7 Actionable Tips for San Diego Web Development

In the sunny city of San Diego, having a website that’s aesthetically pleasing is important. 

The way you structure content on your website is even more important. 

In this article you’ll learn:

• Crucial components to include on your homepage
• How and where to put your call-to-actions
• When to use social proof
• What designs and styles are best for 2022 and beyond
• How to organize your website

So, let’s jump into the first tip…

1. Identify Your Website’s Goal(s)

You need to have a clear understanding of what readers should do when they click on your website. A good rule of thumb is this: the simpler your website’s goal is, the simpler your website should be. 

Maybe you want them to contact you with a form. 

Maybe you want them to buy your product. 

Or maybe you want them to sign up for your email list. 

Once you figure out the goal of your website, you’ll be able to create a structure that guides readers on a journey. Your website should flow naturally towards that goal. Readers have a short attention span. You need to provide what they want (like valuable content) in the short time you have their attention. 

Are you looking for your next development partner to skyrocket your new website? You’ve come to the right place. Watch the video below from our colleague, Jason, who talks about our approach to building or redesigning a next-generation website.

 2. Optimize Your Value Proposition

The value proposition is the face of your homepage. It’s the central idea of your business. If your readers can’t tell what your business is and who it’s for within 10 seconds, you’ll want to change it. 

A quick test you can do:

• Find someone who isn’t familiar with your industry. 
• Have them read your value prop. 
• Ask them to tell you what your product/service is, and who it’s for. 

Chances are your value proposition can pass that test at this point.

But what makes a good value prop versus a great value prop?

A good value proposition succinctly describes your offer and highlights the benefits of your product/service.

A great value proposition connects the benefits of your product/service to your customer’s problem. It also provides complete clarity of what your offer is. Your value proposition should motivate readers to continue scrolling.

[bctt tweet="Don’t just use the sample text on your button. If your button originally said, “Contact Me,” change it to, “Want To Learn More?”" username="digitalpart"]

 3. Include Call-to-Actions

CTAs are an excellent way to guide your visitors to your website’s goal. 

They should be used just enough times to get the point across. You don’t want to include too many CTAs because that comes off as pushy. Here’s where we recommend including CTAs:

• Right under your value proposition
• Right after social proof
• At the tail-end of your page

In addition, all of your CTAs should link to the same site. You don’t want to confuse readers by linking to other pages. 

Pro Tip: Don’t just use the sample text on your button. If your button originally said, “Contact Me,” change it to, “Want To Learn More?” If you want more examples on how to write better CTAs, check out this article from HubSpot.

 4. Use Social Proof—Lots of It

When it comes to social proof, it’s hard to overdo it. The more social proof, and the different kinds of social proof, the better. For example, you could incorporate screenshots of Facebook reviews along with case studies on your blog. You could include widgets of the case studies on your homepage that link to the full pages. You could include those screenshots on your contact page. 

Pro Tip: Highlight the most important part of a review in the headline. This technique also works well with case study widgets. You want to highlight the results and benefits to catch the reader’s eye. 

 5. Frictionless Navigation and Organization

Remember that you want to make it as easy as possible for the reader to navigate your site. You don’t want to be the website that makes people get frustrated. For example, with your content, it should always get to the point. Most of the writing on your website should be succinct while also answering potential questions your reader may have.

A thought exercise: Think about your target audience. What questions will they have when they click on your site? How can you address their objections? How can you provide value? Every word counts when it comes to website copywriting. 

Remember that the colors, styles, and fonts on your website matter too. Pick a color palette, font, and style, then stick to it. Two common mistakes are mixing color palettes and not having enough contrast between the text and background. Simple, easy-to-read websites do it best. 

 6. Use Original Images When Possible

Using original images is the best way to make your website stand out from the competition. In a place like San Diego, you’ll want to include as many photos as possible. (because of the beautiful views, of course!)

Now if you’re not able to use original photos, stock images can get the job done. You’ll want to avoid images that are unrealistic or inauthentic to your brand. Images that include people are always a win. They help with your credibility and authority, while not drawing attention away from the rest of your site. You want these images to include people in realistic scenarios that are relevant to your business. Images on your website should help build value and credibility, not hinder it. 

If you’re having trouble with your website and need professional help, check out our San Diego Digital Agency.

 7. Plan It Out

Finally, let’s plan out the design of your website. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want help from experts who know the San Diego area, check out our San Diego Web Development Agency.

You should use this article as an outline. The tips are in order, from what you should do first to last. 

First, figure out how many pages you need. You should have at least three: Homepage, About page, and Contact page. 

Remember the goal of your site should be the basis of how many pages you need. You want to make the process as easy as possible for the viewer. 

If you’re looking for a team of expert web developers, look no further than our San Diego Software Development Agency.

Next, write your value proposition, incorporate social proof, and outline your navigation. 

Finally, you’ll want to nail the details. Images, content, and brand stories. 

If you want a detailed look into applying these tips and planning out your site, we really like this Forbes article about building your site. 

The process of website development can’t be completed in one day. 

You can get a big head start on it, though, if you apply these tips.