The average conversion rates of websites from converting casual readers into clients or customers are only at around 2%. As such, this rate of conversion and the short attention spans of consumers of website content are essential to address. How do you make your portfolio website stand out and be a cut above the rest?
Here are some general guidelines that you can follow so that your portfolio becomes a powerful megaphone that will lead more leads into your fold.
Professional Photos and Logos
It may not be easy to find a brand design studio in Phoenix, for example, but it can be worth your while. Professional photos and logos make your website look impressive to new prospects. They can make you stand out among the rest. Use an excellent high definition photo of you that will help establish credibility. Add a matching logo and branding asset that will complement your line of business.
Make the Website Good and Mobile-responsive
Most people access the Internet through their smartphones these days. If your website is not mobile-responsive, you are missing out a lot. Some customers do a quick search from their phones for your services and can get frustrated with the difficulty of having a desktop-only design on a website. Overcome this technical hurdle by making sure that your site looks good on different devices, including mobile phones.
Have an Accessible Contact Form
Put your contact details at the top of the website so that people will find it easy to contact you. If you put this information on the side or the bottom, it can be easily missed. Place it at the most prominent parts of your website, such as the header or the top right portion.
Have “Visual Guides” Pointing to Your Call to Action
Would you like to get hired, have new prospects consult you, or sell your product? Have these buttons ready and noticeable as the main focus of your website’s homepage. Make sure your narrative and your overall text flow toward making potential clients and consumers click your Call to Action or primary CTA.
Determine and Implement a Solid Sitemap
Organize your information. You may not exactly need a full-blown information architecture layout. But your website should be navigable enough so that your prospects will not get lost. Position the “About Us,” portfolio item list, FAQs, and client testimonials correctly, and others will be encouraged to explore the website further. This way, you won’t get a messy site that does not go anywhere it should. You can turn your website into a lead magnet machine if you design this appropriately.
Keep the Layout Clean or Clutter-Free
Have generous white spaces between the text. Keep the taglines short but interesting. A clean layout is pleasant to the eyes and will keep your prospects coming back for more or hanging around longer so you can cross or upsell.
Follow these tips, and you will have a strong portfolio website in no time. Make sure to leave room for customer feedback on your site experience as well in the future.