Stay connected

Ctrl+Alt+Success: how to use your website design to make more sales

Fay Roe

People decide whether they like someone in a matter of seconds, and Google research found website visitors are just as unforgiving when it comes to websites – you have just 0.05 seconds to impress. Is it brutal? Yes. Is it a surprise? No. Whether you are swiping through Tinder or looking at a business website, first impressions matter.

Web visitors instinctively look at critical elements like the logo, main menu, and key images. If these are polished and professional, visitors are more likely to stay longer. In fact, research shows that 94% of first impressions come from web design alone, with visual elements like colour, layout, and even the presence of pop-ups affecting whether users feel trust or hesitation.

Not only does a website design make the first impression, but it’s also a powerful sales engine that can attract, engage, and convert customers if designed strategically. For businesses in Christchurch, a well-thought-out website design, supported by effective digital marketing strategies including Google Ads, SEO, and search engine marketing, significantly boosts online sales.

1. Prioritise a clean, responsive design

Creating a website that’s both simple and familiar is crucial for earning trust and keeping visitors engaged. When visitors land on a page, they’re most comfortable if the layout is clean, easy to navigate, and aligned with what they expect from that website’s category—especially in industries like e-commerce

Users expect a sleek, fast-loading site that functions seamlessly across devices, regardless of whether they are on desktop, tablet, or mobile. A responsive web design makes sure all elements remain accessible and visually appealing, adapting fluidly to the user’s screen size. This keeps visitors engaged, but it also helps boost search engine rankings, as Google prioritises mobile-friendly sites in its results.

A website is displayed on three devices: a laptop, a tablet, & a smartphone.

2. Craft a seamless user journey

Imagine walking into a store with cluttered aisles, randomly placed items and no clear signage. Life is too short for this type of chaos, if this is what the customers see, what is going on in the back? Would you buy from them? Would you trust their returns policy? When it comes to web marketing, seamless navigation is crucial. A website should guide visitors smoothly through its products and services on a journey that feels natural at each stage. From the homepage to the checkout page, the web design should instil trust,

As website designers in Christchurch, Digital Presence maps out a logical structure, focusing on an intuitive menu, clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons, and helpful navigation paths. This reduces consumer friction, minimising the number of steps it takes for website users to reach conversion points. In other words, Digital Presence makes it easy for visitors to buy from you.

3. Incorporate strategic Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

A well-designed website strategically integrates CTAs to guide/influence visitors towards taking specific actions. CTAs should stand out visually, use persuasive language, and be placed in positions where they are most likely to be clicked.

Digital Presence uses professional heatmap tools to see how people use website pages: where they click, how far they scroll, what they look at or ignore. This analysis of visitor behaviour helps ensure CTAs are placed where they are most effective. Whether it’s "Buy Now," "Get a Free Quote," or "Download Our Guide," making sure these buttons are clear, compelling, and strategically placed captures leads and improves website conversions.

4. Optimise for search engines (SEO)

The best website design isn’t just about visuals; it also needs to be optimised for search engines to attract targeted organic traffic. For example, using local SEO Christchurch techniques significantly improves your website's visibility in search results for visitors searching for businesses that serve Christchurch. SEO website designs with relevant keywords, optimised images, and meta tags, make it easier for search engines to rank the web design.

As a Christchurch SEO expert, Digital Presence identifies the best keywords to use to boost visibility in the search engine results pages, so potential customers can find you online. With the right SEO strategy in place, your website is finely tuned for converting.

A hand is reaching out towards a search bar with the word seo on it.

5. Boost engagement with quality content

While visuals draw users in, content keeps them on the website. A well-designed website combines informative, persuasive content with a clean layout, allowing the brand’s voice to shine. For example, a blog section focused on topics like "web marketing Christchurch" or "how Christchurch SEO impacts sales" educates visitors and establishes the brand as an industry expert. For small businesses, this approach can be especially successful. High-quality content tailored to the audience's needs creates trust and keeps visitors returning to the website, increasing the chances of conversion.

6. Use data to refine and improve

Once a website design is live, it’s essential to keep testing. Use A/B testing to compare different design elements, such as button colours, CTA wording, or image placement. Even small tweaks can have a significant impact on conversions over time.

Tools like Google Analytics allow you to track which pages drive the most conversions and which ones need improvement. Analysing this data should inform any refinements made to the website design and layout, eliminating anything that detracts from the user experience. Regular adjustments keep the website fresh and optimised for conversions, adapting to both user needs and industry trends. (Don’t worry, Digital Presence’s monthly website reports detail the metrics without jargon and we take care of the adjustments)

7. Showcase social proof and trust signals

As mentioned earlier, compelling website design also incorporates elements of trust. Adding customer reviews, testimonials, or even a portfolio of works increase credibility and encourages potential customers to buy from a brand that others have had positive experiences with. This could include adding a testimonials section to the homepage or linking to review sites. The key is to make it easy for potential customers to see that others have had successful experiences with the business, giving them the confidence to take the next step.

8. Implement Google Ads to Drive Traffic

Once your website design is optimised, invest in Google Ads Christchurch campaigns to quickly fuel sales drive targeted traffic to your site. Ads based on specific keywords and locations, put the website in front of searchers who are interested in what you offer driving both traffic and conversions.

Effective website design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s a strategic tool for increasing sales. Partnering with a web design company in Christchurch is a game-changer, transforms your website into a powerful sales engine that drives conversions for your business. Whether you’re a small business or a larger company in Christchurch, investing in the right web design and digital marketing services makes a remarkable and sustainable difference in your bottom line. Digital Presence delivers beautiful affordable website subscription packages, designed to boost conversions. Contact Digital Presence today for a free no-obligation, jargon free chat.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Get a free consultation

How can we help?

Google optimised websites from $95 p/m

Get new customers with Google Ads

Learn about SEO

Get a free consultation

A person is holding a red and white magnet in their hand.

How to design a website for lead generation: A guide for Christchurch service-based businesses

by Simon Mullinger • 2 April 2025

For service-based businesses in Christchurch, your website isn’t just a digital brochure — it’s your primary tool for attracting, engaging, and converting potential customers. But simply having a website isn’t enough. To generate high-quality leads, your website needs to be strategically designed to drive conversions. Whether you’re a plumber, an accountant, a personal trainer, or any other service-based business, understanding how to design a website that maximises lead generation is key to growing your business. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the strategies and best practices for designing a website that effectively generates leads. From creating effective landing pages and optimising forms, to crafting compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) and leveraging design elements that encourage conversions, we’ll cover everything you need to know to turn your website into a lead-generation powerhouse. Why lead generation matters for service-based businesses For service-based businesses, generating leads is often the top priority. Unlike e-commerce businesses that focus on online sales, service businesses rely on qualified leads who are interested in booking a service, requesting a consultation, or making an inquiry. The challenge lies in attracting the right type of traffic and guiding visitors to take action once they’re on your site. Your website should be your most effective tool for converting website visitors into leads, and this can only happen when it’s designed with lead generation in mind. With the right strategies and optimisations, your website can play a central role in driving business growth by turning website visitors into paying customers.

A woman is using a laptop computer and holding a sign that says seo.

Website design for local SEO: How to optimise your website design for local search rankings

by Simon Mullinger • 2 April 2025

For small businesses, getting noticed online is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. With over 90% of customers using Google to search for local businesses, your website’s ability to rank well on search engines can make or break your business. But how do you ensure that your website is optimised for local SEO and stands out in your local Christchurch market? The answer lies in both the content and design of your website. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into how to optimise your website design for local search rankings. We’ll discuss key strategies that can help your Christchurch business get found by more local customers, including Google My Business (GMB) integration, optimising your website for local keywords, and using location-specific content. By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of how website design plays a critical role in boosting your local SEO and driving more traffic to your site. What is local SEO and why does it matter for small businesses? Before we jump into specific strategies, let’s first understand what local SEO is and why it’s so important for small businesses in Christchurch. Local SEO refers to the process of optimising your website and online presence to rank higher in search results for location-based searches. These are searches made by users looking for businesses in their area, such as “plumbers in Christchurch” or “best cafes near me.” As more and more people use their smartphones and Google to search for local products and services, it’s essential for businesses to optimise their websites for these types of searches. For Christchurch businesses, ranking well for local SEO can lead to increased visibility, more foot traffic, and a greater number of customers. By designing your website with local SEO in mind, you can ensure that you are reaching potential customers who are actively searching for the products or services you offer in Christchurch.

A city tour trolley is parked in front of a building.

How to use Google Ads to attract local customers in Christchurch

by Simon Mullinger • 2 April 2025

Whether you run a local café, a plumbing service, or a retail store, attracting local customers can be a major hurdle. However, the good news is that Google Ads is one of the most effective tools to help you reach your audience right when they’re actively searching for your products or services. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Google Ads to attract local customers in Christchurch, ensuring your business gets the attention it deserves. Why local businesses should use Google Ads Google Ads is a powerful tool that enables businesses to drive targeted traffic to their websites, particularly businesses that are focusing on local customers. With over 90% of people using Google to search for products and services, your business cannot afford to miss out on the opportunities Google Ads offers. Google Ads is especially beneficial for local businesses because it allows you to target customers within specific geographic areas. Whether your customers are in central Christchurch or outlying areas, you can create a strategy that targets people in your vicinity, ensuring your ads reach people who are nearby and ready to take action. This is particularly important for Christchurch businesses wanting to attract customers in their local area.

A computer monitor with a rocket flying out of it.

Domain and conquer: how to launch a new website design

by Fay Roe • 1 April 2025

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. A well-designed, strategically launched website can be the difference between converting visitors into customers or losing them to competitors. Whether you're refreshing an existing site or building from scratch, launching a new website requires careful planning and execution. Here's how to ensure your website launch delivers maximum impact for your business. Planning your website launch strategy Understand your website's purpose Before diving into design elements or development frameworks, define what you want your website to achieve. Are you looking to generate leads, sell products, provide information, or build brand awareness? Digital Presence, a leading web design agency in Christchurch, begins every project by understanding these core objectives to ensure your website serves your business goals. Know your audience Your website should speak directly to your target audience. Understanding their needs, pain points, and online behaviours will inform everything from design choices to content strategy. This customer-centric approach is what sets professional web design services in Christchurch apart from DIY solutions. Set a realistic timeline A comprehensive website launch typically takes 8-12 weeks, depending on complexity. Working with Digital Presence means having a structured timeline with clear milestones, ensuring your project stays on track without compromising quality.