Top 13 Must-Haves for an Outstanding Website

Top 13? Does it really have to be that much?

Well, think of it this way: if you want to have a good time driving a car, just having a driving license is not going to be enough. Unless you’re like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory who collects licenses only for the pleasure of having them, and in that case you’re going to be happy anyway. You also need a good car, and it may take time till you select the perfect one for you (color, engine power, manufacturer, etc). Then you want to pick a road and the timing because there is no use driving directly into traffic jams. Don’t forget some nice music and suitable company.

Taadaam, the day has come, the engine gently revs while you start the car, your friends cheer, nice music is playing, the open road is in front of you–and you are happy. But with one part of the equation mission, the pleasure is not the same. The same story goes for having an outstanding website, especially if you want to have a perfect web appearance for the sake of your business. It’s not exactly a car because you don’t have to do it all on your own, but let’s take a look into all the must-haves.

Top 13 Must-Haves for an Outstanding Website

1. Clear and intuitive navigation

When you get to the unknown website, you want to be able to stroll around without the need for a map and compass. Users like to find what they’re looking for quickly and effortlessly. An intuitive navigation manu is often placed at the top of the page and can significantly improve users’ experience. 

Also, you can use dropdown menus, breadcrumbs, and a well-organized site map. It’s only natural that when visitors struggle to find their way around for information, they are likely to leave the site.

2. Analytics and tracking 

Even when people come and go and never come back (fingers crossed it’s a rare occasion), there are survey tools for research that can help you discover why people left. Then you can do something about it. 

In the best case scenario, these survey tools have numerous advantages in maintaining your website. They can get you direct access to live users where you can have real-time feedback, with authentic insights into users preferences and experiences upon your website. If the users show some specific action, survey tools will be triggered to inform you. Also, they are great for evaluative research.

Once you have identified virtues and flows of your website with the help of these tools, it’s easy to make changes for the better and improve your business accordingly.

3. Accessibility 

Did you know that most used languages for web content around the world are English and Spanish? This has given a nice opportunity to some businesses to apply free transcription apps on their websites in order to get a larger audience. Your website should be accessible to everyone, no matter the language they speak, the country they live in, and include people with disabilities. Transcribing content of your site from video or audio to subtitles in any language in the world is a huge step forward. 

Some other features you can try are alt text for images, or that your site could be navigable via keyboard.

4. Mobile responsiveness

Have you noticed that search engines like Google prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their search results? That’s because a significant portion of web traffic comes from mobile devices. It’s alright to have a beautiful looking website for the desktop, but many users are spending more time searching on their mobiles than on computers. 

So it’s reasonable to adjust your site to a mobile size, or even better, to fit any screen size. That way those who use smartphones and tablets are also going to have a great experience. Also, did you know that there are more mobile phones in the world than people? 

5. Fast load times

Website speed is important. It’s like walking into a post office and waiting for hours till it’s your turn. Some people would rather just leave. They might come back another time–but, hey, it’s a post office, everybody needs it. But the only one who most definitely needs your website is you–potential customers can find something else in the vast world of the internet. That’s why you’re doing everything in your power to keep them where they are by providing something nobody else has. For them to see it, you have to show them fast.

Now that we know that slow loading times can frustrate visitors and lead to higher bounce rates, what can you do to improve load times?

• Optimize images
• Leverage browser caching
• Use content delivery networks (CDNs)
• Have a web hosting service that can handle your site’s traffic efficiently

6. High quality content

High quality content is the most beautiful part of the process. It feels like choosing a proper interior and decorations for your new apartment. That’s the view everybody will be admiring when they come for a visit. 

So you need high-quality, relevant, and regularly updated content. This can include absolutely anything: 

• Blog posts
• Articles
• Videos
• Infographics
• And more

Make sure that your content is well written, informative and that it gives value to your audience.

7. Strong call to actions (CTAs)

To make users remember your site is to make them engaged. They will sooner remember the action they took, especially if they were browsing through other sites the same day. 

How can you make them take specific actions? They can sign up for a newsletter, make a purchase, or download a resource. Calls for action need to be clear, concise, and compelling. 

You can try using contrasting colors and strategic placement to make your CTA stand out. And don’t forget to use the kind of language that can highlight the benefit of taking action.

8. Social proof and testimonials

Building trust with your audience is essential. Many people who are looking for certain products or services will first ask around to see what kind of experience the others had. There will be testimonials, reviews, and case studies. It’s up to you to do your best so that those social proves can be positive and in your favor. This is how you build a brand and a reputation. 

Also, you can show awards you’ve got, as well as certifications, or partnerships.  

9. Contact information and customer support 

Sometimes people have questions, right? And clear contact information shows that you’re accessible and willing to engage with your audience. Try to provide multiple ways for visitors to contact you. This can be through

• Contact form
• Email address
• Phone number
• Physical address
• Live chat support

10. Search engine optimization (SEO)

If you want your website to be on the first page on the Google search, then SEO is your answer. That will help drive organic traffic to your site, and optimizing your site for search engines is very important. How can you do that?

• Use relevant keywords
• Optimize meta tags
• Create high-quality content
• Build backlinks

SEO will not answer your problems, if there are any, overnight. It’s an ongoing process that you need to trust. So stay updated with the latest trends and algorithm changes to maintain and improve your ranking. 

11. Clear branding

Consistent branding will help you create your identity and build trust with your audience. How do people usually create brands?

• Logo
• Color scheme
• Typography
• Design aesthetic

Whatever you do, just make sure that the message you’re sending is aligned with the visuals you’re using. 

12. Regular updates and maintenance

A website is not a set-it-and-forget-it project. You need to do regular updates and maintenance to keep your site running smoothly and securely. This means that you will, from time to time, update content, fix broken links, and make sure that all software and plugins are up-to-date. 

Regular maintenance helps prevent issues before they become significant problems. It’s better to prevent than to cure. Additionally, you can integrate a project management tool to organize and manage your regular updates successfully.

13. Integrations with social media

Integrating your website with social media like Facebook, Instagram, or Tweeter (X) can drive more traffic to your site. So you can include social sharing buttons to let visitors share your content with ease. 

Also, you can embed social media feeds or linking to your profiles to encourage users to connect with you on multiple platforms. 

From ordinary to outstanding 

Can you imagine that only 13 features can make something perfect? Well, to be honest, there is always more, and you can spend an entire life aiming for perfection, but right now all you need to do is to make your website from ordinary to outstanding. 

Make your business dream come true with these essential elements and tools. Each component can help in creating a trustworthy, engaging, and seamless presence. Very soon your visitors will become your loyal customers.