Lately, I’ve rekindled an old love: astronomy. As a kid, I used to lie in the grass with a constellation book in hand, mapping the stars overhead. (Yes, an actual paper book, I’m officially vintage!) As I sit here writing this, I can’t help but draw a parallel between the stars above and the websites we build below. If you want your website to stand out in the vast digital universe, it shouldn’t just shine; it should shine like the brightest star.
Here are three key ways to make that happen. And trust me, the last one is the real secret sauce.
1. Build a Responsive Website
Your site should look and function beautifully on every device. Phones, tablets, laptops, and everything in between. If a visitor can’t easily find your contact form or navigate your menu, chances are they’ll bounce to a competitor.
Think of responsiveness as your website’s gravity. It’s what keeps users grounded and engaged. Invest in a responsive design, and your visitors will stick around.
2. Use Animations Wisely
Animations can elevate your site’s professionalism and polish when used thoughtfully. Smooth, subtle movements (like a fade-in or a gentle slide as you scroll) create a sense of modern elegance. A soft button shake on hover? Just enough to say, “Hey, click me!”
But beware of going overboard. Overcomplicated animations can slow your site and distract users. With today’s powerful animation libraries, you can create stunning effects without reinventing the wheel. If it’s not in the library, you probably don’t need it.
3. Be Authentic, Show You Care
This is the brightest star in your constellation. A lesson I learned from the incredible Jessika Suter and one I’ll carry forever: authenticity is what truly makes your site shine.
If your business is family-oriented, highlight that. Feature your team in blog posts or behind-the-scenes videos. Use that content across your social channels and newsletters to build real connections. Let your dream, the one that started your business, shine through in everything you do digitally.
Final Thought
When your website is responsive, tastefully animated, and radiates authenticity, it doesn’t just work; it connects. Don’t forget to include clear, compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) to guide visitors toward taking the next step.
Follow these tips, and you won’t just be online. You’ll be brilliantly visible in the digital sky.