4 Tips to Making the Right First Impression For Your Website

Many studies suggest that it takes only about 50 milliseconds or 0.05 seconds for users to form an opinion about your website. Because of this, the first impression is crucial as it determines whether the users will stay or leave. Studies also reveal that first impressions of a website are 94 percent design-related, while 86 percent of website visitors expect to see a product or service on the homepage, and 90 percent of them use multiple screens sequentially. 

The statistics alone say enough about the importance of website creation and development. Though various factors can impact users’ impressions on a website, their first impression is based on the things users can immediately take in once they visit a website. It’s best to understand the crucial factors that affect the user’s first impression so that you can incorporate the right elements into your website. 

Below are what your site should have in place to carve a good first impression.

1. Security

Security is a primary factor to consider for your website. The moment your user realizes that your site doesn’t have proper security, they will bounce out of your site immediately. For instance, if your site uses the older HTTP data transmission protocol, it’s easy for users to get a “Not Secure” warning in the URL address bar when they use the Google Chrome browser. Make sure that your site has the extra layer of encryption to protect personal data and information. Upgrade your website connection to HTTPS so that any information your users enter on your site remains secure and protected.

2. Speed

Speed shouldn’t be underestimated. If users visit your site and your web page takes a long time to load, chances are they’ll leave your page quickly. Many visitors expect a website to load and function within two seconds. Even 53 percent of mobile users will leave a page that takes more than 3 seconds to load. Slow speed can lead to a loss of website traffic, fewer sales, and decreased customer satisfaction. That said, make sure the loading time of your website is fast and efficient. Make the necessary changes to improve your site’s performance in terms of speed and navigation.

3. Responsiveness

The responsiveness of your website is also paramount. Nowadays, people use various devices to look for information online, whether it’s a laptop, PC, or mobile phone. The problem is when your website looks different on multiple devices and become dysfunctional or has web issues. For instance, your visitors can get frustrated if they can’t view your site properly when using their smartphones. That said, make sure to utilize responsive web design for your site. This design style enables a website to adjust its styling based on the screen size of the device being used. Incorporating responsive web design can surely make a difference in making a good first impression on your website visitors.

4. Design

Web design is vital to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your website. Studies show that 38 percent of internet users will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. Web design refers to the overall look and appearance of your site, which includes the layout, colour, balance, legibility, and overall visual appeal. Make sure your site doesn’t look cluttered, outdated, or unsophisticated. As much as possible, integrate a streamlined, simplified, and well-structured web design.

It’s been said that the first impression lasts, and this applies to your website as well. Consider the five factors outlined above, which are security, speed, responsiveness, and design, to improve your first impression. Apart from making a good first impression, these changes will translate into building user engagements, generating leads, and can even go as far as converting sales.

If you’re looking for a website design agency based in Winnipeg, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.