The design of a website may make or break a business. By adhering to the correct website design guidelines, you will be able to make your site seem fantastic and ensure that visitors take the activities you desire. A well-designed website will result in more traffic and conversions.
Creating a well-designed website is not as simple as it may appear. A great design is the result of diligent planning. There are numerous graphic design ideas and best practices to consider for your website. You must consider the complete visitor journey and experience, not just the website’s visual design. This is crucial for increasing conversion rates.
We have compiled 21 critical website design recommendations to make your website stand out and convert more visitors into customers.
1. Start With Consistent Branding
Branding is the foundation of any excellent website design. Before you even begin designing your website, you must establish your brand identity. Having clear, high-quality visual identity may seem like one of the most obvious website design recommendations, yet many individuals don’t place enough emphasis on it. Your brand’s visual identity will be utilized throughout your website, social media, and everywhere else your brand is present. It will affect every button, image, and color decision, etc., and will serve as the foundation for your complete website design.
Visual branding consists of your logo, color palette, and typeface, as well as a mood board representing your brand. You can use a logo generator as a simple starting point.
This branding must be consistent and create a distinct style that continues across the website. If you’re not completely satisfied with your visual branding, you should address this issue before proceeding with the rest of your website design.
2. Use Images of High Quality
Your website design is just as effective as the graphics you employ. Even if you have gorgeous branding and well-thought-out UX design, if your photos are of poor quality, the overall website experience will suffer. Employ a professional photographer to take high-quality headshots, and if possible, use distinct photographs. If the photographs are not of sufficient quality, you can always use stock images.
However, use extreme caution here. Do not simply use photographs from a free stock photo website. Ensure that your stock photos are distinct and consistent with your brand. Even images should be consistent with your brand’s color scheme and overall look. You don’t need many photographs on your website, but when you do, make sure they’re of great quality. These are some of the most influential visual elements on any website, therefore you must ensure that they have an impression.
3. Add Video Content to Your Websites
Video is equally as vital as photos. Video has a tremendous influence online, and the use of video in site design is more prevalent than ever. Video is one of the most captivating visual elements, and it can be used in several ways to enhance website design. This could be accomplished through a customer endorsement, a product demonstration, an introduction to your company, and other methods.
These videos provide visitors with more information in an easily accessible style. By using videos, you bring motion to your website. Movement contributes to the design’s overall distinction. You need only one or two high-quality movies distributed throughout your website to make an effect.
4. Keep Your Copy Concise and Captivating
While copywriting is distinct from graphic design, it nonetheless occupies space on a website and contributes to its visual appeal. When writing content for your website, you should consider more than simply the words. You should also consider how the copy will appear in the final design. The basic principle is that your writing should be concise and direct. Visitors to your website should be able to comprehend precisely what you are attempting to convey. They should not be required to take time to process and read stuff.
Essentially, your text and graphics must complement one another to create a unified design. For instance, if you have four sections underneath one another on your homepage, each area should include the same number of lines of material. If one section is twice as long, it will negatively impact the aesthetic appeal of the website. Consider not only what your site copy will say, but also how it will seem. This is one of those frequently neglected web design recommendations.
5. Accept Empty Space
Every competent site designer is aware that white space is equally as crucial as visuals. Having an appropriate amount of white space on your website is crucial for the user experience. This makes your website easy to navigate and highlights your most significant graphic features. There is no need to overcomplicate your website by using too many visual components.
White space is an essential design element, and it must be utilized to its greatest potential. Google’s website is the perfect illustration of how white space can be used to enhance a website.
6. Add Motion and Animating Effects
Keeping your website active is one of the greatest website design recommendations. It is not like a book in which each page remains unchanged. Users want to interact with your website, and they desire an entertaining experience. It is time to include little animation elements and movements if you haven’t already. This should be modest enough to not be annoying, but it should also be active enough to keep your website alive.
Therefore, one of our top website design recommendations is to consider motion and animation when placing images. Simple movements on a website have a significant impact on the user experience, and they may truly highlight the various design components. And many websites are still static now. By using motion, your website will stand out substantially.
7. Make It Obvious What You Are Selling
Your website should fulfill a very specific function. If your website is in any way confusing, visitors will quickly leave.
Part of the web designer’s responsibility is to illustrate the subject of the website without using words. Visuals on a website should tell a story, just as web copy does, in order to clarify the visitor’s experience. Don’t confuse the website’s design by incorporating images that do not correspond with the business’s mission. By using images that are irrelevant to your business, you may confuse your visitors and ruin their experience on your website.
So, don’t simply make your website design appear amazing, it also needs to make sense. Clearly connect the copy and the imagery to create a website experience that is perfectly integrated.
8. Think About Using Maximalism
Minimalism is a fantastic web design technique, but maximalism can also be effective depending on the nature of your business. Maximalism is characterized by the use of vivid colors and aggressive imagery. If this design style is appropriate for your company, it could have a significant impact.
Maximalism aids in standing out and being remembered. It is sometimes advisable to depart from conventional web design advice that emphasizes minimalism in favor of a more daring approach. If done correctly, it could be profitable.
9. Maintain Your Website’s Currency
It goes without saying, but you must consistently update your website. You could have a gorgeous website that adheres to all of the best web design guidelines, but this could quickly become out of style. You must ensure that your website can keep up with the rapid pace of change on the web. Remember that your website is a reflection of your company. If your website’s design is outdated, this will reflect poorly on your business.
Update your website on a consistent basis. Keep up with design trends, observe what your competitors are doing, and make sure your website meets the same criteria.
Conclusion
There is much that goes into designing a website. When putting together a website, the design process must be meticulous, and you must consider a number of different elements. Following the aforementioned tips will significantly improve your website.
Consider hiring professional web designers to help you get started if your head is spinning and you don’t know where to begin with all of these great ideas.
Markustudio a freelance website designer manchester providing web design, logo branding, print, SEO and digital design services. We have a passion for serving successful small businesses and big brands across the uk. If you need help creating a style guide or staying consistent with your branding, our team of experts is here to assist you. We’ll work with you to create a unique and unforgettable brand that will help you stand out from the competition. Contact us today to get started!