This guest post is written by Jennifer Scott. You can learn more about Jennifer at the end of this article.
It’s a fact that the internet hosts an enormous number of websites, currently standing at over 2 billion. This means that the competition to make your website stand out is fierce. When was the last time you evaluated the effectiveness of your website’s design?
Upon landing on your website, can users immediately understand its purpose? Can they easily find the content or products they are seeking? Are you achieving the goals set by your website?
If not, it’s likely time to make some adjustments to your website’s design. User Experience (UX) is increasingly important in today’s digital landscape. This is largely due to Google’s focus on providing users with the best online experience, which contributes to its success. If your website fails to deliver a positive user experience, not only will your SEO ranking suffer, but your users may also take their business elsewhere.
Today, I will guide you through everything you need to know about website design and share some valuable tips and tricks I’ve gathered during my extensive experience in the industry. These insights will help you tackle any design issues you may be facing, enabling you to launch a successful website and enhance your user experience and overall success.
#1 - Stay Organized
One of the most crucial steps is to get organized. Develop a website plan and research your target audience. Before diving into the design process, take the time to explore your competitors to understand their strategies and buyer journey.
Consider how your buyer journey can compete. Simply map out a user’s journey from your homepage to the final page where they will make a purchase or access desired content.
Organizing your steps and web pages in this manner can streamline and enhance your customer’s journey and overall user experience.
#2 - Prioritize Quality
Many websites fail to meet the expectations of today’s internet users. Certain design elements that were once popular are now outdated, negatively impacting website quality.
For instance, complex and slow-loading page transitions or animations can hinder user experience. Wordy content may bore users, prompting them to leave your site. Additionally, poorly implemented stock images are a common issue.
On average, internet users have an attention span of about 8 seconds. If your website is slow or lacks quality, users will likely leave, resulting in missed opportunities.
#3 - Enhance Content Quality
While design and functionality are crucial, never overlook the importance of content quality. Whether designing for yourself or a client, ensure that the copy on every page is flawless to offer the best user experience.
Poor grammar can render your content illegible, driving users away. Utilize online tools and grammar checkers like Via Writing, State of Writing, Academadvisor, and Grammarix to perfect your content.
As a website designer, writing may not be your forte, but recognizing this can help you avoid issues. Professional copywriting services such as UpWork, Best British Essays, and UK Top Writers can assist with content creation while you focus on design.
#4 - Opt for Relevant Visuals
Avoid using low-quality stock images, as they can cheapen your website’s appearance. Images are as crucial as functions, features, and written content, sometimes even more so.
When selecting images, strike a balance between high-quality, fast-loading images. Uploading a 4K image may lead to slow loading on mobile devices, defeating the purpose.
Ensure that images are relevant to the content and page, enhancing visual communication and understanding. Producing your own photos in-house can provide a personal touch and align with your desired image style.
#5 - Embrace White Space
White space, also known as ‘negative space,’ is crucial in design. While it’s tempting to make every aspect of your website visually appealing, never underestimate the power of white space.
Using white space effectively helps divide sections of your website clearly, aiding navigation and comprehension. Although it may seem like wasted space, especially on your homepage, a cleaner layout enhances user experience.
#6 - Prioritize Mobile Optimization
Optimizing your website for mobile devices is essential. Shockingly, many active websites remain unoptimized for mobile. Consider the following statistics:
80% of internet users own smartphones
61% of users would not revisit a non-mobile-optimized site
Over 50% of internet traffic originates from mobile devices
The average daily mobile device usage is 7 hours
Failure to optimize for mobile not only leads to a poor user experience but also impacts SEO, lowering your search engine ranking.
#7 - Test, Optimize, Repeat
Designing your website is just the beginning. Before launch, rigorously test all features and pages to ensure seamless functionality. Regularly monitor user interaction post-launch to identify areas for improvement.
Utilize tools like heatmap software to analyze user behavior and optimize the user experience. Continuously refine and update your website to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction.
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