What is the purpose of a website?

What is the purpose of a website?

One of the most common mistakes website owners make is not being clear about the role of their website in their business.

Another common mistake is that they expect their website solely to generate leads. However, sometimes the website's structure does not fit this purpose, or at this stage of the business the website cannot fulfil this purpose.

A website serves many different purposes depending on the needs of the business or organisation that it represents. Generating leads is just one of the purposes a website can do for your business. Some everyday purposes of a website include:

  • Providing information: Websites can be used to share information about a business or organisation, including details about products or services, company history, and contact information.
  • Promoting products or services: Websites can showcase and promote a business's products or services.
  • Making sales: Websites are perfect for selling products or services directly to customers online.
  • Building brand awareness: A website can be an essential part of a company's overall branding strategy, helping to build awareness of the brand and establish the company's online presence.
  • Providing customer support: Websites are great for supporting customers, including answering frequently asked questions, providing technical support, and allowing customers to track orders or make returns. Customer assistance does not necessarily mean live telephone or chat contact. If you've been in business for a while, you know what questions your existing or prospective clients ask. It's worth logically collecting these questions and putting them on your website in an organised, transparent format. Even if you can't think of such questions at first, it's worth giving it some thought.

Overall, the purpose of a website is to help a business or organisation achieve its goals: providing information, promoting products or services, or generating leads and sales.

To make your website a valuable part of your business, you must clearly define its role. Keep this goal in mind from the very first moment of website design.

How to provide information clearly on a website?

There are a few things you can do:

  • Keep your content organised and easy to scan. Use headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break up large blocks of text.
  • Use simple, straightforward language. Avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
  • Use images and videos to supplement your text and help illustrate your points.
  • Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, as more and more people are accessing the internet on their phones.
  • Test your website with a small group to see if they can find the information they're looking for easily.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your website is straightforward, easy to navigate, and informative for your audience.