Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You click on a link and BAM! You’re assaulted by a website that looks like it’s straight out of 1998. Tiny, flashing text, a background that clashes with, well, everything, and navigation that’s about as intuitive as a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. You cringe, click the back button, and vow never to return. Sound familiar?
That is the power of bad web design – and it’s something that should be considered when planning a website. So many aspects come into play when competing in today’s online world. While a visually appealing website is definitely a plus, solid web design goes way beyond pretty pictures. It’s the heart of your online presence and is a vital component of your company’s success.
We’ve been in the web design field for decades and have seen firsthand how a well-designed website can transform a struggling business. We’ve also seen sites that look okay at first glance but fail to succeed because they don’t have the right foundation. And time and time again we are reminded that solid web design isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
So, what exactly is solid web design? It’s a combination of factors working in unison to create the ideal user experience. Think of it as a living organism – every part has a crucial role. These are key components that should be considered:
User Experience (UX): This is a big one. A beautiful website is useless if visitors can’t find what they’re looking for. Your website should be designed with your users in mind! Solid UX design focuses on what visitors experience on your site and how they experience it. Clear navigation and logical site structure allow users to quickly and easily find what they’re looking for. Highly visible call-to-action items prompt users to interact with your site. It’s about understanding your audience and anticipating their needs. If your website is intuitive and user-focused, people will stick around. If it’s a navigational nightmare, they’re likely to run the other direction – straight to one of your competitors.
Mobile-First Mindset: The days of casual discussions about mobile-friendly websites are long gone. In today’s world, mobile is a requirement. More people are browsing the web on their phones and tablets than on desktops, so your website absolutely must be designed with mobile users in mind from the start. This means utilizing a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes, has fast loading times, and a touch-friendly interface. Users crave a seamless and intuitive browsing experience, not only on computers but also from their handheld devices, so make sure their needs are met! Utilizing large, easy-to-touch buttons and swipe gestures is a great way to start!
Content is Still Key: While a nice aesthetic is important, beautiful designs won’t matter if your content is weak. Solid web design is only as successful as what lies within, which means content is key. A well-designed site showcases strong content in a way that is engaging, readable, and easy to digest. Think clear typography, strategic use of whitespace, and high-quality images/videos. Solid design and solid content go hand in hand – you can’t have one without the other if you want your website to stand out against the competition.
Never Overlook SEO: What’s the point of having an amazing website if no one can find it? That’s where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in. Solid web design incorporates SEO best practices to ensure that your website ranks well on search engines. This includes things such as proper use of keywords, optimized site structure, and fast loading speeds. Think of SEO as the key that unlocks your website’s true potential. When your site ranks highly on search engines, you will naturally have more visitors.
Branding Showcases Your Company and Values: Your website is often the first impression people have of your organization or business. It should intentionally reflect your brand’s personality, values, and style. Solid web design ensures that your website is consistent with your overall branding scheme – and this is more than just logos and color choices! Branding also includes the tone and messaging used throughout your site. Your website should be an extension of your brand, not a separate entity.
Accessibility Leaves No One Behind: A truly solid website is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. This means following accessibility guidelines that ensure people with disabilities can use your website effectively. Don’t forget alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and appropriate color contrast. Accessibility isn’t just something that is nice to have, it’s a must-have.
Solid web design is more than just a superficial veneer; it’s the blueprint for your online success. It’s an investment that can have huge payoffs for your company or organization. It’s all about creating a positive user experience, which showcases your content effectively, and ensures that your website is visible, accessible, and aligned with your brand. It’s all about building a strong online presence with a solid foundation that can adapt to the ever-changing online world.
Your website is one of your most valuable assets – make sure it’s one you’re proud of to show off!