How to Make Your Site Look & Feel Less like Clickbait (Design & UX Tips)

December 02, 2022 by
Is Your Website Turning Away Customers? Let’s Fix That! Ever felt like your website’s just… sitting there doing nothing? Or maybe you’re scrolling through your site and thinking, “¿Por qué no llegan los clientes?” You’re not alone! Many small business owners in McAllen and beyond struggle with outdated or uninspiring websites. If you’re losing potential […]

Is Your Website Turning Away Customers? Let’s Fix That!

Ever felt like your website’s just… sitting there doing nothing? Or maybe you’re scrolling through your site and thinking, “¿Por qué no llegan los clientes?” You’re not alone! Many small business owners in McAllen and beyond struggle with outdated or uninspiring websites. If you’re losing potential leads every day because your online presence doesn’t reflect your brand, it’s time for a change.

A lot of business owners believe that just having a website is enough. But if your site feels like clickbait—full of flashy gimmicks and shallow promises—you’re not going to build the trust needed to convert visitors into loyal customers. Let’s walk through some practical tips to help you create a website that feels genuine, professional, and engaging.

How to Make Your Website Feel Less Like Clickbait

1. Show Your Credibility

First things first, people want to know they can trust you. Incorporate credibility cues on your site—think testimonials, customer reviews, and any recognitions or awards you’ve earned. Studies show that social proof can change how potential customers view your business. According to a 2021 survey by BrightLocal, nearly half of respondents trusted online reviews as much as personal recommendations. So, don’t be shy—show off those five-star ratings!

  • Feature glowing testimonials from your happy customers.
  • Add user ratings and genuine reviews.
  • Include logos of any partnerships or sponsors.
  • Showcase media mentions or awards you’ve received.

One great example? OptinMonster uses all these strategies effectively to build trust and credibility.

2. Keep It Simple, Keep It Professional

Did you know that 50% of customers believe a website’s design reflects the brand? So, if your site looks outdated or cluttered, visitors might think the same about your business. Opt for clean, professional design elements—choose readable fonts, stick to a cohesive color palette, and let whitespace do the talking.

If you’re not sure where to start, look at trusted brands in your industry for inspiration. A site like Notion does a fantastic job of maintaining simplicity while being visually appealing.

3. Manage Your Ads Wisely

Let’s be real: internet users aren’t fans of annoying ads. Globally, 42.7% of users have ad blockers installed. But here’s the kicker—when done right, ads don’t have to be intrusive. Strive for a more regulated approach:

  • Use reputable advertising networks to ensure relevant ads.
  • Avoid disruptive ad placements that hinder user experience.
  • Make it clear when something is an advertisement.

Check out how Wired places their ads: visible but not disruptive, and always with a clear “no thanks” option.

Making Your Content Shine

It’s not just your website’s design; content matters too! Here are three key tips to avoid that clickbait vibe in your content:

1. Choose Honest Headlines

Stay away from sensationalized headlines that scream clickbait. While you want to grab attention, your titles should remain true to the content you provide. Phrases like "You won’t believe what happens next!" can make readers skeptical. Instead, opt for straightforward headlines that are intriguing yet truthful.

For example, Backlinko creates titles that convey value while staying realistic—like their study-backed insights on achieving SEO success.

2. Optimize Your Introductions

An engaging intro is like a warm welcome mat—make it inviting! If you suspect your title might seem clickbaity, reassure your readers in the opening paragraphs. Briefly introduce what readers can expect and why it’s worth their time.

3. Deliver on Your Promises

Did you promise your readers “proven strategies” in your title? Then deliver those strategies! The key is to provide real, actionable insights. If you overpromise and underdeliver, your audience will lose trust fast. For example, Mr. Beast nails this with his intriguing challenges—he delivers what he promises, keeping his audience engaged and coming back for more.

4. Back It Up with Facts

Don’t just say it; prove it! Back up your claims with statistics, studies, and examples. Transparency builds trust, making sure your audience knows they’re getting reliable information.

Ready to Upgrade Your Online Game?

Now that you’re armed with knowledge on how to build a website that doesn’t feel like clickbait, why not put this into action? At Ericks Web Design, we’re based right here in the Valley and understand the South Texas market. We specialize in professional web design, SEO, branding, and smart integrations.

Let’s transform your website into a powerful tool for attracting and converting customers. Ready to turn those leads into loyal clients? Hit us up, and let’s build something that truly works!

Source:
https://blog.hubspot.com/website/make-website-less-clickbaity

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Whether you’re a small business owner, a church, or a growing brand, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

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