10 Key Features Every Custom Website Should Have

In today's digital landscape, having a strong online presence isn't just an option—it's a necessity. A custom designed website by Circlemount® allows your business to stand out, engage with customers, and drive growth in a way that's tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to revamp your existing site, here are ten key features that we believe every custom website we design should include to ensure success.

10 Key Features Every Custom Website Should Have

1. Responsive Design

With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, your website must look and function flawlessly on all devices. A responsive design automatically adjusts the layout and content based on the screen size, providing an optimal user experience whether someone is visiting from a desktop computer, a tablet, or a mobile phone. This not only enhances user satisfaction but also boosts your search engine rankings, as search engines favour mobile-friendly websites.

2. User-Friendly Navigation

Ease of navigation is crucial for keeping visitors on your site. A clear, intuitive menu structure helps users find what they're looking for quickly and effortlessly. We implement features like dropdown menus, breadcrumbs, and a logical page hierarchy. For larger sites, we find a search bar allows users to find specific content without scrolling through multiple pages.

3. Fast Loading Times

In a world where attention spans are shrinking, speed matters. Slow-loading websites frustrate users and increase bounce rates. Thats why Circlemount® will always optimise images, use efficient coding practices, and leverage browser caching to ensure your pages load quickly. We always aim for a load time of under three seconds to keep visitors engaged and improve your websites overall performance.

4. High-Quality Content

Content is king. Providing valuable, relevant, and original content not only engages your audience but also establishes your authority in your industry. We recommend well-written copy, informative blog posts, engaging videos, and high-resolution images, to be included in all our custom website developments. Regularly updating your content keeps your site fresh and encourages visitors to return.

5. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

A beautifully designed website is of little use if no one can find it. Implementing SEO best practices increases your site's visibility on search engines. This process involves us carrying out extensive keyword research, optimising meta tags, using descriptive URLs, and creating quality backlinks. Regularly updating your content and ensuring it's relevant to your audience will also helps us to improve your search engine rankings.

6. Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

A clear and compelling CTA guides your visitors toward the desired action, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting your team. We use action-oriented language and make sure your CTAs stand out visually. We strategically place them throughout your site during custom web design planning stages, to lead users through the customer journey.

7. Secure and Reliable Hosting

Security is paramount, especially if your website handles sensitive customer information. We will use HTTPS encryption to protect data transmission and choose a reputable hosting provider that offers robust security features. We regularly update your website's software and plugins to protect against vulnerabilities. A secure website builds trust with your audience and is favoured by search engines.

8. Integration with Social Media

Connecting your website with your social media platforms extends your reach and enhances engagement. This is why we will always include social sharing buttons on your content to encourage visitors to share it with their networks. Links to your profiles build a community around your brand and keep users connected across multiple platforms.

9. Analytics and Tracking

Understanding how users interact with your website is crucial for ongoing improvement. Circlemount® implement analytics tools like Google Analytics to track visitor behaviour, page views, bounce rates, and conversion paths. This data provides valuable insights into what's working and what isn't, allowing us to make informed decisions to optimise your site.

10. Accessibility Compliance

An accessible website ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate and interact with your content. We ensure to adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by providing alt text for images, using proper heading structures, ensuring sufficient colour contrast, and enabling keyboard navigation. Accessibility not only broadens your audience but also demonstrates social responsibility.

Incorporating these ten key features into our custom website development sets the foundation for a successful online presence. By focusing on user experience, performance, and accessibility, we create websites that not only attract many visitors but also convert them into loyal customers. Remember, a website is often the first impression potential clients have of your business—make it count!

Ready to build a custom website that embodies all these features and more? At Circlemount®, we specialise in creating bespoke websites tailored to your unique business needs. Get in touch with us today to start your digital transformation.