What is the first thing that pops into your head when you hear “web design?” Aesthetics? Visual appearance? Appeal? Well, you’re right. But did you know that web design is not just about how good your website looks? You cannot have an effective web design if you focus too much on the form. More than anything, it has to function as well.
If your website is not designed professionally enough to have optimal Google Analytics metrics, then expect your business to get the short end of the stick. So if you want a website that brings in significant numbers of conversions, it is imperative that you know the principles of an effective web design. Take a look at the following web design principles that will not only make your website a pleasure to look at but to use as well:
Be clear on your purpose
There is a reason your website exists. That is why before you even think about the aesthetic aspect of your web design, make sure that your website has a clear purpose and that it caters to the specific needs of your target audience. Remember, your web visitors visit your website to search for information so make it your toal to design your website with that end in mind. So, always choose best web design firms for this purpose.
Keep it simple
Ever seen one of those over-designed websites that are loaded with too many unnecessary elements on their pages? Don’t make your website look like that. When it comes to web design, less is more. Generally, websites that look clean and are easier to navigate are more appealing than those that do not The problem with overdesigned websites is that they tend to alienate their visitors to the point that they can no longer focus on your message. On the contrary, keeping your design simple will let them find their way around your site quite more easily and without distractions.
No to vague, complex terms
All your efforts are in vain if your website visitors fail to understand your message. As you create content for your website, make sure that every word you put out there is clear and without confusion. You know, it takes a lot of effort to keep them scrolling down to your site—but only one unfamiliar word or headline to drive them off. Don’t be one of those who think that using highfalutin, complex words add appeal to your site. In fact, if your call to action is too vague to be understood, chances are your web users will skip it. And the result? You lose customers.
The faster load time, the better
Even you cannot argue—nobody wants a website that takes ages to load. Do not push the patience of your web visitors to its limit by striving to enhance the loading speeds of your web pages. You can do this by optimizing your images and minifying your CSS, HTML and JavaScript. You know, there’s a reason why people nowadays turn to the web when they need something—we live in a fast-paced world in which when people want something, they want it now. With pages that are taking too long to load, you are defeating the very purpose of your website.
There is a whole host of web design principles that you need to know, but these four should make a good starting point. Apply this set of principles as you create your web design and see how it tremendously changes the way your web visitors interact with your site. Or you can click here to learn more about creating an effective web design for your business.