Have you ever clicked on a website and then immediately, maybe even before it loads, hit the back button? Samesies. Whether it didn’t load fast enough, wasn’t what you thought it would be, or it was just downright ugly or confusing, it failed what we call the 5 Second Test.
In the digital world, first impressions matter, maybe even more than in the real world. The 5 Second Test is kind of like the edge of a cliff. Either the visitor wants to stick around and enjoy the view or they will do anything to get away as quickly as possible and jump off. We form opinions on people in a matter of minutes but we form opinions about websites in just seconds. So how does your website fair in the 5 Second Test? If it flunks, don’t worry. We’re here to take it from dropout to honor roll.
Answer The Question
When a visitor comes to your website, they are looking for the answer to a question or for a product to solve their problem. They decide very quickly whether or not your site will answer their question or solve that problem and how difficult it will be to get results.
All you have to do then is convince them immediately that you can help. Put yourself in their shoes and think about the biggest questions they would have that would push them to visit your website. What questions would they ask when considering buying from you or using your service? Take those questions, form short but complete answers, and make the content easy to scan. Use headings as signposts that separate the information.
Be Concise
Did you know that people read slower online/onscreen? It’s true! Weird, right? That’s why we here at Limelight love physical books. We feel smarter when we’re reading faster.
So how can you use this new knowledge to your advantage? Make your website copy, short and sweet. Get to the point. Oh, and make it easy to scan. Where should you put the most important information? Well, we know people’s Freakin’ scanning tendencies,(Capital F intended. You’ll only get it if you click the link ;) so put the most important info where they’re looking. Duh!
Use HIBB to make your website pages easily scannable. Headings, Images, Bolding, and Bullet Points. HIBB in the house!
Master Mobile
More people use mobile devices and tablets to view websites than desktop computers and laptops. Believe it or not, it’s been that way for about five years now. That means your website better look just as good, if not better on mobile than it does on a desktop. At the bare minimum, your website needs to pass Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
This test covers the basics and will make you aware of any issues users might face on mobile like if the text is too small or if there are touch elements that are too close together. Not having a mobile-friendly website can also negatively affect your ranking on Google.
There you have it! Three tips to make sure that your website passes the 5 Second Test. Got too much on your plate? Maybe you’re not feeling tech-savvy enough to improve your website? We can help! We offer a variety of website services. Contact us and we’ll make a plan that will put your website in the Limelight!
