Driven Digital
A Weak Website Makes Your
Competition Look Strong
How does your website compare to your competitor's site? Don't let an outdated website cost you sales opportunities. Your management team shouldn’t have to take their eye off production to make sure your website is keeping up with the competition.
When it comes to manufacturing website design, we got you covered! We've been helping manufacturers with they website rebuilds for over a decade. Our time-tested 4-step process enables us to create a manufacturing website design that is on-time, on-budget, and super impressive.
Let us make your website great again with our outstanding website development services.
What About Your Website User Experience?
No one likes to feel lost! Make sure your website visitors always know where they are and how to find what they're looking.
Here are a few things to consider on your manufacturing website design:
- Can someone look at your website for 5 seconds and be able to clearly explain
- What you do?
- How to make a purchase?
- How it makes their life better?
- Can your customers easily find your products or services with just one or two clicks?
- Can your dealers easily find the resources they need? Do you have a Resource Library for them?
- Is your navigation clear and succinct or is it over whelming with numerous dropdowns and tons of text?
- Is your overall design clear of excess clutter?
- Have you given the website visitor a clear call to action?
- Do you have a secondary call to action?
What are the critical elements that you should have on your homepage?
Precise Header/Banner Messaging
Having precise messaging on your website homepage banner is really important. It helps answer three important questions that visitors might have. Let's take a look at those questions:
1. What do you do? When someone visits your website, they want to know what your business does. Your messaging should clearly explain what products or services you offer. It's like telling them, "This is what we do!" For example, if you sell handmade soaps, your message could say, "We make and sell natural, handmade soaps."
2. How does it make my life better? People want to know how your products or services can improve their lives. Your messaging should highlight the benefits and value you provide. It's like saying, "This is why you'll love it!" Using the soap example, you could say, "Our natural soaps nourish your skin and leave you feeling refreshed and clean."
3. How do I get it? Once visitors are interested in your products or services, they need to know how to get them. Your messaging should provide clear instructions or calls-to-action. It's like telling them, "Here's how you can have it!" For the soap business, you could say, "Shop now to order your favorite scents and have them delivered to your doorstep."
By answering these three questions in your homepage banner messaging, you make it easy for visitors to understand what you do, how it benefits them, and how they can take action. This clear and precise messaging helps engage visitors, keeps them interested, and encourages them to explore further on your website.
Clear Navigation
Having clear navigation on your website is super important. Imagine you're in a big store, and there are no signs or directions telling you where to find things. It would be so confusing, right? Well, the same goes for websites. If you confuse people by not having clear navigation, you might lose them.
Clear navigation means making it easy for people to find what they're looking for on your website. When your website has clear menus and buttons that are easy to understand, it's like having signs in the store that guide you to the right places.
When people visit your website, they want to find information or do something specific. They don't want to spend a lot of time searching or getting lost. Clear navigation helps them quickly find the pages they need, like "About Us," "Products," or "Contact Us."
If your navigation is confusing or hard to understand, people might get frustrated and leave your website. They might go to a competitor's website that is easier to navigate. That's why it's important to keep things simple and organized. Make sure your navigation labels make sense and match what people are looking for.
Having clear navigation also helps search engines like Google understand your website better. When search engines can easily find and understand your pages, they are more likely to show your website in search results. This means more people can discover your website and learn about your business.
So, remember, if you confuse people with unclear navigation, you might lose them. Make it easy for people to find what they need on your website by having clear menus and buttons. Keep things simple and organized, just like signs in a store. That way, people can quickly find the information or products they're looking for.
What's at Stake
It's important to explain to website visitors what negative things might happen if they fail to purchase your product or service. Let me explain why in simple words.
When you have a problem or need, there are often consequences if you don't find a solution. For example, if you need to protect your skin from the sun, not using sunscreen might lead to a painful sunburn. Similarly, if you have a leaky faucet and don't fix it, it could waste a lot of water and increase your water bill.
When businesses explain the negative things that can happen if you don't buy their product or service, they want to help you understand the potential problems or challenges you might face without it. They want to show you how their product or service can make your life better and prevent those negative outcomes.
For instance, a company selling security cameras might explain that without their cameras, you might not be able to see if someone enters your home without permission. This could put your safety and belongings at risk. By using their security cameras, you can feel more secure and have peace of mind.
By explaining the negative consequences, businesses want to show you the importance of their product or service. They want to help you understand how it can solve your problems, prevent difficulties, and improve your life. It's a way for them to communicate the value and benefits of what they offer.
So, when you visit a website and see them talking about the negative things that can happen without their product or service, they're trying to show you how it can help you avoid problems and make your life better. It's important to consider these messages and make informed decisions based on what's best for you.
Value Proposition
It's really important to let website visitors know what benefits they will experience when they buy your product or service. Let me explain why in simple words.
When you buy something, you want to know how it will help you or make your life better. Businesses want to show you the good things that will happen if you use their product or service. They want to explain the benefits.
Benefits are the positive things you get from using a product or service. For example, if you buy a new bicycle, the benefits could be that you can have fun riding it, go places faster, and get some exercise too. When businesses talk about benefits, they want to help you understand how their product or service can make your life easier, happier, or more enjoyable.
By explaining the benefits, businesses want to show you why their product or service is special and why you should choose them. They want you to see how it can solve your problems or meet your needs. It's a way for them to tell you, "Hey, if you use our product or service, this is what you will get!"
For instance, a company selling a cleaning robot might explain that if you buy their robot, you won't have to spend as much time cleaning your house. This means you'll have more free time to do things you love, like playing games or spending time with friends and family. That's a benefit!
When you visit a website and see them talking about the benefits of their product or service, they want you to know all the good things that will happen if you choose them. It's important to consider these benefits and think about how they can make your life better.
So, when businesses explain the benefits, they want you to understand how their product or service can improve your life. They want to help you make a decision based on what will bring you happiness, convenience, or other positive things. It's important to pay attention to these messages and choose what's best for you.
Strong Calls-to-Action
Having a strong CTA, which stands for "Call to Action," on a website is really important. Let me explain why in simple words.
When you visit a website, you might see buttons or links that say things like "Buy Now," "Sign Up." These are CTAs. They are important because they tell you what to do next. They guide you to take a specific action.
The purpose of a strong CTA is to encourage you to do something. It could be to make a purchase, subscribe to a newsletter, download a guide, or contact the company. CTAs are designed to make it easy for you to take the next step and engage with the website.
Having a strong CTA is important because it helps businesses achieve their goals. For example, if a company wants to sell a product, a clear and compelling CTA like "Buy Now" helps drive sales. If they want people to sign up for a newsletter, a CTA saying "Subscribe" encourages visitors to share their email addresses.
CTAs also make it easier for you as a website visitor. Instead of wondering what to do or where to go next, a strong CTA tells you exactly what action to take. It saves you time and makes your experience more straightforward.
When creating a strong CTA, businesses use words that create excitement or urgency. They might use phrases like "Limited Time Offer" or "Act Now" to encourage you to take immediate action. They may also use eye-catching colors or graphics to make the CTA stand out on the website.
So, when you see a website with a strong CTA, it's because the business wants to guide you and make it easy for you to take the next step. They want you to engage with their website, make a purchase, sign up for something, or perform another action that benefits both you and them. Pay attention to these CTAs and decide if they align with what you're looking for.
Position Yourself as the Guide
Manufacturers should position themselves as the Guide in their customer's story, establishing empathy and authority. Let me explain why in simple words.
Imagine you're reading a storybook, and there's a character called the Guide. The Guide is someone who helps the main character on their journey, offering advice, support, and knowledge. In the same way, manufacturers can be the Guide for their customers.
By positioning themselves as the Guide, manufacturers show that they understand their customers' needs and challenges. They empathize with their customers' problems and are there to help find solutions. It's like saying, "We understand what you're going through, and we're here to help."
Establishing empathy means showing understanding and compassion. Manufacturers who establish empathy with their customers build a connection based on shared experiences and emotions. They show that they care about their customers' success and want to make their lives better.
In addition to empathy, manufacturers also establish authority. Authority means having expertise, knowledge, and experience in their field. Manufacturers who position themselves as the Guide show that they are knowledgeable and trustworthy. They have the skills and resources to guide their customers toward the best solutions.
By combining empathy and authority, manufacturers become a reliable source of guidance and support. They can provide valuable advice, share industry insights, and offer solutions that meet their customers' needs. This helps build trust and confidence in the manufacturer's products or services.
When manufacturers position themselves as the Guide, they become a partner in their customers' journey. They help customers navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve their goals. It's like having a trusted friend who is always there to lend a hand and offer guidance.
So, manufacturers should position themselves as the Guide in their customer's story because it shows empathy, understanding, and authority. It helps build trust and strengthens the relationship between the manufacturer and the customer. By being the Guide, manufacturers can support their customers, offer valuable solutions, and help them succeed.
List Your Top Products or Services
Manufacturers should list their top 3 to 5 products or services on the homepage of their website for a few important reasons. Let me explain why in simple words.
1. Easy Access to Key Offerings: When visitors land on a manufacturer's website, they want to quickly find the products or services that are most important to them. By listing the top 3 to 5 offerings on the homepage, manufacturers make it easy for visitors to see their core offerings without having to search or navigate through the entire website. It saves time and helps visitors find what they need right away.
2. Highlighting Strengths and Specialties: Listing the top products or services on the homepage allows manufacturers to showcase their strengths and specialties. It helps them emphasize the areas where they excel and stand out from competitors. By highlighting their best offerings, manufacturers can grab the attention of visitors and create a positive first impression.
3. Increasing Conversion Rates: When visitors see the top products or services prominently displayed on the homepage, it increases the likelihood of conversion. Visitors are more likely to engage with offerings that are easily accessible and visually appealing. By showcasing the top offerings, manufacturers can capture the interest of visitors and encourage them to explore further or make a purchase.
4. Providing Clarity and Focus: The homepage is often the first point of contact for visitors. By presenting the top products or services, manufacturers provide clarity and focus on what they want visitors to know and engage with. It avoids overwhelming visitors with too much information and helps them understand the core offerings and benefits of the manufacturer.
5. Creating a Memorable Impression: The homepage serves as a digital storefront for the manufacturer. By featuring the top offerings prominently, manufacturers create a memorable impression on visitors. It helps them remember the manufacturer and their key products or services when they revisit the website or talk about it with others. It contributes to brand recognition and recall.
In summary, manufacturers should list their top 3 to 5 products or services on the homepage of their website to provide easy access to key offerings, highlight strengths and specialties, increase conversion rates, provide clarity and focus, and create a memorable impression. By doing so, manufacturers can effectively showcase their best offerings and make a positive impact on visitors, leading to better engagement and potential business opportunities.
Outline Your Plan
Manufacturers should include a section on their homepage that explains their "plan" to make doing business with them easy. Let me explain why in simple words.
When you visit a manufacturer's website, it's important to know how simple it is to work with them. By including a section that explains their "plan," manufacturers can show you the step-by-step process of doing business with them. It's like having a roadmap that guides you through the journey.
Here's why it matters:
1. Clear Expectations: When manufacturers explain their plan, it helps you know what to expect when you work with them. They tell you how to place an order, how long it takes to get your product or service, and what support they provide. This information helps you feel more confident and know what's going to happen.
2. Easy Decision-making: Knowing the process makes it easier for you to decide if you want to work with a manufacturer. By seeing their plan, you can decide if it fits your needs and if it's the right choice for you. It saves you time by knowing upfront what they offer and how it can benefit you.
3. Building Trust: When manufacturers explain their plan, it shows that they are honest and trustworthy. They want you to feel comfortable working with them. By sharing their plan, they show that they have a clear way of doing things and are committed to making your experience smooth and easy.
4. Standing Out: Manufacturers who explain their plan stand out from others. They show that they care about your experience and want to make it as simple as possible. By being open and transparent about their process, they show that they are different and can be trusted.
5. Better Experience: When manufacturers have a plan, it means they have thought about your needs and made things easier for you. They anticipate any problems you might have and try to solve them in advance. This makes your experience better and more enjoyable.
To sum it up, including a section that explains their "plan" helps manufacturers show you how easy it is to do business with them. It sets clear expectations, helps you make decisions, builds trust, makes them stand out, and improves your overall experience.
Secondary Call-to-Action
Having a secondary call-to-action (CTA) on a website is a good idea.
A call-to-action is like a friendly invitation that tells you what to do next on a website. It could be a button that says "Buy Now" or "Sign Up." A primary CTA focuses on the main action the website wants you to take, like making a purchase or subscribing to a newsletter.
But why have a secondary CTA? Well, here's why:
1. Giving Options: Some visitors to a website may not be ready to take the primary action right away. They might want to explore more or learn more about the company first. Having a secondary CTA provides them with an alternative option. It's like saying, "If you're not ready for this, how about this other option?"
2. Building Engagement: A secondary CTA helps keep visitors engaged with the website. It offers them another way to interact and connect with the company. It could be something like "Read More" to encourage them to explore more information or "Watch a Video" to engage them with multimedia content. This keeps visitors interested and involved.
3. Supporting Different Goals: Sometimes, a website may have multiple goals they want to achieve. While the primary CTA focuses on the main goal, a secondary CTA can support other objectives. For example, if the main goal is to sell a product, the secondary CTA could be "Contact Us" to encourage visitors to reach out for more information or assistance.
4. Providing Choices: Everyone has different preferences and needs. Having a secondary CTA offers visitors a choice and allows them to select the option that best suits them. It's like saying, "Here are a few things you can do. You choose what works for you." This empowers visitors and makes them feel in control.
5. Increasing Conversions: Believe it or not, a secondary CTA can actually help increase conversions. Not everyone is ready for the primary action right away, but they might be interested in the secondary option. By providing an alternative, it gives visitors a chance to engage and take a step closer to becoming a customer.
In summary, having a secondary call-to-action on a website is a good idea because it gives options, builds engagement, supports different goals, provides choices, and increases conversions. It helps cater to different visitor preferences and encourages them to stay connected with the website. So, next time you see a secondary CTA, know that it's there to give you more choices and make your experience better.
Driven Digital
A Great Looking Website is a Good Start! But What is Your Website User's Experience?
Your manufacturing website design is more than flashy images and text. Its purpose is to drive sales, so the layout and design are crucial for converting viewers into customers.
You can improve your website effectiveness by focusing on the website visitors intent. For example, if they are coming to your website for research, do you have the resources they need? Or, if they are wanting to make a purchase, are your calls-to-action easy to find?
9 Element Homepage Strategy
We design websites with your customer in mind. Our Driven Digital nine-element home page strategies that will set your website apart from your competitors and improve your website visitors experience.
Website Maintenance
Keeping your website maintained is critical to make everything run smoothly. Regular website maintenance and vigilant website security is a must for manufacturers websites.
The absolute best way to get images for your website is to have a photographer come to your plant and spend half a day doing photo shoots. Your photographer might also have a drone to get some overhead images and video. These look great on a website!
If that's not a viable option, use the camera on your smart phone and then have your web dev team edit them.
Lastly, you can buy stock images from an online source. We only recommend that as a last resort. But it's better than nothing and you can replace them when you start gathering your own images.
Have someone outside the company use your website. Friends and family members are a good place to start.
Give them a simple task, like finding a specific item or placing an order or finding a dealer. And then see how long it takes them to complete the task. It should only take a few seconds.
There are professional companies that just evaluate your website's usability, but getting friends and family to help is quicker and less expensive. 🙂
Absolutely! For a no-cost evaluation you can reach out to our website design specialists here.