How to design an IR Website to Drive Investor Interest

An effective investor relations (IR) website can act as a magnet for investor attention. 

Now, more than ever, investors rely on online resources to do their research and make informed decisions on current and future investments. 

Public companies that understand this thought process will stand out and put their best foot forward. 

In this blog we cover everything from the basics to best practices to help you transform your IR website into a tool that builds trust and strengthens investor engagement. 

What is an IR website? 

An IR website is an invaluable resource for a public company to attract new investor attention and keep the lines of communication open with current investors. 

IR websites include information such as: 

• Financial reports 
• Press releases 
• SEC filings 
• Detailed contact information 
• Bios of the executive team 
• Quarterly and annual reports 
• And more 

An IR website is an interactive platform that’s available 24/7/365 for investors to stay informed of a company’s latest developments, financial performances, and strategic plans. 

IR websites aren’t static. They’re agile and should continually be updated to relay the most up-to-date information. 

Elements to prioritize 

When designing and IR website, there are several key elements to prioritize
to make sure you’re dotting your “i’s” and crossing your “t’s.” 

They are: 

• Ease-of-use 
• Accurate information 
• Financial transparency 
• Recent news and press releases 
• Corporate governance 
• Investor presentations 
• Stock information 
• SEC filings 
• ESG information 
• Contact information 

Click below for all the details. 

>>Top 10 Things Investors Expect to See on Your IR Website<<  

3 Pitfalls to Avoid with Your IR Website  

When designing an IR website, there are common pitfalls companies fall victim to. To avoid them, you have to know what they are. 

Here are 3 common pitfalls to avoid when designing your IR website: 

- Lacking design consistency 

Your IR website needs to align with your company’s overall branding across marketing touchpoints. This means everything from the logo and color scheme to the fonts need to be aligned across the board. 
- There’s too much information 

You have to address a lot of important information, but there’s a fine line between adding too much.

Make it easy for investors to navigate your site and uncover the content they’re looking for. 

A clear, easy-to-use interface and structure can create a great first impression for new investors. 
- It’s not mobile-friendly. 

In January of 2024, it was reported that mobile devices made up almost 60% of webpage views worldwide. 

That’s why it’s imperative that your website’s optimized for mobile so those using smartphone and tablets can easily consume your content without issues. 

4 Challenges to be Aware of 

Just like with any project, maintaining an IR website comes with its challenges. 

Here are four to consider: 
1 Keeping the content fresh. 

Change is a constant in life and business. 

Even though it’s a challenge to keep your website content up to date, it’s non-negotiable. 

To make a good first impression and to protect your company’s reputation, you have to regularly update your IR website with all relevant updates. Details matter. 
2 Adhering to website accessibility guidelines. 

Did you know only three percent of the internet is accessible to people with disabilities? 

Don’t be part of that statistic. Make sure your website adheres and upholds web accessibility guidelines to ensure everyone can easily consume your content. 

>> Read The Importance of ADA & Security Compliance for Investor Relations Websites for more information << 

3 Protecting your IR website from cyber threats. 

IR websites often house sensitive investor information which makes them prime targets for cyberattacks. Prioritize cybersecurity to protect your company from any threats or breaches.

  4 Balancing function with aesthetics. 

As mentioned in the last section, the layout and design of your IR website is important. But, you have to balance that with functionality and creating a good user-experience. 

Boost your credibility with an IR website you can count on.