With just about every type of business starting up a website today, it’s more critical than ever to make sure your business’s site really stands out to consumers. One of the quickest ways to make a strong first – and lasting – impression that’s sure to attract further clicks is high-quality web design.

Although you might not have given much thought to the design specifics of your company website, many companies today are working with professionals like Higher Images to make sure their websites look their best and attract the target demographic. Whether your site could use a facelift or you’re just starting to build up your first website and want to make sure you knock it out of the park on the first go, here are some of the surprising reasons so many businesses today are trending towards using professional web design – and how it could potentially benefit your website, too.

1. Poor Layout Could Result in Fewer Customers and Less Time Spent on the Website

It’s an unfortunate truth that poor web design can actually drive internet users away from a website. On the flip side, when a site is beautifully designed and the layout is clean, intuitive, and highly user-friendly, it makes it easier for customers to stay, browse, click through the pages, and more. Of course, it goes without saying that the more time spent on a site, the more likely customers are to make a purchase or contact you for your services.

2. The Design Can Actually Make You Seem More Professional

You might not think the design of your website impacts your customer’s perceptions of your professionalism, but as it turns out, first impressions can leave a significant mark. In fact, without a professional-looking website, or with a website that appears too sloppily put together, your customers may, unfortunately, be more inclined to perceive your company as less credible or even less trustworthy. Of course, to avoid this negative perception, many companies are going to the pros for a design that is sure to portray the company as top-notch.

3. It Makes Your Company Feel More Accessible

Even if you offer amazing services or products, without a proper website and the inherent marketing value it carries, many potential consumers will never know about them. A truly well-designed website, especially one that works well on different platforms and can be mobile-friendly, effectively makes a company more accessible. Not only does this make the company appear more open, but it can also make customers more likely to find your site from the countless others out there.

4. Better Design and Improved Navigability Equals a More Positive Experience

With a well-designed website, users can easily find everything they’re looking for without having to try too hard. This is referred to as navigability, and it’s not only a measure of how simple the site is to use but can correlate with the experience your customers will have on the site. If your site frustrates them, they may be left with a bitter taste in their mouth. Companies are making the shift to more easily navigable websites that will instead foster a positive consumer experience.

Nothing makes a site pop and a message stand out quite like top-notch web design. Many companies today are starting to catch on to this realization and are working with professionals to get their sites as polished and ready for presentation as possible. If you’re putting together your company’s first website, or if you think your current site could use a serious revamp, you may want to take note of all the reasons other businesses are paying more attention to professional web design. It could be the tool you need to take your company website to the next level.