By Emily Shaughnessy | Oct 20, 2023
If you want to boost your website traffic and turn leads into sales, landing pages can be a highly efficient tool. A landing page is a single web page specifically designed to capture a visitor’s attention and prompt a particular action, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading an e-book, or making a purchase of a specific product.
This blog post will walk you through ten tips for creating a landing page that not only grabs your visitors’ attention but also guides them seamlessly through your marketing funnel to that sale or signup.
- Know Your Audience
Before you even think about design or content, you must understand your target audience. Who are they? What are their pain points? What solutions are they seeking? Tailoring your landing page to resonate with your audience is the first step towards conversion success.
- Craft a Compelling Headline
Your headline is your first impression, so make it count. It should be clear, concise, and directly related to the problem your product or service solves. A compelling headline should pique your visitor’s interest and encourage them to explore further.
- Offer Value
Visitors should know within seconds what they’ll gain by staying on your landing page. Provide a clear value proposition, and use persuasive language to explain how your offering can address their needs or desires.
- Create Clear and Concise Copy
When it comes to landing page content, less is often more. Avoid clutter and long paragraphs. Instead, use concise and persuasive copy to explain the benefits of your product or service. Use bullet points and subheadings to make your content scannable.
- Engaging Visuals
Images, videos, and graphics can enhance your landing page’s appeal. Use high-quality visuals that are relevant to your message and product. Visual content can help explain complex ideas and create a more engaging user experience.
- Strong Call to Action (CTA)
Your CTA is the linchpin of your marketing funnel. Make it stand out, use action-oriented language (e.g., “Get Started,” “Try for Free”), and place it prominently on the page. Ensure it’s clear what action you want your visitors to take.
- Optimize for Mobile
In a mobile-first world, your landing page must be responsive and load quickly on all devices. A poor mobile experience can lead to high bounce rates and lost conversions.
- A/B Testing
Don’t rely solely on intuition; test different elements of your landing page. Conduct A/B tests to analyze the impact of different headlines, images, CTAs, and other elements. This data-driven approach can lead to substantial improvements.
- Social Proof
Leverage social proof to build trust and credibility. Include customer testimonials, case studies, or trust badges to assure visitors that your product or service is reputable and has satisfied customers.
- Analyze and Iterate
Once your landing page is live, don’t forget to monitor its performance. Use tools like Google Analytics to track metrics such as conversion rates, bounce rates, and visitor demographics. Continuously analyze the data to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.
Creating a landing page that effectively funnels potential customers towards conversion is both an art and a science. By implementing these ten tips, you’ll be well on your way to designing a high-converting landing page that serves as a critical asset in your marketing arsenal. Remember, the key to success lies in understanding your audience, crafting a compelling message, and continuously refining your approach based on data and feedback.
By Emily Shaughnessy | Oct 20, 2023
A lot of small business owners don’t realize there are ADA requirements for websites—let alone understand the consequences if those requirements aren’t met.
The CEO of ATX the Brand was recently featured in an Inc. Magazine article titled How Poor Website Accessibility Can Hurt Your Brand and Business. The article explains how ADA compliance lawsuits over websites have increased significantly in recent years, and that any size business may be at risk.
What is an ADA Lawsuit?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that mandates accommodations to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities. While many people associate ADA requirements with physical adjustments, such as building ramps, the scope of the ADA extends to the virtual realm, specifically website accessibility. An ADA lawsuit can be initiated against your company if your website fails to meet the necessary accessibility standards.
Common Reasons for ADA Lawsuits
Several factors can trigger an ADA lawsuit against a company. Inaccessible content can be a significant issue. Websites that do not provide text alternatives for images or videos make them unusable for those who are visually impaired, effectively excluding them from your digital presence.
Another common issue is the lack of proper heading structure. Missing or incorrect headings can make navigating the website difficult for screen reader users, an essential tool for many with visual impairments.
Non-compliant forms are a source of frustration for many users with disabilities. Online forms that are not compatible with screen readers or lack proper labels can be a major roadblock. Unintuitive navigation further compounds the problem.
Websites without clear navigation pathways hinder users with cognitive disabilities and may drive potential customers away. Inadequate color contrast, poor color choices that make content hard to read for those with vision impairments, can lead to non-compliance. Additionally, videos without captions are a common issue. Video content without proper captions makes it inaccessible to the deaf and hard of hearing, further limiting your audience.
How to Prevent Website Accessibility Lawsuits
To prevent ADA lawsuits and ensure your website is accessible, consider the following steps:
- Educate Yourself: The first step is understanding the basics of web accessibility, including guidelines and standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This knowledge is fundamental in creating an inclusive digital space.
- Professional ADA Audit: Hire a qualified professional to conduct a thorough ADA audit of your website, identifying accessibility issues and providing recommendations for improvement. This professional evaluation will pinpoint specific problem areas and offer solutions.
- Use Tools: Accessibility evaluation tools like wave.webaim.org can be invaluable. These tools help pinpoint specific accessibility issues. Work with developers to implement the necessary changes, focusing on making your content more accessible.
- Regular Monitoring: Develop a plan for consistent monitoring and updates to maintain accessibility standards. Ensuring ongoing compliance is crucial in a constantly evolving digital landscape. Regular checks and updates are essential to keep up with best practices.
Additional Benefits of ADA Compliance
Compliance with ADA not only reduces the risk of legal action and damage to your brand reputation but also offers several additional advantages:
- Reaching a Broader Audience: Making your website accessible expands your potential audience. By accommodating users with disabilities, you attract individuals who may have been excluded from your digital presence, thereby broadening your customer base.
- Improved User Experience: An accessible website is easier for all users to navigate, enhancing the overall user experience. Creating a user-friendly website ensures that visitors stay longer, engage more, and are more likely to convert.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines favor websites with good usability and accessibility. Implementing features like descriptive image alt text and clear headings can improve your search engine rankings, increasing online visibility and organic traffic. This translates into a more significant online presence and more opportunities to connect with potential customers.
The Broader Significance of ADA Compliance
Today, website accessibility is not merely a legal obligation but a crucial factor affecting user experience, brand reputation, and business growth. Ignoring it can result in lost opportunities and customers. In an era where a strong online presence is essential for businesses, ADA compliance becomes a competitive advantage. Ensuring that your website is accessible is not just a compliance requirement but a proactive step toward creating an inclusive, user-friendly, and competitive digital space.
What Happens if You Do Get Sued?
If your company faces an ADA lawsuit, here’s what you should do:
- Don’t Ignore the Notice: Take the lawsuit seriously and act promptly. Ignoring the situation can escalate the issue and damage your reputation further.
- Professional ADA Audit: Secure the services of a professional to perform a comprehensive ADA audit. This will help you identify the extent of non-compliance and establish a roadmap to rectify the issues.
- Compliance Priority: Make website compliance a top priority, starting with addressing the most significant issues first. Focusing on resolving the most critical accessibility issues first ensures you’re making progress efficiently.
- Consult an Attorney: Seek legal counsel to determine whether it’s in your best interest to settle or go to trial. An attorney with expertise in ADA law can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions regarding legal actions.
Frequently Asked Questions about ADA Compliance for Websites
Q: My company is small. Can I still get sued for website accessibility issues?
A: Yes, regardless of your company’s size, you can be subject to ADA lawsuits related to website accessibility. ADA compliance requirements apply to businesses of all sizes, including small companies. Lawsuits can be initiated by individuals with disabilities or advocacy groups, and non-compliance could lead to legal action, potentially resulting in financial penalties.
Q: How much does an ADA lawsuit typically cost?
A: The cost of an ADA lawsuit can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, legal fees, potential settlement amounts, and court expenses. While specific costs can vary, it’s crucial to understand that ADA lawsuits can be financially burdensome, making it more cost-effective to proactively address accessibility issues.
Q: What are the benefits of an ADA audit for my website?
A: An ADA audit for your website offers numerous benefits, such as:
Identifying accessibility issues that may lead to ADA lawsuits.
Demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity and equal access.
Enhancing the user experience for all visitors, potentially increasing customer engagement.
Improving search engine rankings, leading to better online visibility.
Reducing the risk of legal action and associated costs.
Q: How much does a website accessibility audit typically cost?
A: Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The investment is generally worthwhile, considering the potential savings in legal fees, penalties, and the benefits of a more inclusive and user-friendly website.
Start Your ADA Compliance Audit Today
Take the first step towards a more inclusive and accessible online presence today. Get a professional ADA audit of your website and uncover the areas that need improvement. By addressing accessibility issues, you’ll not only protect your business but also create a more welcoming digital space for all users. To learn more, click here to request your website accessibility audit and ensure that your digital presence complies with ADA standards.
By Emily Shaughnessy | Oct 20, 2023
You might be surprised to learn that you have extra profit to the tune of 5-10% of your current bottom line just sitting in a database somewhere.
We’re referring to your email list. For businesses—especially ecommerce companies—your email database has enormous potential for increasing sales and customers.
How do you capitalize on that potential and turn that database into profit? After years of working with small businesses, we’ve developed an ecommerce process that we’ve seen grow sales by 5-10% within 30-60 days. And we’re sharing that with you today.
E Commerce Process
- Strategize
Strategize the emails you’ll be sending out and understand what you want your ultimate offer to be. For example: a new product you’re releasing, increasing sales for a popular product, getting referrals, getting reviews, etc.
- Create a schedule
Determine whether you’ll send out emails weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Email marketing scheduling looks different for everyone depending on the products you’re selling and the demographic you’re selling to. For example: If you’re selling products and often run deals with X percentage off of those products, then you’ll want to send out your emails weekly. Users will anticipate and look for the next good deal.
Start off warm, be informative about your products, and be subtle on the ask. If you’ve not been consistently communicating with your database list, you can’t just jump into asking them to buy your products—even if they are current customers.
- Refine your ask:
Part of strategizing is determining what you’ll ask and when you’ll offer incentives to your existing database. Below are a few examples of specific requests you can make of your email subscribers as well as what you can offer them.
Reviews
Requests for reviews should be automated and sent to users after a sale. If your product takes 3-5 days to be delivered, you’ll also need to factor in the time it takes for the user to determine if your product was good for them or not.
Example 1: If you sell jewelry, it’s good to have an automated email go out 1-3 days after the customer receives it.
Example 2: If your product is cosmetic and it may take your customer a week or so to see results, then you want to send them an automated email 7-10 days after they receive it.
Referral
Let’s make this simple. You’re asking your customer to be a salesperson for you. How can you encourage them to do so in order to receive some sort of incentive? After all, no one is going to do anything for free. Make it sound enticing. Make it feel easy for them to receive a reward.
Example 1: Want to receive an extra $25? Refer a friend and we’ll give you $25 off your next purchase.
Example 2: Refer a friend and you both get X% off your next purchase.
Discount off of a product
People want your products. You already know this. But people also love a good deal.
If your offer is limited, you want to persuade potential customers to hurry and buy. By saying that your most popular product is 30% off to the first 100 buyers, you will create a sense of urgency.
Have you ever seen a popular music artist have a concert and when the email is released, people rush to buy? That’s because seats are limited and it’s First Come, First Served. While you may not be Taylor Swift or Drake, you can still create the same effect.
Example: Buy 1 Get 1 for 7 days only! Hurry now before we’re sold out.
Your Buy 1 Get 1 sale should not be too long. If you want it to last for 60 days, divide it up into 7-10 day increments. That way, if people don’t do it the first time and time runs out, they’ll have FOMO the next time around.
Remember, the strategy behind discounts isn’t just to provide a special rate, it’s to drive sales quickly within a short period of time.
Give them a reason to act NOW, and not later.
Getting started
Turning your email database into profit is possible, but it takes a strategic approach. If you have questions about the process outlined above, or need support on developing an email marketing strategy for your ecommerce business, contact us for a free strategy call.
By Emily Shaughnessy | Oct 12, 2023
Your website is your digital storefront, and its appearance and functionality can significantly impact your brand’s success. If you’re contemplating a website redesign, you’re on the right track to staying competitive and engaging with your audience. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten compelling reasons why you should consider redesigning your website.
- Outdated Design:
If your website design looks outdated, visitors may perceive your business as obsolete or less credible. A modern, visually appealing design can instill trust and captivate your audience. An outdated design not only deters visitors but also impacts your brand’s reputation. Your website should reflect the current design trends and showcase that your business is in touch with the times.
- Poor User Experience:
Websites that are hard to navigate, slow to load, or not mobile-friendly frustrate visitors. A website redesign can enhance the user experience and keep visitors engaged. A seamless user experience is essential for retaining visitors and encouraging them to explore your content and products. A well-designed website ensures that users can easily find what they’re looking for and have a positive interaction with your brand.
- Ineffective Branding:
If your website doesn’t effectively represent your brand’s identity, it’s time to reevaluate your branding and redesign your site accordingly.
Your website should be a reflection of your brand. A mismatch between your brand’s identity and your website design can lead to confusion and deter potential customers. A redesign allows you to align your website with your brand’s messaging and image.
- Low Conversion Rates:
If your website isn’t converting visitors into customers or leads, you may need to revamp your content, calls to action, and overall design to improve conversion rates.Conversion rates are a critical metric for the success of your website. A website redesign can focus on improving the elements that influence conversions, such as the clarity of your calls to action, the placement of contact forms, and the persuasive power of your content.
- Lack of Mobile Responsiveness:
With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s crucial that your website is responsive and functions seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.Mobile responsiveness is no longer an option but a necessity. Ensuring that your website provides a great user experience on mobile devices is essential for attracting and retaining visitors who access your site on their smartphones and tablets.
- Inadequate SEO:
If your website is not optimized for search engines, it’s missing out on potential organic traffic. A redesign can improve SEO, leading to higher visibility in search results. SEO is the foundation of online visibility. A website that is not optimized for search engines will struggle to rank well in search results, making it difficult for potential visitors to find your site. A redesign can include SEO improvements to boost your search engine rankings.
- Security Concerns:
Older websites may have vulnerabilities that make them susceptible to cyberattacks. A redesign can include security enhancements to protect your site and user data.
Security is a top priority in the digital age. Protecting your website and the data of your users is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility. A website redesign can involve implementing the latest security measures to safeguard your online presence.
- Content Staleness:
Outdated content can harm your website’s credibility. Regularly refreshing your content keeps your audience engaged and demonstrates your industry expertise.Fresh, relevant, and informative content is essential for keeping visitors engaged and informed. Regularly updating your content not only provides value to your audience but also signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant.
- Competitive Advantage:
If your competitors have updated their websites and you haven’t, you risk losing potential customers to more appealing and functional sites.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Keeping your website updated and competitive is essential for staying ahead of the competition. A website redesign can help you stand out in your industry and attract visitors looking for modern, user-friendly experiences.
- Changing Business Goals:
As your business evolves, your website should too. A redesign allows you to align your site with your current objectives, services, and products.
Your website should be a reflection of your business’s current goals and offerings. If your business has expanded, rebranded, or shifted its focus, your website should adapt to these changes. A redesign ensures that your website remains in sync with your business objectives.
A website redesign can breathe new life into your online presence and provide a better experience for your audience. It’s an investment that can yield significant returns by attracting more visitors, improving conversions, and maintaining a positive brand image. Take these reasons into consideration and start planning your website redesign to stay competitive in the digital landscape.
By Emily Shaughnessy | Oct 12, 2023
You’ve invested time, money, and effort into building a company website, but for some reason, you’re not seeing the web traffic you expected. It’s a common issue, but there are reasons behind it, and solutions to help you turn the tide. In this blog post, we’ll explore why your website might be lacking visitors and what you can do to change that.
Weak or Missing Meta Tags
Meta title and meta description tags provide a concise and accurate summary of a webpage’s content. Search engines use these tags to determine the content of a page and display relevant information to users in search results. When well-crafted, meta tags can entice users to click on your link by providing a clear and compelling description of what your page offers. This not only increases the click-through rate but also enhances the overall user experience. Moreover, properly optimized meta tags with relevant keywords can improve a website’s ranking in search engine results, making it more likely to appear at the top, ultimately driving more organic traffic to your website.
Poor SEO Strategy
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for driving organic traffic. If your website isn’t optimized for search engines, it won’t appear in search results, and potential visitors won’t find you. Consider working with an Austin web designer who understands SEO principles.
SEO is the key to visibility on the internet. Effective SEO includes keyword optimization, meta tags, alt text for images, and high-quality backlinks. Ensuring that your website ranks well in search engine results is crucial for attracting organic traffic.
Lack of Quality Content
Content is king on the internet. If your website doesn’t offer valuable, relevant, and engaging content, visitors have little reason to visit your site or to stick around. Regularly update your site with blog posts, articles, and other content that addresses your audience’s needs and interests.
Content is not only vital for engaging visitors but also for establishing your expertise and authority in your industry. Create content that provides solutions to your target audience’s problems and answers their questions. This will not only help your site appear in search engine results, but keep your target audience on your site once they get there.
Inadequate Social Media Presence
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your website. If you’re not active on platforms relevant to your audience, you’re missing out on an opportunity to attract visitors. Social media allows you to interact with your audience and drive traffic to your website. Share your content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to increase your website’s visibility. Engaging with your social media audience can also create a loyal fan base that regularly visits your site.
Slow Loading Speed
Slow-loading websites frustrate visitors and lead to higher bounce rates. Check your website’s speed and optimize it for quick loading, especially on mobile devices. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify areas that need improvement and work with your web developer to enhance site speed. Faster loading times result in a better user experience and can boost your website’s performance.
Poor Mobile Responsiveness
With the increasing use of mobile devices, your website must be responsive. If it’s not, you’re alienating a significant portion of potential visitors. Mobile responsiveness is no longer optional. A responsive design ensures that your website adapts to various screen sizes, providing an optimal user experience for both desktop and mobile users. Ignoring mobile visitors can have a detrimental impact on your website’s traffic and search engine rankings.
Lack of Marketing
Your website won’t generate traffic on its own. Invest in digital marketing strategies such as pay-per-click advertising, email marketing, and content promotion to attract visitors.
Pay-per-click advertising (PPC) offers immediate results, cost control, and precise targeting, making it a cost-effective way to drive website traffic and compete with larger businesses. Email marketing enables direct and personalized communication with your audience, is cost-effective, and allows for segmentation, automation, and measurable results, fostering stronger connections and high ROI. Content promotion extends the visibility of your content, generating traffic, boosting brand recognition, and encouraging engagement and shares. Effective content promotion can also lead to lead generation by driving visitors to landing pages or gated content, capturing valuable contact information and nurturing potential customers.
There is no silver bullet to increase website traffic, so if you need to understand exactly why you’re not reaching your audience online and how to improve your reach, contact ATX Web Designs for a free consultation today.
By Emily Shaughnessy | Oct 12, 2023
Are you looking for the perfect Austin web designer to create a website for your business or personal project? As a tech hub, Austin has hundreds of web designers and developers to choose from, but finding a web design agency that matches your style, timeline, and budget is another story.
Finding the right web designer is crucial because your website is often the first impression your audience has of your brand. It needs to be visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly. In this post, we’ll share five tips to help you find the ideal Austin web designer to bring your vision to life.
- Start with a Clear Vision:
Before you begin your search, it’s essential to have a clear vision of what you want your website to achieve. Define your goals, target audience, and the features you want on your site. Having a clear vision will make it easier to communicate your expectations to potential web designers.
- Check Their Portfolio:
A web designer’s portfolio is a reflection of their work and style. Look for designers who have experience in your industry or have created websites with a design aesthetic that aligns with your vision. Reviewing their past projects will give you insight into their capabilities and creativity.
When reviewing a designer’s portfolio, pay attention to the diversity of projects they’ve worked on. A designer with experience in different industries can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your project. Look for signs of innovation, attention to detail, and the ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
- Ask for References:
Don’t hesitate to ask for references or client testimonials. A reputable web designer will have satisfied clients who are willing to vouch for their skills and professionalism. Contact these references to get a better understanding of what it’s like to work with the designer.
When contacting references, inquire about the designer’s communication skills, adherence to deadlines, and the overall satisfaction of the clients. Ask if they encountered any challenges during the project and how the designer handled them. Positive references from previous clients are a strong indicator of a designer’s reliability and competence.
- Discuss the Process:
During the initial consultation, discuss the web design process with potential designers. Inquire about their approach, timelines, and communication methods. A transparent and well-structured design process will ensure a smoother collaboration and project completion.
- Budget and Pricing:
While it’s essential to find a designer that fits your budget, don’t compromise on quality for the sake of cost. Compare quotes from different designers and assess the value they provide for the price. Remember that a well-designed website is an investment in your brand’s online presence.
When evaluating quotes from different web designers, consider not only the cost but also the scope of services included in the package. Cheaper options may cut corners on quality, so it’s important to find a balance between affordability and the level of expertise and services offered. Be clear about your budget from the beginning to ensure transparency and avoid surprises down the line.
Finding the right Austin web designer is a crucial step in building an impressive online presence. Take your time, do your research, and don’t rush the decision-making process. Your website is a vital asset to your business, so make sure it’s in capable hands.
