As we enter a new year it’s the perfect time to look ahead to what trends we might see in website design for construction and trades.
As online technology improves it helps us promote our businesses to greater audiences that we may not have had access to in the past. We must remember, and remain focused on what our customer’s needs are in order to provide solutions that help them attain their objectives.
These are the top trends to keep in mind while considering web design for construction and trades in 2017.
1) The Importance of Mobile Responsiveness and Mobile-First Design
- The number of people browsing the web on mobile devices surpassed the number using a desktop computer all the way back in 2014
- Customers browsing the internet expect a certain level of sophistication when evaluating a company and looking smart on a phone or tablet is a part of this
- As of April 2016, Google announced that they have included mobile optimization factors in their website ranking algorithm
Due to these reasons and more, it is essential that construction companies take the responsiveness of their website seriously. One, their customers expect it; two Google may hold them back in the rankings if they don’t provide it. This makes sense, as it is Google’s priority to match the best websites for their customers’ needs – and their customers are on mobile.
2) Quality Copywriting
Customers use websites to locate, evaluate and select contractors for their job. The prettiest site, without great written content, can’t compete with one that explains clearly, and persuasively what the company does and how they are better than their competition. This articulation directly affects a client’s perception of your professionalism. Professionally prepared copy will also work to increase your rankings with Google through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques.
3) Professional Photography, Renderings, and Illustrations
In the last few years, all websites have trended toward bigger images as they fuel the imaginations of our customers and the technology can now support the delivery of them. But now more than ever, in construction, in particular, the quality of your images will set the tone of your website. Professional photography, renderings, and illustrations are the bar and homeowners or other individuals assessing your company will look at the quality of your portfolio as a reflection of your work.
4) Storytelling and Personality
People evaluating your company want to know more than the polished veneer you present on the outside. It is the age of personal branding and customers are looking to know you, what you would be like to work with, and how you behave in your community. Use your website as a tool to show them who you are. This can still be a real differentiator and win you business.
5) Interaction and Engagement
Some say 2016 was the year of the bots. This refers to the little windows that pop-up everywhere asking if you would like help or to chat. While 2017 will see even more of this easy-to-implement technology, it is good for reminding us that the aim of the website should always be to communicate with your potential clients. The days of the website-as-brochure should be long behind you. Make sure your site is focused on gathering leads for your business (which is what bots do).
6) Video Continues to Skyrocket
Video is a natural fit for construction projects, how-tos, testimonials, and more. Consider some of these stats from Hubspot:
- Youtube reports mobile consumption of video increases by 100% every year
- Including a video on a landing page can increase conversion by 80%
- Real-estate listings that include a video receive 403% more inquiries than those without
Get it in your mix. You will see a lot more full screen video on homepages in 2017.
7) Graphic Design
Every year there are predictions for new graphic design trends and this year is no different. If you like to stay ahead of the curve, consider including duotone gradient imagery, the use of vibrant colours, animated gifs, sophisticated use of typography, and geometric shapes, lines and patterns. 2017 will definitely see a move toward static, original header design, breaking from the established header slideshow.
Whatever you do with your construction website design (link to dyggz) this year – we hope you rock it!
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/video-marketing-statistics#sm.000013mgwf3540dqqq2p5yygjyo0n
https://dyggz.com/website-design-for-construction-and-home-industries/
20– Article by Andrea Butterworth
Andrea Butterworth is the owner of Dyggz Marketing; a company focused specifically on websites and marketing for construction (AEC) and trades. With over a decade in corporate leadership roles in web publishing and marketing, Andrea started her own company helping businesses big and small develop and implement successful online strategies. After working with varied companies in the construction industry she decided to support this segment explicitly and constantly work to deepen her understanding of the most effective ways to market them.
Comments are closed.