Your website may be the first interaction you have with a potential client, so it’s important to think about how others will see it. As the saying goes, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” That first impression is often formed in just a few seconds, and Internet users are more impatient than ever. But don’t worry, we have some advice!

What can we learn from the 5-second test?

The 5-second test is a usability test that measures how quickly and effectively a website communicates its purpose and value to visitors. The idea is simple: show a visitor your website for just 5 seconds, and then ask them to recall what they saw and what they think the website is about.

While it’s a pretty basic concept, in practice we know that if a user can’t understand your brand or find what they need quickly, they are likely to leave the site and look elsewhere. You may have even had this experience yourself when visiting a webpage – it’s frustrating! That’s why it’s crucial to design your website in a way that quickly communicates key info to visitors. We used the 5-second test as a way to help you evaluate your website.

Checklist: Does your website pass the 5-second test?

• Value proposition. Your value proposition is the unique benefit that you offer to visitors. It should be clearly, concisely defined and prominently displayed on your homepage.
• High-quality visuals. Many visitors will scan rather than read, so be sure your page offers plenty of images and videos to communicate your message.
• Simple and clean design. No one likes clutter, and that goes for websites too! Keep your design simple and clean, and offer a clear hierarchy of information. Use white space to give your content room to breathe and make it easier to digest.
• Thoughtful navigation. Visitors should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Make sure your navigation is prominently displayed, and offers clear language to direct users to the content they’re looking for.
• Optimized for speed. Visitors don’t want to wait for your site to load. Be sure that the backend of your website is optimized for speed by compressing images, minimizing code, and using a content delivery network (CDN) to serve your content quickly.

At Graham Media Partners, we specialize in creating websites that meet the 5-second test, quickly and concisely communicating the client’s key information. If you want help designing an effective website, let us know!