Having an effective and visually appealing website is crucial for service providers and small businesses alike. A well-designed website not only attracts visitors but also enhances user experience, boosts credibility, and drives conversions!
However, designing a website can be a challenging task if you’re not a professional website designer. To navigate these challenges, we have compiled a list of basic essential website design do's and don'ts that will help you create a stunning and user-friendly online presence.
1. Website Layout
DO - Prioritize a clean and intuitive layout that ensures easy navigation and readability. Arrange content logically and maintain consistent positioning of the main elements such as the logo, menu, and call-to-action buttons for a user-friendly experience.
DON'T - Overcomplicate the layout with excessive visual elements, multiple columns, or cluttered content. Avoid overwhelming visitors by keeping the design simple and focused, allowing them to easily find and interact with the information they need.
2. Typography
DO - Choose appropriate fonts and font sizes that align with your brand's personality and enhance readability. Opt for clear and legible typefaces for the main content, ensuring proper contrast between text and background colors.
DON'T - Use too many different fonts or mix incompatible font styles, as it can create visual chaos and confuse users. Additionally, avoid using small font sizes that strain the reader's eyes or overly decorative fonts that hinder legibility.
3. Navigation
DO - Employ an intuitive and straightforward navigation structure that allows users to find information quickly and easily. Utilize clear labels and hierarchical menus to ensure smooth navigation across different sections of the website.
DON'T - Overcomplicate navigation with excessive drop-down menus, ambiguous labels, or hidden links. Avoid implementing unconventional navigation styles that may confuse or frustrate users, hindering their ability to explore your site.
4. Website Copy
DO - Provide concise, compelling, and engaging copy that conveys your message effectively. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability and highlight key points. Incorporate relevant keywords for search engine optimization (SEO).
DON'T - Overwhelm visitors with lengthy paragraphs and dense blocks of text. Avoid using overly complex language or industry jargon that may alienate users. Also, ensure that the content is free of grammatical errors and typos.
5. White Space
DO - Utilize white space (or negative space) effectively to give the design room to breathe. Embrace strategic spacing between elements to enhance readability, guide users' attention, and create a sense of visual balance.
DON'T - Fill every pixel with content or cram elements together. Avoid the temptation to clutter the interface by leaving insufficient white space, as it can make the design feel chaotic and overwhelming.
6. Website Images
DO - Incorporate high-quality, relevant images that complement the website's theme and content. Optimize images for fast loading by compressing them without sacrificing quality. Use descriptive alt tags for accessibility and improved SEO.
DON'T - Overuse images or include irrelevant visuals that distract from the main message. Avoid using low-resolution or pixelated images that diminish the overall aesthetic appeal of the website.
7. Page Backgrounds
DO - Choose contrasting colors between the background and foreground elements to ensure readability and visual hierarchy. Create a harmonious color scheme that aligns with your brand while maintaining a pleasing contrast ratio.
DON'T - Employ color combinations that result in poor legibility or strain the user's eyes. Avoid using clashing colors that make it difficult to read text, access navigation elements, or understand the overall content.
8. Website Speed
DO - Optimize the website's performance by minimizing file sizes, leveraging browser caching, and utilizing content delivery networks (CDNs). Compress and optimize images, minify code, and reduce the number of HTTP requests to improve loading speed.
DON'T - Neglect website speed, as slow-loading pages can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates. Avoid excessive use of plugins, heavy animations, or complex scripts that can hinder the website's performance.
Conclusion
By adhering to these do's and don'ts of website design, you can create a visually appealing, user-friendly, and engaging online presence. Remember, the purpose of an effective website design is to provide a seamless user experience that guides visitors towards their desired objectives, ultimately leading to increased conversions, customer satisfaction, and business success!
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