Good web design is one of the most effective growth tools for businesses of all kinds. Every aspect must be designed to maximize the user experience. Otherwise, it can negatively impact results, sales and web encounters with the business.
Here are a few things you can focus on to make sure your website efforts gain traction:
1. Focus on the Power of the Home and/or Landing Page
First impression is everything in web design especially content above the fold. The design of the user’s first sight must act as a launchpad for any paths you want your customers to take. Whether that’s purchasing a specific product, browsing your FAQ, or simply learning more about your company. Therefore, the homepage must be direct. In addition, good practice includes a high-ranking headline and CTA above the fold.
You may have many different call-to-actions on a page, however, each one has its priority level. Your CTAs, in combination with buttons, are your catapults that push your users deeper into your website. You are simply guiding the user, ushering them with your CTA down the path to purchase. The rest of your page is simply supporting details of why they should dig deeper.
2. Optimize for Mobile & Responsive Web Design
The way people access websites has changed dramatically over the years. Your audience will browse your site from numerous devices including smartphones, tablets and good ‘ole faithful desktop computers. To ensure these leads remain on your website, you must deliver a positive experience no matter what the device may be.
NyPost reports that as of November 2016, mobile devices have become the most popular way to access the internet, especially for younger users. Google too has even evolved to “mobile-first indexing.” This means Google will predominantly use the mobile version content for indexing and ranking.
Responsive web design has a fluid and flexible layout which adjusts according to screen size ensuring the best experience for all users. When designing your site, you may adjust font sizes at smaller breakpoints or hide specific images. This will ensure all valuable content is within your user’s viewport at each scroll. The best responsive websites not only adjust to different screen sizes but are also easy to navigate.
3. Optimize website load speeds
You can have an amazing website design, but this won’t matter if your viewers never get to see it. Page speed is one of the critical components of SEO rankings, site visibility and a very important element of web design.
If your visitors are met with a page that loads painfully slow, they are going to leave before you’ve had a chance to make your pitch. Longer load times result in a higher bounce-rate and lower Google rankings.
To avoid this, make sure that you minimize photo file sizes. Make them as close to visible size as possible and use helpful tools that strip excess file data before loading to your website. Creative use of white space, headlines and text can go a long way to keep your users visually interested without weighing down the page with heavy media. Optimizing images and design is key for the quickest load times.
In conclusion, don’t skimp on design when creating a persuasive website – let the experts do it for you. At BOLD, your specialized team will develop the best ways to execute these strategies for your business to ensure growth and success.
If you’re ready to start building your website, or need help maximizing user experience, contact us today.
About the Author:
Stephanie Hindman is the Art Director and Web/UX Designer at BOLD, where she spends most of her days helping businesses succeed on the web while attempting to break her record for most sticky notes with lists.
*Source: NyPost.com, Forbes.com