What Makes a Good Website in 2024?

Before you start creating a website, you should ask yourself: What makes a good website? Grab a cup of coffee ☕, because in this article, we will walk you through the key characteristics of a good website.

There is a big difference between just a website and a really good website.

A good website is one that not only attracts visitors but also provides exactly what they need while keeping business objectives in mind."
– Henk Leerssen, Owner of Allround website

This article is highly detailed, so you can develop or have developed an effective website. Let's start with the definition of a good website. What exactly is a good website? Simply put, a website must work for both your business and your visitors.

Feature 1: A Website must have a goal🎯

A website without a goal cannot be a good website. We like to measure whether the website contributes to the company's objectives. Goals can be divided into three categories:

1. The Website should generate customers

Your website can be used as a "lead machine". Often, the majority of the pages will be set up for new customers—visitors who do not yet have a background with your company and may know little about it. This goal can be made visible by, for example, measuring how often contact is made (through the contact form, email, and phone numbers).

2. The Website should assist existing customers

The primary reason for your website may also be to assist existing customers. Think of an employment agency that has information for all its employees on the website. Having everything clearly stated on your website will keep your customers satisfied, which can be beneficial for Customer Lifetime Value (CLV).

3. The Website should simplify business processes

Simplifying business processes can lead to cost savings, more efficient work, and fewer errors in manual tasks. Consider using a chat robot, automating the recruitment process, or automatically displaying important data for your customers from your application on the website. We are happy to help you with one of our integrations or connections.

Feature 2: The Website must work well on both desktop and mobile devices🤳

Since 2016, there has been a massive increase in the number of users with mobile devices. This trend is expected to continue. For illustration: more than 70% of visitors to this website (webob.nl) visit it with a mobile device. A so-called responsive website is no longer a luxury but a real must. If your website does not work optimally on mobile devices:

• Visitors will spend less time on the website
• They will be less likely to do what you want (view products, make contact, etc.)
• They will return to their Google search more quickly to look further

Mobile-First Design

While responsive websites are now standard, there is also an increase in mobile-first websites or web designs. The idea is that the majority of visitors are mobile users. While many web agencies develop a website for a desktop and then translate it into a mobile version, some agencies develop a website for a mobile device and then translate it into a desktop version.

Feature 3: The Website must load fast

There are two main reasons why your website absolutely must load quickly:

• Visitors will not be annoyed by the website, resulting in them staying longer.
• Fast websites simply rank better in Google, bringing more visitors.

But what is a fast website? What is fast enough, and what is the impact of speed on visitors? Several studies have looked into this, including by Pingdom. They examined the relationship between load time and bounce rate (the percentage of visitors who leave the website without opening a new page).

The results clearly show that there is a strong relationship between load time and bounce rate. Even the difference between 4 and 3 seconds is significant. Ideally, your website should load in under 3 seconds, which is our standard!

Then there's the second reason: higher ranking in Google. Google has confirmed this itself. However, according to Google, there is no golden standard. Additionally, load time depends on many factors, such as the visitor's internet speed, the traffic on the web server (where your website is hosted), and of course, the technology of your website.

Do not forget to checkout the blog post "10 Reasons why a fast website matters".

Website Speed Testing

The next logical question is: how do I test my website's speed? Since this depends on many factors, tools have been developed that consistently perform tests under the same conditions. These tools also take into account the technology used and the amount of content (measured in MBs) that they need to load for a website. Some tools you can use to measure speed include:

• Google Pagespeed Insights
• GTMetrix
• Pingdom

Feature 4: Content must be thoughtful✨

You might not expect this from a web designer's blog, but content is actually more important than design. The web design must be in order and reflect your company, but the content ultimately makes or breaks the entire site.

Content can be described as the information available on the website. This includes all texts, images, and videos.

"The Customer Journey"

Thoughtful content on a website starts with understanding the customer journey. This is the path that a potential customer takes before becoming a client. This journey is formed by touchpoints, which are the moments and ways in which a potential customer comes into contact with your company. This could be through roadside advertising, a conversation at a networking event, or, as you guessed, through your website.

If you know what kind of "journey" a potential customer takes, you can also predict the next possible step. In which phase (awareness, consideration, purchase, retention, advocacy) is the potential customer, and what touchpoints are there? You then know what should be on your website.

Feature 5: The Website must reflect the company🫴

Websites without any feeling, identity, or indication of what kind of company you are dealing with are a waste. This is precisely the moment when a visitor might be in a decision-making phase. You often make a first impression with your website, and you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Imagine a standard website where this is the case. They often state that they are young, flexible, dynamic, and customer-oriented. But doesn't every company want that? Be unique and exactly as you are, even in the texts. Show what your company stands for.

Update your website regularly

Design evolves continuously. New websites will always look more modern. At least, that is the intention when updating a website. It is very important that your website is regularly (at least once every five years) updated with a new design. This way, you avoid having an outdated appearance, unless that is the vibe you want to project.

Takeaway: If you have an informal company, then speak informally on your website. Do this by writing the way you talk, with lots of punctuation. This also makes it more readable, which is important on a website.

Feature 6: Take Action🫵

The internet evolves rapidly. Your website must be up-to-date and reflect what is considered "modern" today. Moreover, everything develops so quickly that almost every year there are new opportunities for your business to grow by taking advantage of these online possibilities.

We would love to discuss your website with you. Even if you have questions about potential opportunities, updating an existing website, or maintaining a website. Will we speak to you soon?