Picture this scenario. A customer hears about your business, but before contacting you they do what everyone does – looks up your website. But your bad web design has turned them off. Instead of going to you, they take their business elsewhere. This story is a sad reality for many businesses.
Luckily, you have total control over this.
Let’s take it back to basics! Here are 8 super effective web design tips that you need to know.
1. Make a Positive First Impression
Your audience has about 8 seconds of attention span for you to get across who you are and what you can do for them. So when someone visits your page, you want to hook them in right away to keep that attention going.
You’ll get the most out of that by using short content explaining what you do and highlight the benefits. Section these off with brief, clear headers. And using a visible call to action to increase conversion.
With such little time and space to hook your audience, you’ll need to prioritize your content by telling them what problem you can solve for them first, then explaining how you will do it after.
2. Clear Navigation
Your website can be the most advanced, most beautiful website on the internet. But if your audience can’t navigate around to find what they need, it’s completely useless. They’ll quickly go elsewhere.
To improve website design, lay it out with an easy to use navigational map. The key is to keep it simple.
Place your menu in an obvious, consistent area and limit the number of items on it. It’s ideal to keep it at 7 items or under. You also want to streamline your content so that the menu choices are clear and concise.
3. Let Them Scroll
Sure, you’ve got to hook your audience from the top of your website. But don’t be afraid to let them scroll!
Gone are the days of long homepages being frowned upon. In fact, if you can limit the number of clicks, the better. Scrolling will provide lots of information in one place and ensure a seamless experience.
Keeping it to 3 – 5 sections is ideal. And place them in a hierarchy of importance.
For example, have the first section be your value proposition. Then follow with an overview of your services, product features, a section about you, testimonials, then resources.
4. Keep the Design Simple
When it comes to website improvement, always know that white space is your best friend. Less is definitely more.
That’s because it improves the readability of your website. Too much clutter and complexity will turn off your audience. Using standard layouts and rethinking the sidebar will keep your design clean and easy on the eye.
You can say the same for using carousels and sliders on your website. While they seem fun to use, most people don’t stick around to view the presentation in its entirety. The first slide gets viewed while the rest are largely ignored.
Simple images and videos give the most impact.
5. Don’t Forget SEO
Having the best website design in the history of everything means nothing if your audience can’t find it. That’s where SEO can save the day.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps place you higher in search engines when your customers come looking for what you have to offer.
You can optimize your site by using keywords (search terms your audience will use) in headers and in your content. By publishing unique, high-quality content. And using credible, reliable internal and external links.
Building a blog is also a great way to increase your SEO. It provides new, updated content that search engines love.
6. Keep the Style Consistent
Your brand represents who you are. Logos, colors, fonts, and images, it all gives your audience an impression of you. It also helps you stand out from your competition and gives something your customers can recognize.
So it’s important to keep your style consistent throughout your website. Keeping it consistent with even the smallest of details look professional. And that will not only give your audience a quality experience, it keeps your site looking great.
But many business owners fear that having a brand style guide can be expensive, but that’s not true. This blog gives helpful tips on how to keep your style professional and on budget.
7. Make It Shareable
When you have a website you’re proud of and content that is top-notch, you want to share it with the world. But how is that possible without actually making it shareable?
Social media word-of-mouth can have a powerful impact on the success of your business and website. Including social media share buttons on your site can open up a world of new traffic, which can lead to new business.
Social media share buttons are those small icons of different social media platforms you find on the top or bottom of a web page. Allowing these on your site is a subtle way to get your audience to sing your praises to their friends, family, and followers.
8. Mobile Friendly
Almost everyone you know has the world in their pocket… in the form of a smartphone. Yourself likely included. So when people are using smartphones more and more to surf the internet, you need a website that will deliver on a mobile device.
Mobile friendly websites keep the look and functionality of your site similar on a phone as it would be on a desktop computer. Your audience is able to move around your website, search different pages, and even buy your products or services all the same way.
When choosing a website layout, make sure it includes a mobile responsive feature. That way your customers can access your site no matter what device they’re on.
Knowing Basic Web Design Tips Will Look Anything Than Basic
Basics don’t have to mean amateur. In fact, with these web design tips, your website will show how polished and professional your business truly is.
Ready to get started on your website today? Buy now! Our simple packages let you know exactly what you’re getting with a 100% money back guarantee.