No two businesses operate in the same way and therefore no two companies websites should look or work in the same manner, unless of course someone deliberately clones yours.
Much of the difference between websites will depend on the service a company is attempting to supply and the feedback they have received from customers. Service-based programs that offer customers various styles of interaction normally dictate the unique look of a site. These include cash points and payments, account management, contact management, diary management, social networking or news content.
Companies that undertake a lot of selling or use their website as a virtual shop front will want an easy to use cash point. People are ever weary of leaving bank details on the Internet and your site must convince them that it is safe and easy to use. Complicated questions and multiple screens will only dissuade customers from shopping with you.
Having a software developer design a bespoke system for contract management can cover a host of uses. Such services as house searching for estate agents or tourist attractions for a hotel website are easy but effective additions. These use a simple database that allows queries, this way people can discover things for themselves based on their personal preferences. It is useful for any company that offers a choice of options and allows customers to tailor make their own solutions.
Diary and calendar management systems are also great additions where you have people booking in times. Tours of attractions, hotel bookings and film tickets all benefit from some form of online diary application. A bespoke calendar that will encourage customers to make their own appointments based on availability saves lots of time and offers the ultimate choice.
Social networking has been growing over the last couple of years and companies are now actively using it to interact with their client base. Personalised applications for Twitter or Facebook make meeting customers both fun and informative. Many companies produce video clips that they upload online or have as part of their website. This sort of addition gives a new dimension to customers and lets them see first hand exactly what business you are in or how a particular product works.
Social networking is also a great way of market testing and conducting focus groups. When you have a bespoke software developer build your site you can make sure you are able to talk directly to your customers and gauge their opinions and expectations more quickly than ever before. Custom designed website applications enable you to create a unique experience for your customer and therefore increasing the chance of repeat visits.
