What Benefits Do Web Developers Bring To Small Businesses?

With limited resources, many small business owners resort to using DIY website-building tools. However, hiring a Chicago web development agency is more beneficial in the long run.

This article shares why web developers are an asset for growing enterprises. They can:

• Design accessible and usable websites that increase customer engagement and returns.
• Develop a unified brand identity to make an impact on target markets.
• Integrate the latest technologies to optimize customer experiences.
• Create custom web solutions that drive conversions and sales.
• Make search-engine-friendly, secure sites that also boost business credibility.

Discover all of these benefits by reading below. Let’s go!

To learn how Digital Authority Partners can create a standout website for you, watch this video!

1. Design Accessible and Usable Websites that Increase Customer Engagement and Returns

Generating business income is a process that always begins with customer engagement. This is easier when you have a brick-and-mortar store. Customers can visit the shop and immerse themselves in the products with their senses.

It does not work in the same way online. Here, your target market usually has only a photo and descriptions to relate to. While they can read user reviews, many people also know that every experience can differ.

This is where a Chicago web development agency becomes helpful. They can build pages based on fundamental UX design principles. These include:

• User-first design. This means functionality trumps aesthetics. For example, your leads can quickly find information and complete tasks. They can also browse several pages while knowing how to return to the beginning.
• Simplicity. Every element matters. For instance, you use images and videos only when they amplify your message. 
• Consistency. Whether customers access your site on a desktop PC or mobile device, they get the same experience.
• Accessibility. People with disabilities or limited Internet access can still make informed decisions and shop effortlessly.

Incorporating these concepts into the web design subsequently increases revenues and customer retention. A perfect case in point are people with disabilities.

This customer segment has over $5 trillion in disposable income annually, yet it remains an underserved audience. Nearly 35% of businesses have not yet developed an accessible digital marketing campaign or plan.

2. Develop a Unified Brand Identity to Make an Impact on Target Markets

Chicago is home to hundreds of small coffee shops. Some thrive despite competing against giants such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean. The reason is a clear, unified brand identity to which their target customers can relate.

Working on a unique logo and slogan is the easiest and fastest way to help your business stand out. Even so, a client-centric web team goes beyond color palettes and brand kits.

They incorporate the following:

• Combine typography, visual language, tone of voice, messaging, and website layout.
• Ensure that all projects, campaigns, and digital touchpoints reflect the brand’s core values. This is especially useful for companies that offer various products or services.
• Build a consistent yet flexible web design to accommodate changes over time.
• Collaborate with a marketing strategy consultant and online marketers to help create, launch, and monitor the brand’s performance.

3. Integrate the Latest Technologies to Optimize Customer Experiences

As a small-scale entrepreneur, you often work long hours doing everything yourself. This leaves you little time to effectively manage all of the essential business activities of customer engagement and experience. These include product innovation, data analysis, and customer relationship management (CRM).

How can a Chicago web development agency help? They use technologies to improve the customer experience and efficiency. These include:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) for natural language processing (NLP), chatbot support, and automated campaigns
• Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time data collection and analysis
• Cloud data storage for security, scalability, and cost savings
• Closed captions and screen readers for accessibility
• Analytics tools to track customer behavior and preferences
• AR/VR (augmented and virtual realities) for immersive experiences
• Serverless architecture and microservices for an agile development environment

These technologies cost money. For this reason, the best web team works closely with you and other experts to choose the right innovations that provide the highest returns at the most affordable investment.

4. Create Custom Web Solutions That Drive Conversions and Sales

Your website is also part of your brand identity, so it must be customized according to your needs, budget, and target audience.

While some Chicago web developers use templates to speed up the site-building process, they still overhaul it based on these vital questions:

• Who is your target market? How do they search for information or buy products?
• What message do you want to communicate with your customers?
• How will the site’s design and features affect the user experience?
• What does the customer journey look like? How can you use the website to support every stage of the sales funnel?
• What are your short- and long-term marketing goals?
• Which technologies do you plan to include in your website design?

Based on the answers, they may:

• Integrate payment processing systems for easy checkouts.
• Create an intuitive dashboard for managing customer accounts.
• Build features to facilitate the sharing of customer reviews.
• Develop secure membership systems for subscription services.
• Set up automated email marketing campaigns and landing pages.
• Design an e-commerce system that supports omnichannel shopping.

5. Make Search-Engine-Friendly, Secure Sites That Also Boost Business Credibility

Google’s spam update proves one point. Search engines look to keep users safe by rewarding businesses that endeavor to secure their website pages.

Security is especially critical for small businesses, which are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

A web development firm helps protect your site and users. In turn, they help improve your credibility and search engine friendliness with these strategies:

• Installing an SSL certificate to encrypt data
• Conducting regular scans for viruses, malware, and other vulnerabilities
• Using secure web hosting with remote backup capabilities
• Setting up user authentication systems for added protection
• Testing the website for compliance with the latest web best practices and standards
• Developing a plan to recover from disasters and data losses

Talk to a Web Developer About Your Small Business Today

Web developers are valuable partners for growth. They help engage your customers with a favorable online experience. Their strategies improve your online credibility and brand identity.

However, your choices matter. With Digital Authority Partners (DAP), you can focus more on building a business than on managing a site. Contact us today to hear how we can customize web development to meet your business needs and goals.