There are thousands of web firms in this country all trying to tell you why they are better than the next. The truth of the matter is, First impressions are everything in the world of websites. When putting together your presence on the web, you are going to want an identity which includes your logo, your content, and things that are specific to your business. You are in business because there is a particular niche that you are filling, not because you are the same as every other business out there. Using free templates is a good way to fall through the cracks and show your customers that you are no different than the next company.
First Impressions are Everything
Have you ever met with a vendor or salesman and you just didn’t like him or her right away? It could be for a multitude of reasons. Maybe he or she didn’t look you in the eye, maybe the handshake was a “dead fish,” or maybe he just didn’t dress right to convey a professional image.
The truth is, it could be one or all of these reasons, but it cause the rest of the pitch to lose credibility. The same thing applies, if not more so, to websites. Think back to the last website you visited before this one. Did the site look like it was created in haste? Was the English grammatically correct? Was the site too busy? Did the site not allow your eyes to flow through the site reading the important information?
According to WebsiteOptimization.com, you have as little as 50 milliseconds before a user generates his or her first impression of your website. There are some use cases on the site as well to show why this may be true. The next time you are on a website, consciously evaluate when your first impression is made about a site. I’m sure, as these “scientists” are, that you’ll find your first impression happens quicker than you’d realize.
Do you use templates in your business?
Do you use the standard Microsoft Word templates for your invoicing? If so, it may be time to customize these templates. That is why more professional accounting programs (like Quickbooks, Quicken, etc.) allow you to customize the look and feel of your invoices and correspondence with customers, so that your company conforms to standards, but stands out from the pile of many invoices that businesses receive.
Websites are similar. Free website templates may be appropriate for personal blogs, people who are sharing pictures with family members, and other organizations who may not do business through their websites. If you are relying on your website to drive revenue to your bottom line, it is important that you invest time and effort into customizing it to your needs.
How AndPlus Design can help you
AndPlus Design is now offering our “Free Web Design” promotion throughout the month of June. Click the link to be taken to the details of this offer, and be sure to contact us to get more specifics on your next free web design. First Impressions are everything, allow AndPlus Design to help make your next first impression a lasting, positive one.