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Getting the Basics Right: Website Must-Haves

January 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Cindy Maléombho-Codo

A website is essential for any business or organization in today's digital world. It's an easy way to reach a wide audience, build brand recognition, and establish credibility. But what do you need to create a successful website? This article will provide an overview of the components that should be included to ensure a successful online presence.

  • First and foremost, it's essential that when your customer land on your site, they have a pretty good idea of what you offer instantly. What you offer should be clearly stated in your Hero section -- the first section of your website—the section where people usually land.

  • Then your website must have an easily accessible contact information section such as your company address, phone number, and email address. This makes it easier for potential customers or clients to contact you with questions or inquiries.

  • Additionally, having an "about us" page on your website lets users know more about who you are as a business and what services you can provide.

This page should include details about the history of the company, its mission statement, core values, and accomplishments achieved since the company was established.

  • Your images and videos should be well-curated. I see too many businesses using pixelated videos and photos. DO NOT do this; if that means hiring a professional photographer to take your pictures or browsing the internet for beautiful free licensed stock photography, I would instead take that route. If you want to be perceived as a trusted brand, you need to take care of your image, and well-curated images and videos will help.

  • Finally, your menu area should be completely simplified. It would be best if you eliminated as much as possible from this area to provide a seamless experience to your customers.

Too much information overwhelm people. So do your best to make your website as simple as possible.

In conclusion, having a website is essential for any business. It is the face of your company, so having quality web design and web development is important for the success of your business. You need someone to create a great user experience, ensure maximum visibility and help you reach your target audience.


Cindy Maléombho-Codo is a brand strategist with 17+ years of experience and the owner of Indoka Creative, a brand strategy consulting, education, and creative studio based between Austin, Texas, Aix-en-Provence, and Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire. Indoka Creative helps women-owned, and multicultural businesses build successful brands. Cindy and her business specializes in assisting them to get brand clarity, develop their brand and position their businesses strategically to connect with their ideal clients and thus increase market share. Unlike most brand strategy firms, Indoka Creative builds entire brands in “4-6 weeks" instead of months and only works for 1- 4 person businesses. Indoka Creative’s unique process and niche positioning helps the business significantly impact its clients because each project is laser-focused and uninterrupted. Cindy’s goal through her blogs for Lionesses of Africa is to provide more information, simplicity, and clarity around brand strategy and share practical tips and tangible steps to help businesses find their unique voice. 

 www.indokacreative.com | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL cindy@indokacreative.com

More articles by Cindy

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What is a Brand Audit, and why you need it for your business?
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Jan 26, 2023
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In Guest Blog Tags Cindy Maléombho-Codo, Strategy, Brand
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Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

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