The Pocket Guide to Designing Corporate Websites That Build Trust

In today’s digital age, corporate websites are the faces of businesses on the internet. They represent brands, showcase products or services, and serve as platforms for engaging with audiences. As such, having well-designed and effective corporate websites is crucial for any business.

But what exactly does an effective corporate website look like? What are the best practices and essential elements that every corporate website must have?

In this article, we’ll explore the blueprint of successful corporate websites, with visual examples from live websites and design concepts by professional web designers. Whether you’re looking to create a new website or revamp an existing one, this pocket guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and inspiration to take your online presence to the next level.

 

Essential Elements of a Corporate Website

Your corporate website plays a critical role in representing your brand online. It’s not just about having a website that looks visually appealing, but also one that effectively communicates your brand message, values, products, or services to your target audience.

To achieve this, it’s essential to have specific elements that can help you build a strong online presence. In this section, we’ll explore the essential elements that every corporate website should have and provide you with examples of live websites that have implemented these elements effectively.

The Homepage of a Business Website

Your homepage is the virtual front door to your business. It’s often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand, and as such, it needs to make a great first impression. Of course, this means it should not only look visually appealing but also convey your brand’s value proposition. Ultimately, it must guide users toward their desired actions. So let’s cover the main elements that your homepage needs to have to attract, engage, and convert your visitors into customers, in more detail.

For example, let’s have a look at Bahn 360 which is a German railway AG’s virtual learning world. This business website allows users to learn more about rail passenger and freight transport in Germany in a real-life metaverse. Engaging, educational, and memorable.

Eye-catching hero section

Since your homepage is like the virtual welcome mat for your business, you want to make it as inviting as possible. Start by designing an eye-catching hero section that not only grabs your visitors’ attention but also makes them want to stick around. You can use a visually appealing image or video that shows off your brand message or value proposition. Top it with a short and sweet headline that supports your message and a clear call-to-action button that tells your visitors what to do next.

Eco Smart House uses a smooth background video with stunning visuals that enhances the We Will Build Your Dream House call-to-action and invites visitors to contact the firm.

Clear value proposition

Think of your value proposition as your secret weapon in the world of business. It’s what will convince people to choose you over your competitors. That’s why think of a clear value proposition and make it easy to find on your homepage. Aside from being short, sweet, and to the point, this message should also manage to explain what problems you solve for your customers and how you do it better than anyone else out there. In short, show your visitors why you’re the best in the biz.

Trimble Group communicates there’s an issue with animal health content being too complex to make. The hero section addresses that and promises a solution to make the science behind animal health interesting.

Call to action (CTA) buttons

Another way to think of your website is as a virtual salesperson ready to take orders. In this case, your call-to-action (CTA) buttons are the means for your visitors to take action, whether it’s to sign up for a newsletter, book a call, or use a service. To make sure your CTA buttons are effective, keep them clear and concise, using language that tells visitors exactly what they can expect.

And don’t forget to place them in strategic spots on your homepage. The first one should obviously be in the hero section above the fold, but don’t stop there. You can add one in the product sections, or make them sticky so they’re always in sight.

In Hackuity‘s case, the CTA button is big, contrasting, and surrounded by a lot of white space. You simply can’t miss it.

 

About Us Page

Your About Us page is like your online company bio, and it’s where you can share your story, build trust, and show off your company culture. Think of it as a chance to connect with potential customers on a personal level. Start with a brief overview of your company, its history, mission, and vision, and try to keep it simple and relatable.

Trimble Group‘s About page, for example, is a welcoming small page with a Meet the Team section and wholesome images that allow users to relate to the company and get closer to the names behind the brand.

Team members and their backgrounds

Here you will also introduce your team members and their backgrounds. This helps visitors feel more connected to your company and creates a sense of transparency. Don’t be afraid to show some personality and include photos, short bios, and links to their social media or websites.

Setia Law Team keeps it professional with a structured team page in hierarchical order, featured experience, and a dedicated page for each member of the team.

Social proof

And last but not least, you need some social proof to show that your company is legit. This can include testimonials from happy customers, awards, certifications, or any other recognition your company has received. It’s like the online version of hanging up your degrees on the office wall. All of these elements can help establish your company as a trusted authority in your industry and increase the chances of turning visitors into customers.

Bryhel’s About page, for example, features all its awards by big media names in the industry. As the section title states, these beauty awards speak for the quality of this brand’s products.

 

Products/Services Page

Your Products/Services page is where you showcase what your company has to offer. This is your chance to convince potential customers that your products or services are the solutions they’ve been looking for. That’s why it’s important to design this page in a way that’s clear, informative, and visually appealing. In this section, we’ll go over the essential elements you should include on your Products/Services page.

As a start, let’s have a look at MailChimp’s services page since it has it all: a detailed breakdown of plans, features, and prices in full transparency. Note that not every type of service can give clients, specific pricing in advance, however, when it’s possible, make sure you list it all to build trust.

A detailed description of products or services

First, provide a detailed description of your products or services. Be clear about what you’re offering, what problems your products or services solve, and how they’re different from the competition. Use language that resonates with your target audience and avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse them.

Each item in the Giorgio Collection has an expanding details section with specs and options. Unfortunately, no prices are featured and this is something users need to request.

Pricing and packages

As we mentioned, consider including pricing and package options. This helps potential customers get a better idea of the cost and what they can expect from your products or services. Make sure the pricing is easy to understand and clearly displayed, so visitors don’t have to hunt for it.

Teplusha‘s catalog, for example, features each product’s specs and full pricing.

Images or videos showcasing products or services

Finally, images or videos can be powerful tools to showcase your products or services. Use high-quality visuals that accurately represent what you’re offering and help visitors envision how they’ll benefit from your products or services. Don’t forget to include captions or descriptions that provide context and explain what’s shown in the visuals.

Giorgio Collection, for example, offers a gallery slider for each product with high-quality aesthetic photos featuring the item.

 

The Contact Page

The Contact Us page is one of the most important pages on your corporate website. It’s the gateway for potential customers to get in touch with you and learn more about your products or services. Therefore, it’s essential to design this page in a way that’s easy to navigate and provides all the necessary information for visitors to contact you. We’re going to go over the key elements you should have on your Contact Us page, so you can make sure it’s doing its job right.

HubSpot‘s Contact Us page has all the contact options a visitor would need: phone numbers for direct calls, email contact, physical address with an embedded map, and a live chat.

Contact form

The contact form is where the magic happens. It’s where visitors can get in touch with you, ask questions, and even submit a message. To ensure that visitors fill out the form, keep it simple, with only the necessary fields. The form should include clear instructions on what to do and what information to provide. Once the visitor submits the form, make sure to respond promptly to their inquiry.

Mon Projet Gaz’s contact page features a contact form with clear instructions.

Contact information

Providing contact information on your website is crucial as it gives visitors another way to get in touch with you. Make sure to include your phone number and email address, and if applicable, your physical address. It’s essential to keep this information up-to-date and easy to find on your website.

Stercq’s contact page doesn’t have a contact form, however, it features an email address and a phone number for users to talk to support directly.

Map and directions (if applicable)

If your business has a physical location, including a map and directions on your Contact Us page is a great idea. It helps visitors locate your business and can provide additional information about the area, such as nearby landmarks or attractions. Be sure to include clear directions and any necessary parking or entrance information.

Or you can just do it like Dvele by linking an external Google Map instead of embedding it.

 

Blog or Resources Page

Your blog or resources page is where you can share juicy tidbits of industry knowledge that’ll keep your visitors glued to your website. You can provide educational and informative articles or resources that are tailored to your target audience, and make sure they’re easy to understand and engaging. After all, you want your visitors to stay on your site for as long as possible and learn more about your products or services, right?

American Express, for example, has a content-rich resources page with blog articles, tutorials, trends, and news for users to explore.

But it’s not just about the content. You also need to make sure that your visitors can easily find what they’re looking for. That’s why it’s important to have easy-to-use search and filtering options that help them quickly locate the information they need. This will help keep your audience engaged and prevent them from getting frustrated and leaving your website.

Oh, and don’t forget the visuals! Including relevant and engaging visuals such as images or infographics can help break up the text and make the content more digestible. They’re perfect for reinforcing the information in the article or resource and keeping your visitors interested.

 

Design for Your Users

Prioritizing the needs of your website’s users is at the heart of user-centered design. It’s important to comprehend what your users need to accomplish their goals, what they want, and what they’re looking for. By keeping the user at the center of the design process, you can create a website that’s tailored to their specific needs.

A crucial element of user-centered design is creating a clean and intuitive user experience. This means making it simple for visitors to your website to navigate, get the information they require, and carry out the tasks they want to. When users can easily find what they’re looking for, they’ll have a better experience on your website and be more likely to do business with you.

Here we have Type 1 Ventures‘ website with clean minimalistic design and intuitive experience. Users can easily locate any information they need from the homepage as well as from the hamburger menu.

 

Well-Written Content Matters

Good writing is a crucial element of a successful website in general, not just a corporate one. After all, the content is what will engage your visitors and persuade them to take action. With well-written content, you can capture their attention, build trust, and convey your message effectively.

Here are a few tips to help you create engaging and persuasive content:

• Know your audience: Before you start writing, make sure you know who you’re writing for. What are their needs and interests? What language do they use? Use this information to tailor your content to your target audience.
• Be concise: People are busy and don’t have time to read long, rambling paragraphs. Keep your sentences and paragraphs short and to the point.
• Use headings and subheadings: Headings and subheadings make it easier for readers to scan your content and find the information they need.
• Avoid passive voice: Active voice is more engaging and easier to read than passive voice. Use it whenever possible.
• Edit, edit, edit: Good writing takes time and effort. Edit your content carefully to make sure it’s clear, concise, and error-free.

Bownds Ranches has some strong well-written content worthy to put a fifth-generation Texan ranch broker on the global stage.

 

Educate and Solve Problems

As a corporate website, it’s essential to approach your audience with an educational and solution-oriented mindset. By providing your audience with informative and actionable content, you position yourself as a valuable resource, earning their trust and loyalty.

An educational and solution-oriented approach can help you establish authority in your industry, build credibility with your audience, and ultimately drive more conversions. By providing your audience with the information they need to make informed decisions, you demonstrate your expertise and provide value beyond just your products or services.

To implement this approach, start by identifying the common pain points and questions your audience faces. From there, develop content that addresses these issues and provides solutions. This content can take many forms, from blog posts and articles to videos and webinars.

Here are some tips for implementing an educational and solution-oriented approach on your corporate website:

• Identify your audience’s pain points and questions
• Develop content that addresses these issues and provides solutions
• Use a variety of content formats, including blog posts, articles, videos, and webinars
• Position yourself as an authority in your industry by providing valuable insights and information
• Engage with your audience by encouraging comments and feedback on your content.

Cloud Interact approaches this directly by listing all the issues target users face and offering a solution for each.

 

Define Clear Goals and Target Audience

A corporate website needs clear goals and a defined target audience to be effective. Without clear goals, it can get confusing, and without a defined target audience, it may not connect with viewers.

To define clear goals, figure out what you want to achieve, like generating leads or promoting brand awareness. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, and aligned with your business objectives.

Identifying your target audience means understanding who will benefit from your products or services. Research your audience’s demographics and psychographics and create buyer personas. Tailor your website to their needs, preferences, and pain points, so they’re engaged and motivated to take action.

Some tips for defining clear goals and a target audience for a corporate website include:

• Conducting market research to identify the needs, wants, and preferences of potential customers
• Analyzing customer data to understand the behavior and characteristics of existing customers
• Creating buyer personas to represent the various segments of the target audience
• Setting specific, measurable, and achievable goals that align with the overall business objectives
• Communicating the goals and target audience clearly to all stakeholders involved in the website’s development and maintenance

Mercury Racing‘s 400R product launch page, for example, showcases the new 400r properly to appeal to its specific niche target audience. Now let’s see how businesses targeting broader audiences approach this.

Examples of websites with clear goals and target audiences include:

• Airbnb, which clearly targets travelers seeking unique and authentic lodging experiences, and has a goal of providing a platform for people to rent out their homes or apartments to travelers
• HubSpot, which targets small to medium-sized businesses seeking a complete inbound marketing solution, has a goal of providing a platform for businesses to attract, engage, and delight their customers
• Red Bull, which targets extreme sports enthusiasts seeking adrenaline-fueled content and experiences, has a goal of promoting its energy drink brand through sponsorships and events in the extreme sports community.

 

Simple Navigation and Accessible Information

When it comes to your corporate website, you want to make sure your visitors can easily navigate and access the information they need. You don’t want them to get lost in a complicated labyrinth of menus and pages. Plus, you want to make sure your website is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.

Here are some tips for creating simple navigation and accessible information on your website:

• Use clear and concise labels for menus and pages.
• Organize information logically, with important information at the top level of menus.
• Include a search bar to help visitors find what they’re looking for.
• Make sure your website is mobile-responsive, so visitors can access it on any device.
• Use alt tags for images and multimedia to improve accessibility for those with disabilities.
• Choose colors, fonts, and layouts that are easy to read and visually appealing.

Some examples of websites that excel in providing simple navigation and accessible information include Google, Apple, and Amazon. These websites are designed with the user in mind, making it easy for visitors to quickly and efficiently find what they’re looking for.

Edifis is also a great example with easy to locate menu on the homepage and from the hamburger menu. The information is structured perfectly.

 

Feeling motivated and inspired to roll up your sleeves? Awesome. In case you need a web development partner for your current and future projects, here at htmlBurger, we are more than glad to discuss your needs. Wanna talk?

And That’s a Wrap!

So there you have it – the key elements that contribute to a successful corporate website. From the visual design to the target audience, everything works together to create a website that effectively communicates its message and achieves its objectives.

But here’s the thing: designing a corporate website is not a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process that requires constant evaluation and improvement. That means incorporating user feedback and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in UI/UX design to ensure that your website continues to meet the needs and expectations of your visitors.

With the right tools and knowledge, you can create a website that not only looks great but also delivers a seamless and engaging user experience. And who doesn’t want that?

So, if you’re ready to take your corporate website to the next level, be sure to check out some of the related articles on UI/UX design for more insights and inspiration:

• The Pocket Guide to a Successful Food App Design
• 20 Best Figma Fonts for Modern UI Design
• 15 Examples of Websites for Apps That Will Inspire Your Design