Too often many small businesses don’t see the importance of a user friendly website, they simply focus on having a piece of cyber-space. The importance of a user friendly website should not be underestimated.
There are several ways to improve website usability and create an enjoyable experience for its visitors. Here are a few characteristics of a user friendly website:
Accessibility to All Users
A user friendly website should be accessible to every single person. This includes the blind, the disabled and the elderly. These users usually rely on screen readers to access the Internet. Use web design techniques to make your website easily accessible on screen readers so your website is available to a wider audience.
Quick Load Times
A slow loading website is one of the top reasons visitors leave a website. A load time of less than 6 seconds is crucial for good usability and also affects your search engine ranking. You can use Pingdom to check your website’s load speed for free.
Effective Navigation
Good navigation is an important aspect of a user friendly website. The navigation needs to be free of clutter, so try to limit the number of menu items. A drop-down menu or sub-navigation may work better on a large site with many sections.
Content that is Easy to Skim
People no longer read – they skim. The Internet is no exception. Users scan the key parts of the page to determine if the page is helpful and relevant. Organize content based on audience needs. Make the text easy for readers to find with the use of headings, paragraphs, bullet points or lists.
Mobile Compatibility
More people than ever are using their phone to access the internet. Therefore, your website needs to be optimized for mobile usage.
What have you done to make sure your business has a user friendly website?