10 Must-Have Elements for a Standout Website That Converts
Your website is more than just a place to park your business online—it’s your 24/7 sales rep, your brand’s first impression, and your golden opportunity to turn visitors into paying clients.
If your website isn’t doing its job, you’re leaving money on the table. Whether you’re DIY-ing your site or hiring a pro, these 10 must-have elements will take your website from ‘just okay’ to ‘absolutely unforgettable.’
1. A Brand Identity That Screams You
The second someone lands on your website, they should instantly get a feel for your brand’s personality. Your logo, colors, fonts, and imagery should all work together to tell your brand story. If your website looks like everyone else’s, it’s time for a refresh.
Pro Tip: Ditch generic stock photos. Instead, invest in high-quality brand photography that showcases you and your unique vibe. It makes a world of difference!
2. User-Friendly Navigation (Because No One Likes to Feel Lost)
If people have to dig to find your services or contact info, they’ll bounce—fast. Keep your navigation simple, intuitive, and easy to skim. Stick to 5-7 main menu items max.
Pro Tip: A sticky navigation bar (one that stays at the top as users scroll) makes it easy for visitors to explore without getting frustrated.
3. A Mobile-Responsive Design That Looks Good Everywhere
Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re turning away potential clients. A responsive design ensures your website adapts beautifully to any screen size.
Pro Tip: Test your website on different devices and screen sizes. Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test is a great tool for spotting issues.
4. Content That Feels Like a Conversation (Not a Sales Pitch)
Nobody wants to read robotic, boring copy. Your website should sound like you—authentic, engaging, and clear. Speak directly to your audience, show them you get their struggles, and explain how you can help.
Pro Tip: Have a blog! Sharing insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes content builds trust and boosts your SEO at the same time.
5. Calls-to-Action (CTAs) That Actually Work
Want visitors to book a call? Sign up for your newsletter? Buy your service? Tell them. A clear, strategic CTA should be on every page, guiding your audience toward the next step.
Pro Tip: Make your CTA buttons stand out with contrasting colors and action-driven copy like “Let’s Chat” or “Get Started Today” instead of a boring “Submit” button.
6. High-Quality Visuals (Because Looks Matter)
A visually appealing website keeps visitors engaged. High-quality images, custom graphics, and videos make your brand feel polished and professional.
Pro Tip: Optimize images for web use to keep load times fast. Slow sites lose visitors real quick!
7. Speed That Keeps Visitors (and Google) Happy
Speaking of speed, a slow website kills conversions. If your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, you could be losing half your visitors.
Pro Tip: Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test your speed and optimize images, clean up unused plugins, and choose a reliable hosting service.
8. SEO That Helps You Get Found
A beautiful website is useless if no one can find it. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your site rank on Google, bringing in organic traffic.
Pro Tip: Use relevant keywords naturally throughout your site, optimize meta descriptions, and add alt text to images. Internal linking (linking between pages on your own site) also helps boost rankings!
9. Social Proof That Builds Trust
People trust people. Testimonials, case studies, and reviews show that you’re the real deal and can back up your claims.
Pro Tip: If you can, add video testimonials! Seeing and hearing real people talk about their experience with you makes a powerful impact.
10. A Contact Page That Makes Reaching Out Effortless
If someone wants to work with you, don’t make them hunt for your contact info! A well-designed contact page with multiple ways to reach you (email, form, social links) removes any barriers.
Pro Tip: If you want to encourage more inquiries, make your contact form short and sweet. Too many required fields can scare people off!
Final Thoughts: Your Website = Your Business’s Best Asset
Your website should work for you, not against you. By incorporating these 10 essential elements, you’ll have a high-converting, beautifully designed site that attracts dream clients and grows your business effortlessly.
If your website needs a glow-up, I’ve got you. I specialize in custom Squarespace websites that elevate brands and convert visitors into clients. Let’s create something that makes your brand unforgettable.
Ready to level up?