Attractive web design instantly creates trust in your business. If we take a look at web credibility research from Stanford, 75% of users admitted making their judgments about a company’s credibility based only on their website design.

In an era where 85% of B2B customers search websites prior to making a purchase decision, your website offers the best chance of crating a potential customer’s “first impression” on your business and services. It turns out that the feel, the look, and even the colours are the main drivers of first impressions.

First impressions are 94% related to design

No one denies that quality content matters a lot. However, the best content loses its impact when shown with poor, basic design. Studies on user behavior online have shown that visual appeal and easy website navigation have the greatest influence on people’s first impressions of your brand.

Positive first impressions can lead to greater satisfaction.

The first impression that a user feels while visiting your website can prime the way they experience future interactions with your company. Research shows that positive priming can improve user satisfaction. On the contrary, a negative first impression can seriously alter user satisfaction.

First impression can endure for years

This simple fact has been proved by many studies and research. One such study found that NBA players’ careers are defined by their rank in the draft, regardless of their on-court performance. Another study shows that subsequent impressions, no matter how inconsistent they are, can never make up for the first impression of a user. In this situation, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” is most appropriate.

of users admit making their judgments about a company’s credibility based only on their website design.

of B2B customers search the web prior to making a purchase decision

of a website user’s first impressions are related to design.

The truth is, visual appeal is very important. This is even truer on the web. On today’s web, users literally have infinite numbers of options calling for their attention. As research has shown, they create an opinion mere milliseconds after landing on your website.

Stakes are high for professional service firms and B2B

Making a good first impression is even more beneficial in the professional service sector. At Marketing Media, we only work with businesses that offer low volume and high-margin services. These businesses know that the value of lead can turn into great profits. First impressions are not only about the right colours, shapes, and fonts; they generate big revenue for your business.

On many occasions, have we learned that great design is not a waste of money or time. When facing a crowded and competitive landscape, it is essential to create a unique space where your brand and services stand out and grab the attention of your targeted customers. You will never know how many customers and transactions are lost just because their first impression was not positive enough:  they will not give you feedback on why they did not choose your business for a particular need, they will simply look elsewhere.

If you wish to learn more about Marketing Media’s approach on web design, visit our website, sign up for our newsletter or simply contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.