In today’s digital age, a website serves as the face of almost all organizations. For Economic Development organizations, websites often create the first impression many people have of your community. That’s why developing a website that communicates a unique visual identity, is easy to navigate, and features useful tools is crucial to the expansion of your community.
Here are some key features to include when creating your economic development website:
Visual Identity
First impressions matter! When a visitor views your website, they form an opinion within seconds. A well-designed website communicates a strong and unique community identity and encourages site selectors and other audiences to learn more. Visual design establishes strong branding through the strategic placement of images, color schemes, fonts, and logos that are memorable and recognizable to the public. For example, Team Texas’ website shows consistent branding across all pages, while Taylor EDC provides engaging images that draw in their audience.
User-Friendly Navigation
Once you have engaged your website visitor, keep them there with user-friendly navigation. A user-friendly website begins with a thoughtful sitemap, which makes it easy for visitors to find the most important and relevant information easily. From there, an engaging homepage and navigation menu will make it easy for your primary audiences to find and absorb relevant information.
As seen in the Kennesaw Development Authority’s website, the home page of your website needs to be clear and concise. In addition to being free of clutter, the home page should be accompanied by a simple menu bar and a way for visitors to quickly contact you, like the “Contact Us” feature at the bottom of Beaumont, California’s home page.
Useful Tools
Property Search: Gather, track, and maintain available key property listings in your community.
News & Updates: Keep web visitors engaged through the generation of exclusive blog content and news updates.
Member Directory: Easily locate surrounding companies, service providers, and investors.
Together, these tools not only enhance the functionality of the website, but also drive economic growth by facilitating access to critical resources and information. For more examples, visit our website here.
Does your current website have strong visual identity, easy navigation, and useful tools? At EDSuite, we strive to develop, design, and write based on your specific community goals. No two communities are the same, so no two websites should be the same either! Our team understands the importance of creativity in website development to ensure each design is unique.
Looking for a team to create a website tailored to you? Contact us today!
Come back next week to learn more about how our team develops websites.