What Customers Want Most from Brick and Mortar Business Websites
Having a strong online presence is crucial for brick and mortar businesses to attract and retain customers. A well-designed and informative website can be a powerful tool for showcasing your products or services, building brand awareness, and providing a seamless customer experience. However, with so many businesses vying for attention online, it’s essential to understand what customers are looking for when they visit your website.
1. Easy Navigation and User-Friendly Design
One of the top priorities for customers visiting a brick and mortar business website is a user-friendly design that allows for easy navigation. Customers want to be able to quickly find the information they’re looking for, whether it’s your business hours, location, or product offerings. A clean and intuitive layout with clear menus and search functionality can go a long way in enhancing the user experience.
According to a study by Forrester Research, a well-designed website can increase customer satisfaction by up to 16% and can lead to a 10% increase in revenue. Additionally, a report by Adobe found that 38% of consumers are more likely to trust and remain loyal to a brand with a well-designed website.
2. Comprehensive Product or Service Information
When customers visit your website, they’re often looking for detailed information about your products or services. This includes descriptions, pricing, and any additional details that can help them make an informed decision. Providing thorough and up-to-date information can not only help customers understand what you have to offer but also build trust in your business.
A study by Clutch revealed that 70% of customers research a company’s product or service offerings online before making a purchase. Additionally, a report by Brightlocal found that 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses before making a purchase decision.
3. Online Booking or Ordering Options
In today’s fast-paced world, customers value convenience and efficiency. Offering online booking or ordering options for your brick and mortar business can significantly enhance the customer experience and streamline the purchasing process. This feature allows customers to schedule appointments, place orders, or make reservations directly from your website, eliminating the need for phone calls or in-person visits.
According to a report by Square, restaurants that offer online ordering saw a 23% increase in average ticket size compared to in-person orders. Additionally, a study by Software Advice found that 67% of consumers prefer to book appointments online.
4. Embedded Payment Solutions
Integrating an embedded payment form or payment gateway into your website can provide customers with a seamless and secure transaction experience. This feature allows customers to complete purchases directly on your website, without having to navigate to a third-party payment platform.
According to a report by BigCommerce, businesses that offer multiple payment options and integrated checkout experiences see a 13% increase in conversion rates. Additionally, a study by Baymard Institute revealed that 28% of online shopping cart abandonments are due to a complex or lengthy checkout process.
5. Clear Contact Information and Business Hours
While customers may prefer to interact with your business online, they still appreciate having access to clear contact information and business hours. This information should be prominently displayed on your website, making it easy for customers to reach out with questions or concerns, or to plan their visit to your physical location.
A study by BrightLocal found that 88% of consumers search for a local business’s contact information online before visiting or making a purchase. Additionally, a report by Yext revealed that 64% of consumers consider business hours to be the most critical piece of information when searching for a local business online.
6. Responsive Design for Mobile Users
With the increasing popularity of mobile devices, it’s essential for brick and mortar businesses to ensure their websites are optimized for mobile users. A responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and devices can improve the user experience and make it easier for customers to access your website on the go.
According to a report by OuterBox, mobile devices account for over 50% of global website traffic. Additionally, a study by Google found that 53% of mobile users abandon a website if it takes longer than three seconds to load.
7. Engaging Visual Content
Visually appealing content, such as high-quality images and videos, can enhance the overall user experience and help customers better understand your products or services. Engaging visuals can also help to reinforce your brand identity and create a more memorable impression on customers.
According to a report by HubSpot, content with relevant images gets 94% more views than content without images. Additionally, a study by Wyzowl found that 84% of consumers have been convinced to make a purchase after watching a brand’s video.
8. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
In the age of online reviews, customers often rely on the experiences and opinions of others when making purchasing decisions. Displaying customer reviews and testimonials on your website can help build trust and credibility with potential customers, as well as provide valuable insights into your products or services.
A study by Bright Local revealed that 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Additionally, a report by Podium found that businesses with positive online reviews see an average of 54% more revenue than those with negative reviews.
9. Clear Calls-to-Action
Effective calls-to-action (CTAs) are essential for guiding customers through the purchasing process and encouraging desired actions on your website. Whether it’s prompting customers to make a purchase, schedule an appointment, or sign up for a newsletter, clear and strategically placed CTAs can improve conversion rates and overall engagement.
According to a report by HubSpot, businesses that use CTAs see a 92% increase in conversion rates. Additionally, a study by Unbounce found that the average conversion rate for landing pages with a clear CTA is 3.8%, compared to 2.7% for those without.
10. Integration with Social Media
Integrating your website with social media platforms can help extend your online reach and engage with customers in new ways. By providing links to your social media accounts and encouraging customers to follow or share your content, you can build a stronger online community and foster customer loyalty.
According to a report by Sprout Social, 57% of consumers are more likely to increase their spending with a brand they follow on social media. Additionally, a study by Hootsuite found that businesses that effectively leverage social media see a 24% increase in website traffic.
By incorporating these elements into your brick and mortar business website, you can provide customers with an exceptional online experience that meets their needs and expectations. Remember, a well-designed and informative website is not only a representation of your business but also a powerful tool for attracting and retaining customers in the digital age.