Mike Porter and Taylor O'Reilly are the two web design experts at TMC Digital Media. We believe it's important to always have the critical components of our team on staff, and these two pros provide that. Knowledge, experience, and responsiveness are just a click away.
We know there are many questions about web design, and Mike and Taylor have most of the answers. So, we sat down with them to discuss some of the most frequently asked questions because we knew their answers would likely help others, as well.
Mike and Taylor, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. How do you see websites changing in the B2B manufacturing world?
Taylor: Websites in the B2B/manufacturing sector are likely to become more user-centric, focusing on providing intuitive navigation, detailed product information, and personalized experiences. Integrating tech like AI for product recommendations and virtual product demos is becoming more common.
What do visitors want from a website today versus five years ago?
Taylor: Today, visitors expect faster loading times, mobile responsiveness, personalized content, and seamless navigation compared to five years ago. They also seek more interactive elements and advanced features like live chat support and self-service options. People are tired of the “fluff” and just want the info they came for.
What are some current best practices of website design and development?
Mike: Current best practices include mobile responsiveness, fast loading times, intuitive navigation, clear calls-to-action (no “learn more” buttons), personalized content, accessible design, and integration of multimedia elements. Security measures such as SSL certification and adherence to data protection regulations are also crucial.
Can you identify any current design or development trends in manufacturing websites that you believe contradict best practices?
Mike: One trend that contradicts best practices is overcrowding pages with excessive content, which leads to cluttered layouts and a poor user experience. Another trend is neglecting accessibility standards, which can exclude users with disabilities from effectively accessing the website.
What are the primary reasons or motivations behind these trends going against best practices within the context of manufacturing websites?
Mike: Some manufacturers may prioritize showcasing a wide range of products or technical specifications, leading to overcrowded pages. Others may overlook accessibility standards due to a lack of awareness or perceived lower priority than other features. A lot of the time, decisions are based on emotion/bias rather than data.
Are there any concerns (accessibility and inclusivity, security implications, etc.) associated with following the trends that go against best practices in the context of manufacturing websites?
Taylor: Yes, following such trends can result in lower accessibility, potentially excluding some users from effectively accessing the website. Moreover, overcrowded layouts can lead to slower loading times and higher bounce rates, negatively impacting the user experience and search engine rankings.
How do these trends affect the performance of manufacturing websites, and what are the associated drawbacks in this industry?
Taylor: These trends can lead to decreased user engagement, higher bounce rates, and lower conversion rates. If proper measures are not taken, they may also result in security vulnerabilities, potentially putting sensitive data at risk.
How do you handle clients who request features or designs aligned with contradictory trends in the manufacturing sector?
Mike: I would educate clients about the potential drawbacks and suggest alternative approaches that align with best practices. Sharing examples of successful websites that follow best practices illustrates the benefits of a user-centric approach.
How do these trends impact the overall user experience for visitors to manufacturing websites, and what challenges do they pose in this sector?
Taylor: These trends can lead to a frustrating user experience with difficulty finding relevant information, slow loading times, and inaccessible content. Challenges include balancing the presentation of technical details with usability and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies for users with disabilities.
How do you communicate the importance of adhering to best practices specific to manufacturing websites to clients and colleagues?
Mike: I emphasize the impact of user experience on conversion rates, search engine rankings, and brand reputation. I also highlight case studies and industry research demonstrating the effectiveness of user-centric design in driving business outcomes.
What strategies do you employ to mitigate the influence of these contradictory trends when working on manufacturing website projects?
Taylor: I collaborate closely with clients to understand their goals and priorities while advocating for user-centric design principles. Conducting usability testing and gathering feedback throughout the development process can help identify and address any issues early on.
How do you stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in manufacturing website design and development?
Taylor: I regularly attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, keep up with certifications like HubSpot, and follow relevant blogs and forums to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices. Networking with peers and engaging in continuous learning also helps me stay updated.
Do you engage in educational activities to raise awareness about best practices and counteract the impact of these trends within the manufacturing web development community?
Mike: I do within the team but not externally, although it may not be a bad idea.
How do you assess the long-term viability of manufacturing websites built using trends that contradict best practices?
Taylor: I evaluate key performance metrics such as conversion rates, bounce rates, and user engagement over time to assess the website's effectiveness. Regular usability testing and gathering user feedback can also provide insights into areas for improvement.
In what ways do you anticipate best practices evolving to address and counteract these contradictory trends in the manufacturing web development landscape?
Mike: Best practices may evolve to emphasize accessibility, mobile responsiveness, and personalized experiences. Integrating AI and machine learning may also play a more significant role in optimizing user journeys and improving conversion rates. We will see improvements as brands move their sites onto more modern platforms and new leadership takes charge.
How do you manage client expectations when their preferences align with these trends that contradict best practices in manufacturing website design and development?
Taylor: I educate clients about the potential drawbacks of such trends and provide evidence-based recommendations for alternative approaches. Collaborating closely with clients to understand their goals and priorities while balancing best practices can help ensure a successful outcome.