for small websites.

Brochure Sitesbest for small businesses and for those who are looking for a low budget option. These websites generally have one or two pages, following a basic format, including pages such as Home page, About Us, Services, Contact Us and links.

Content Management System (CMS)CMS is the best options for those who update their services and products frequently. Even, this is also very effective for those who want complete control over their website. This allows you to add image, page, or content depending on your needs. 

E-commerce - E-commerce websites are preeminent for those who want to sell goods online. You can get e-commerce design according to your business needs by adding payment gateways like PayPal, SagePay, WorldPay, or Checkout by Amazon. E-commerce websites are database driven and dynamic that provides provision to clients to add product descriptions, images, new items and stock levels from a committed admin system. 

How to Increase Conversion rates
The theme, color, menu navigation, layout, graphics, usability and images all play a crucial role in persuading visitors to browse through a website, thereby helping to convert them into buyers. A successful website is one that provides an intuitive user experience – that is to say, one where specific words are made into clickable links that lead the user to where they would expect to go, having seen a particular product or image. 

Here are a few influential ways to help increase conversion rates;

Usability
  • Speed - A crucial factor. If a website takes too long to load, you can very quickly lose your hard earned traffic to competitor websites whose load times are significantly quicker. Use GTMetrix.com to check for site speed issues. 
  • Readability of the content - The content you create should be easy to read, meaningful, and unique. 
  • Information hierarchy – Key information that you want web visitors to read should be placed at the top of the page. Organise your content as per your business goals.

Intuitive web design

  • A website is the main means of communication between you and your customers. Imagine turning up in gym gear to a corporate board meeting – it’s not what would be expected. Don’t let clickable key words or phrases lead to a page that does not naturally follow on from what they have just read or seen – it will not help to engender trust, and will diminish the user experience.
  • Directional Cues- These are hints via use of hyperlinks, or suggestions such as “If you like this product you may also like…”. These help shepherd user behavior towards specific goals, such as completing a form or making a purchase.

If you want to enhance the appearance, professionalism or intuitive feel of your website, it is important to understand the basics of webpage design. At FiveRivers, we ensure to embed all these elements via our web design services. We can accompany this with unique and fresh content for a fully customised digital marketing strategy.

Request a quote or a free consultation today, by calling 0203 397 7545.

Sunday 27 December 2015

4 Types of Visual Content for Marketing Campaigns



The internet is packed with content created by either brands or individuals. This indicates that everything you create has stiff competition. However, one thing you can do to stand out is to adopt a visual strategy. Many studies found that visual content is more powerful than text alone, as the human brain interprets images faster than it can process words. Here are some different examples of visual content you can be using in any online marketing campaign;

  • Memes

Coined by Richard Dawkins in 1970, the word ‘meme’ originally refers to an idea or behavior that can be replicated many times over and shared between many people. A meme nowadays typically refers to an image with captions. It’s proven to be an effective and wonderful way to create a connection with consumers.

  •  Videos

Videos have been identified as one of the strongest methods of reaching out to consumers. You can find many affordable and easy-to-use tools that help in creating videos to promote brand awareness. According to a recent study, videos on a landing page helps to increase conversions by up to 86%.  From customer testimonial videos, how-to videos, product descriptions or corporate animations, there are plenty of reasons and opportunities for you to use this medium.

  • Presentations

You can revitalise your marketing strategy by trying new formats. Many marketers upload their content in the form of presentations using Issuu or Slideshare. These presentations must be formatted professionally – it’s common for companies to approach marketing companies to ensure this. Both text and memes can be used here.

  • Infographics and Data Visualisations

Generally, users engage more with content based on solid facts from respected sources. In these instances, data visualisation methods can help your content be viewed with more credibility. Injecting graphs, charts and tables can make a post more easily digestible.

Video Content marketing is a highly popular and effective way to advertise your brand. If you want to try a new approach to your marketing efforts, or if what you are doing currently isn’t as effective as you would like, ask about video marketing campaigns from Five Rivers. Our Explainer Videos have already helped dozens of our clients gain significant online brand exposure. Contact us today on 0203 397 7545 for a quote.

Wednesday 23 December 2015

3 Ways to Multiply your Blog Traffic


If you are a regular blogger, the last thing you want is for your blog post to go unnoticed. If your blog post is unique, informative and has the hallmark of a considered and quality piece of writing with relevant research done where required, you’re much more like to grab readers’ attention and increase your fan base. If you’re trying to position yourself as a voice of authority, don’t run the risk of being caught out by inaccurate reporting – you’ll lose credibility far quicker than you can gain it. 

This is step one in multiplying traffic to your blog post. However, now that you’ve created a blog and posted on it, don’t just let it sit there – you’re not known yet! 

Here’s how to increase your followers;
  • Share on Social Media - If done correctly, this can be a very effective means of blog promotion. Take your pick of the many social media websites, such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter, etc. on which you can share your blog post by writing some catchy headlines, tweets and posts. When using hashtags, make sure you’ve done your research through hashtagify.com to review which will are the more popular. Write several tweets / posts, and schedule them into Hootsuite for automatic posting. You’ll be promoting your blog even while you sleep!
  • Email list - You may have many email addresses in your account, some of which may be clients and others, acquaintances or friends. Inform them of your latest blog post, and why they should read it. Ask them to post reviews and comments on the blogs, as this can also help to drive traffic.
  • Pay for Promotion - If you wish to apportion a budget – no matter how small - Facebook ads are a good way to get in front of your target audiences. You can focus on specific groups of people who may have interest in the topics of your blog posts.
Promoting a blog has become an important means of generating leads and can help to monetise a business. As long as your posts are rich with informative content that can help a person to learn or make an informed decision, you’ll be giving it the best opportunity of being shared amongst peers, friends, and clients.

To further energise the success of your blog, make sure your grammar and syntax is correct. If the blog is littered with poor spelling and structure, you’ll turn people away regardless as to the quality of information you’re endeavouring to put out there.

Spellcheck has its limitations – if you need assistance, Five Rivers’ copywriting services can help. Visit our website or call 0203 397 7545 – our prices start from just £49.

Monday 21 December 2015

3 Common Words to Avoid in B2B Copywriting



The success of your website copy depends on the right blend of language, tone and information that can resonate with your readers. B2B (or business to business) means to sell your product to other businesses instead of a specific end user. If you are writing in this capacity, here are 5 common terms and phrases to avoid from your vocabulary;
  • Really / Very
The word “really” or “very” is superfluous. If you’re using either of these in your content, it’s because you haven’t considered a better description. Easy examples are, instead of “very good”, use “excellent”. Instead of “really brainy” use “intelligent”. It’s not difficult, it just requires a little thought.
  • Top/Market Leader/Best
These three words often destroy credibility. If you bang the drum telling people you are “the best”, or a “market leader”, what else are you doing or saying to back this up? Have you got any other marketing collateral that can support these claims? If you’ve won local or national awards, or have many glowing reviews on your website or TrustPilot, then use those instead. Making sweeping statements without evidence comes across as flippant, or at worst, arrogant. 
  • I believe/I think
Unless you’re writing a blog post about future predictions, the term “I believe” forces the reader to question the confidence of the author, and the legitimacy of the content. Generate more trust with your readers by being definite about your subject matter – find some concrete facts that will lend credence to your post.

When writing effective copy, ensure that it has all the correct grammatical and informative elements that will make for an interesting read. If you are promoting services or products, make sure to keep on topic and make the reader feel as though their time has been well spent.
For professional Copywriting services, call Five Rivers on 0203 397 7545.