The startup is not a new form of business, but it has only recently started to become popular in our country. A startup is a little different in everything: the founders, the company owners, the mentality, the office are a little different. And the startup website and online appearance are also a little different. In today's article, I examine the characteristics of websites of startup companies.
What is a startup?
Although the concept is popular and startups are multiplying like mushrooms in Hungary, I still often see that there is a bit of chaos in the minds, so let's start at the beginning: what does a startup mean? Who can call themselves a startup? Does the definition of a startup apply to you and your website, will the following tips be useful for you?
According to Wikipedia, “A startup usually refers to a newly founded start-up with high growth potential, which is mostly characterized by product or business model innovation. These companies aim to be present on international markets, so they do not focus exclusively on the local market. High growth potential is basically understood in international markets in the case of startup businesses, so international scalability is a particularly important element of the definition.
(…) The term startup appears in Hungarian economic policy as "innovative micro-enterprise".
So if your company
- innovative
- has great growth potential
- targets an international market
then you need a website that stands out among other similar startups.
If, based on the above, you feel that you are not working at a startup, you should still continue reading the article, since startups are currently creating a trend, which means that some of what is contained in this article will already be important to you, and another part will soon become important to you!
Why is a startup website different?
As I already mentioned in the introduction and definition, startups are usually particularly innovative businesses that differ in many respects from traditional forms of business. Their website must also suggest this special feature, which is why it is not possible to completely follow the general design and ux (user experience) line.
Many of the startup companies start with a small budget, so they cannot spend on branding and advertising, that is, the website as a marketing tool will be the first and perhaps the only form of appearance with which future customers, clients, partners - and investors! - they meet.
That is why special attention should be paid to the development of the website of startups.
5 unavoidable rules for designing an effective startup website
...and in order of importance:
1. An old rule is not an old rule
Trends, fashion, and style trends come and go, but there are basic rules in website design that were valid yesterday, are valid today, and will be valid tomorrow. Examples include readability, usability, transparency, and proper search engine optimization. Easy navigation and the correct design and placement of menus are also important.
2. The goal is above all else
On average, it can be said that the primary purpose of most websites is to somehow generate revenue for the company that created it.
However, for startup websites, this is even more important than usual.
Many startups start with a minimal budget, and in order to survive and grow, it is absolutely necessary to generate income as soon as possible. That's why you can't let the website float aimlessly in the middle of nowhere, so that the design is just "pretty"!
When designing a website, the first step should be defining the goal and the detailed design of the path leading to it, and only then can we talk about the related design.
3. The website must be responsive!
Do you think that website responsiveness is no longer an issue in 2020? Then congratulations, you are a prepared company manager who is aware of important trends and guidelines.
However, to this day there are many website development companies for whom responsiveness is not a matter of course, i.e. that the website should display correctly on all devices.
Basically, it can be said that a responsive website is essential for every business, every company, and even every project - Google already penalizes the lack of it - but it is perhaps even more important for startups.
Why?
Because the target group of these innovative products and services is mostly innovative young people, who primarily do not come across new things while sitting in front of the computer, but often browse the pages on the go, from their mobile phone or tablet.
If you have a great product that has been shared by several people on Facebook, but the target group can't see it while sitting on the subway, they won't take the trouble to type up your website on their computer when they get home. He simply forgets, or worse: he looks at your non-optimized website on the go and immediately buries this outdated, ancient company.
4. Unique, clean design
Yes, you see right: design is only the 4th most important in the line. This does NOT mean that it is unimportant, as the first impression is especially important as a new, emerging business.
This does not only mean beautiful images and buttons/menu items designed in the appropriate style, but also that the purpose of the design is to emphasize and strengthen the essence of the brand, the company's message.
As a startup, you are usually speaking to an audience that demands novelty, difference, and unique solutions, and the appearance of your website must also emphasize this: you must comply with the latest trends, and it is even best if you can stay ahead of them by a nose's length!
5. Dare to experiment!
In marketing, especially in innovative businesses, there are no set-in-stone rules that always work 100% in every case. Fortunately, however, most branches of marketing are an exact science that can be perfectly measured and targeted precisely, so don't be afraid to experiment, test and create statistics! At first, it might seem a bit fiddly, but in the long run, this will guarantee that your website will not only be beautiful, but will also achieve its purpose.
In short: designing a startup website is always an interesting task, part of which follows well-proven methods - but the other part is full of exciting, new challenges.
