Web design

The Do’s and Don’ts of Website Design: Keep Your Site Looking and Working Great

Island Wizards
October 23, 2024

Designing a website can be challenging. You want it to look appealing and be easy to navigate so visitors can quickly find what they need. A confusing or cluttered website can drive people away. To create a site that attracts and retains visitors, here are some key tips on what to do and what to avoid.

The Do’s of Website Design

1. Keep It Clean and Simple

Nobody likes to feel overwhelmed the second they land on a website. Keep your design simple, with clear sections, easy-to-read text, and a good amount of white space. It helps people focus on what matters and gives the site a polished, professional look.

2. Mobile First

Most people are scrolling through their phones more than sitting at a computer. Your website should look and function just as well on mobile devices as it does on a desktop. Make sure your site adjusts automatically to different screen sizes so users have a smooth experience no matter how they’re browsing.

3. Speed is priority

We’ve all waited for a slow website to load and ended up leaving. Don’t let this happen on your site. Compress your images, remove any unnecessary content, and make sure your hosting service is fast. A quicker site keeps visitors happy and interested.

4. Easy Navigation

If visitors can’t find what they need quickly, they’ll leave your site. Keep your navigation menu clear and easy to follow. The simpler it is for users to move around, the better their experience will be.

5. Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)

Use bold, clear CTAs like “Sign Up Now” or “Get Started Today.” These little nudges help guide people to take the next step without confusion.

6. Test Your Site Regularly

A website isn’t something you can just set up and forget. Over time, things can break, links might stop working, and features may not look right on all devices. Regularly check your site to make sure everything works well, and test it on different browsers and devices.

The Don’ts of Website Design

1. Avoid Overloading with Text

People don’t have the time or patience to read through long blocks of text. Keep your content short and easy to scan. Break it into smaller sections and use bullet points when necessary. The more concise, the better.

2. Limit Fonts and Colours

Using too many fonts or colours can make your site look messy. Stick to two or three fonts and choose a colour palette that fits your brand. Consistency creates a professional look that’s easy to remember.

3. SEO is Essential

A visually appealing site is not enough if people can’t find it. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps search engines like Google discover and rank your site. Use relevant keywords, add alt text to your images, and ensure your site is fast and mobile-friendly. These small changes can make a big difference.

4. Use High-Quality Images

Visuals are one of the first things people notice. Blurry, pixelated images look unprofessional. Make sure your images are high-quality. Optimise them to keep the site fast and avoid slow load times.

5. Auto-Playing Media is Annoying

Auto-playing videos or music can annoy visitors. Give them control by allowing them to play media if they want to. It’s a small step that improves user experience.

6. Contact Information is a Must

If visitors can’t reach you easily, they’ll get frustrated. Place your contact details in a visible spot, like the top menu or footer, and include a “Contact Us” button for quick access.

Creating a great website isn’t difficult, but it does take some thought. Sticking to a clean and simple design ensures best results. Avoid overwhelming visitors with too much text, loud colours, or hidden contact information. Following these tips can make a big difference in whether visitors love your site or leave it.

Since your website is often the first impression people have of your business, make sure it’s a good one! For a better website experience, connect with us today!

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