HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT
One thing is certain in business. If you want to get ahead, you need to stand out from the crowd.
Companies that settle for average, predictable and run-of-the-mill, tend to be companies that don’t last long. If you want to stake your claim in the marketplace and seize your share of the business, you need to adopt an approach that ensures your company gets noticed.
The Psychology of Standing Out
Research has shown that we humans are naturally drawn to the different, the diverse and the distinctive. This response can actually be traced back to our ancient past. Our ancestors needed to be able to spot things that were unusual, in order to spot danger before it was too late. Our brains naturally resonate with sensory experiences that aren’t ‘expected’, and as a result,these experiences stay with us for a longer period of time than the more mundane ‘everyday’ events.
Think about the last time you walked through your local high street. Chances are that the shop windows that caught your eye were the ones that were unusual; the ones that dared to do something bold, brave and beautiful.
The process is exactly the same online. If your website hasn’t got a hint of a ‘wow’ factor, then it’s not going to inspire your target audience. Always bear in mind that your website isn’t just a ‘shop-front’; it’s a mirror held up to your company ethos and practice. It reflects your brand, your personality, the way you operate. If your website is dull and uninspired, then it’s likely that your potential clients will presume that your company is much the same. Yikes!
The Importance of Eye-Popping Design in Marketing
It’s also important to recognise that this approach is important across all aspects of your marketing; from logo design to social media, from business cards to brochures. Strong, eye-catching design is imperative, and should be ranked as one of the most important aspects of your marketing strategy.
In fact, it’s a good idea to work with a designer right from the start of the process; in order to create a strong, visually appealing brand that can permeate through your marketing material.
Make Your Website Stand Out: Top Tips
If you’re keen to make sure that your site, (and indeed, any other aspects of your marketing material), don’t fade into the background, here are some key things to consider:
Don’t be afraid to be different. Just because your competitors adopt a certain approach in their website, doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Eye-catching images are a good way of grabbing attention in just one glance, as are powerful titles and intriguing page layouts.
Think about colour. Colour has a deeply psychological effect on people, and this is something you need to be aware of. For example; a red colour scheme will immediately draw attention, but on a subconscious level, we humans associate it with danger and devilry; possibly not the best choice of colour if you’re a doctor or driving instructor! Avoid going for the obvious, but make sure you consider how your chosen colour will resonate with your audience.
Keep it simple. The best websites are simple ones. Create a site that is easy for your customers to navigate; or better still, one that inspires them to explore more thoroughly, with enticing buttons and calls to action.
Stay true to your brand. Don’t be different for the sake of it. It’s important to stand out, but it’s just as important to make sure that your site blends seamlessly with your brand. If you haven’t already, work on developing a strong, distinctive ‘voice’ for your company, and use it in your web content.
Remember mobile! Always keep your customer in mind. These days, it’s just as likely that they’ll be looking at your site on a mobile device (such as a tablet or phone), as it is they’ll be browsing on a desktop computer. Think about how you can design a site that stands out on even a small screen (something many companies still don’t think consider); and think about incorporating bold graphics, strong headings and easy navigation.
Is Your Website an ‘Ugly Duckling’? It’s Time to Cue the Swans!
Are you worried that your website is a bit of a shrinking violet? If you’re keen to start generating more interest through your site, and to make sure that it seizes the levels of attention that your business deserves, it’s time to get talking to us.