3 Things you didn’t know you need on your website!
I've been meeting A LOT of business owners recently - particularly in Facebook groups seeking advice on where to start with a website.
Naturally as a designer I can’t help but put a few cents in to help them get started. What I have found is that in answering their questions, I get SO MANY responses from other business owners with YEARS of experience saying they had no idea of these three key elements that are desperately needed on their website.
Despite all the knowledge out there on websites, different platforms, what’s needed on a home page, how to DIY, there’s still plenty of fundamental information that fall through the cracks.
So whoever you are; whether you’re a coach, VA, SMM, Photographer or a shop owner, I hope this article helps you on your website and business journey!
1 - Legal Page
2 - 404 Error Page
3 - Goal-Oriented Design
1 - Legal Page
** Disclaimer - I am not a lawyer providing official legal advice! I am giving friendly 'heads up' advice that any web designer worth their salt would do. **
If your website at ANY point collects personal information from clients OR customers (eg. name, email, phone or address) for ANY purpose, including:
Subscribers
Contact form
Shop checkout
Then you need a legals page linked in the footer of your website next to your website's copyright info. Without it, it can put you and your business at risk.
Not sure what I mean? Just scroll down and see my own footer - however actually copywriting my policies is a serious offence and will not be taken lightly.
The bare minimum policies you need on your website include:
Privacy Policy
Your privacy policy more or less states that you may use their personal information for marketing purposes but that you won’t sell or give out their information unless required by law
Website Terms of Use
In short, your website terms of use outlines how the website is intended to be used by the people on your website. Some people may have a disclaimer regarding typos, copyright etc
Cookies Policy
A cookies policy simply outlines that it helps with the function of your website and may track data for analytics and marketing purposes. You should have an option for people to opt in AND opt-out as some don’t like their information being tracked.
However, depending on your business, you may also need:
Shop Terms + Conditions
This is for anyone with a shop of some description - whether it’s online goods such as templates or gift certificates or physical products.
Similar to your website terms and conditions, it will outline how the shop works, expectations of customers etc.
You may also state any policies around refunds.
Shipping + Returns Policy
Again, for a shop, how long will it be before you post the item? How long will postage take to arrive? What happens in the goods are damaged in transit? What happens if the customer damages the goods?
In what situations may a customer be expected to return the item? What happens then? Do they get store credit, a refund, product replacement?
Also a good idea to potentially state your refund policy and the circumstances that surround you providing one!
Discrimination Policy
It essentially ensures that potential clients or customers aren’t denied their rights due to different factors such as race, colour, gender, religion etc. etc.
It acknowledges that you provide equal opportunity and professionalism for clients when working with you, regardless of their background and beliefs.
In summary, you can easily purchase templates from many platforms, but where possible it’s ALWAYS a good idea to seek PROPER legal advice to make sure your legal ducks are all in a row! 🦆🦆🦆
2 - 404 Error Page
This is a custom page your clients will be taken to if there's a broken link on your website.
Broken links usually occur if it’s been typed in / linked incorrectly, if that page no longer exists or you’ve renamed the page and created a new URL but the old URL has been redirected to the new one yet.
Most websites when there’s a broken link, lead to a general page that says something boring like, “The page you’re looking for can’t be found” and more to the point, there are NO LINKS that people can click on to return to where they were.
Which I’m sure you can imagine, most peeps will peace out to another website.
I’m also guessing that you’re starting to see where I’m going with this!
Your customised 404 Error Page is a GREAT opportunity to KEEP CLIENTS on your website.
It will help them continue their journey of booking your services or buying your products.
How does that work?
Importantly, the 404 Page will be on-brand with your colours and voice, it will have buttons to your most important pages:
Home
Services (or shop)
Book a call
Blog (if it’s a huge money-maker in your business)
These buttons get your customers and clients back on track and ultimately continue generating leads and conversions.
Another ideal must-have on your 404 Error Page is a section for ‘Tech Support’.
Here you would add a little letter about technology being a nuisance sometimes, invite them to submit a tech support ticket and thank them for their understanding. Sign it off with your name, and social media links.
In your contact form settings, be sure to label it ‘Tech Support’ so when they use it to email you, you know WHERE on your website the form has been filled out!
We can’t fix what we don’t know needs fixing.
By inviting clients to report tech issues, it helps raise your awareness ensuring your website continues to function smoothly!
BONUS TIP: Incorporate brand personality and humour to your 404 Page to help break any tension or frustration your clients might be feeling 🤣
3 - Goal-Oriented Design
Strategy and structure are 🔑🔑 to successful design.
Keep it SUPER DUPER simple for clients to find your services AND BOOK. If you can do this with 1-2 clicks, you're on the right track!
In terms of structure and strategy when it comes to design layout, generally stick to this rule of thumb:
a) Your services & ability to book always come FIRST on your website
b) Your marketing strategy comes SECOND
Need some help? I got you! Book in a complimentary discovery call to talk about what improvements can be made to your website during a VIP Day!