Web design tips to make your site more effective can be a challenging topic. What works for one site may not work for another. However, there are some tips that generally work across all websites, no matter their industry, topic, etc.
In this article, we’ll take a look at methods proven to work. You’ll find ways to get more value from site visitors with these design tips that work across all industries and business sizes.
1). Consider the Structure & Layout of the Site
Structure & the layout are important aspects of web design. Here are some things to consider:
Make use of visual hierarchy: the arrangement, size, color and even the contrast of visual elements determines their prominence and the order in which they’re viewed by the human eye.
Remember that site visitors are human (for the most part), and web pages must be designed with them in mind. Visual hierarchy is a method that can help guide site visitors through the site, help them to pay attention to important elements, etc.
- Use descriptive keywords in the headline on the homepage: you don’t want people wondering if they’re in the right place. Make it clear by using descriptive keywords in the headline on the homepage.
- Yes, there’s still a fold: no matter the visitor’s device type or screen size, there’s still a fold. Put important elements above the fold, where they’re obvious and easy to see.
- Use standard layouts: keep to a standard layout, rather than using a unique layout. Site users expect to see a more standardized layout on the sites they visit. You don’t want to make things difficult or unexpected for visitors, as this can cause confusion on where to go and what to do next.
2). Images
Visuals are an important part of the web. Here are some tips on how to get the most of pictures when creating a website.
Use pictures of people: humans respond to faces in pictures. That’s a fact. Faces on a web page draw attention, which can mean a higher conversion rate. So, make sure your site includes human faces and don’t let it look or feel like a cold, empty space.
Don’t use stock photos of people: stock photos are great, but stock photos of people can be a problem. Site visitors prefer to see reality, rather than staged photos. For instance, visitors prefer to see the faces of those who work at the company, rather than stock images of people. Include real photos of you and your team and your site will experience higher conversion rates.
Use faces as visual clues: people focus on faces and will pay attention to where the photo person is looking. That may seem strange, but it’s a proven fact. So, use people’s faces to direct your site visitors’ attention to specific design elements.
Use arrows as visual cues: faces can work wonders, but you can also use other design elements to guide site visitors to specific elements on the web page. For instance, you can use arrows. Arrows direct the attention, leaving no question about they’re pointing to, whereas photos may sometimes be confusing.
Navigation and links are another important part of design a website. Here are some methods you can use to guide people around the page.
Use descriptive terms: if your navigation labels are too weak or generic, people will have a hard time discerning where to go next. Instead, use descriptive terms that leave no doubt as to what’s next, how to go from A to B, etc.
Put the home link on the left: this is where people expect to find a link to the homepage. However, other menu items can be placed in any order—it doesn’t seem to matter. Just keep the home link on the left and you’ll be OK and make your site visitors happy.
Use care when linking service pages and blog posts: why is this a problem? If you add a link to your blog post from a service page, you’re leading the visitor away from what you want them to do, which is to buy your service. Instead, their focus will then be turned to the great content on your blog, and they’ll forget they wanted to make a purchase. Keep them on the service page and don’t link to anything else that can be a distraction.
Use discretion when linking to other websites: a similar thing can happen when you link to another website. Even if the information on the site is relevant, ultimately what you’re doing is distracting your site visitor from the goal of buying from you. Again, don’t link to other sites from your service page. Keep visitors on the service page and you’ll higher conversion rates.
4). Writing
Here are some tips for writing for a website. Let’s take a look:
Keep subheads meaningful: the use of vague subheads can confuse a reader. Instead, make sure subheads are clear and concise about what the following content is all about. This is great for those who scan pages and it also helps those who are visually impaired. Plus, it’s great for SEO!
Keep paragraphs & line length short: long paragraphs are intimidating, especially for readers who only have to scan for the information they need quickly. Instead, break long paragraphs into more manageable chunks that are easier and faster to read or scan. Keep paragraphs to about 3-4 lines each. Also keep line length shorter, to about no more than 12 words.
Use simple words: people are short on time and attention these days, so use simple language. This makes the content easier and faster to read. It’s also great for those who are visually impaired.
These are some of the most important methods that can help to increase your website’s conversion rates. Make sure you design the site for humans. Your site visitors will appreciate it! And keep everything as simple as possible, with clear guidance on where to go and what to do next. You’ll see conversion rates skyrocket!
