Your website is one of your most valuable assets, and there are a lot of components to consider when building it. While SEO and content need strategic thought behind them, their efforts weaken if the web design is not seamless. On top of that, the user experience will also be affected negatively, which could result in lower conversions.
Luckily, we’ve created a list of do’s and don’ts you could consider when thinking about your website design. If you haven’t redesigned your website in a while, use these as a litmus test to see if you need a refreshed site.
Do’s
Seamless Experience on All Devices
This should be a given, but responsive web design is a standard for websites nowadays. No matter what device someone sees your site on, it needs to allow for a consistent user experience.
Foolproof Navigation
Your website’s usability correlates with its navigation. You’ve worked so hard to create your pages, so make it easy for your users to navigate their way around them. Your navigation needs to be simple, clear and consistent across the entire site. If possible, eliminate as many clicks as you can to get to your pages for a streamlined user experience.
Eye-Catching CTAs
All calls-to-action are important because they move your visitors down the buyer’s journey. Don’t let them blend in with your other website elements; make them pop and stand out! Try finding a contrasting color that goes with your site’s color palette so your users cannot miss your CTAs!
Scannable Pages
Visitors are more likely to quickly scan their screens for what they are looking for than they are to read all of your content. This is why your web design should enhance this by using visual hierarchy. If you aren’t sure what visual hierarchy is, it’s where you arrange or present your site’s elements in a way that implies priority. Take note as to where your eyes are drawn to first and second and make sure the user can easily find what they’re looking for.
Don’ts
Long Loading Times
Users have attention spans the size of a pea. In fact, according to NNGroup research, 10 seconds is about the limit for keeping users’ attention. When users have to wait for your website to load, they will become impatient and exit. Be cognizant of this and make whatever changes you need to for a faster site.
Opening Links in New Tabs
Not only does this look sloppy, but it also steers your visitors off of your website if it opens a page not native to your website. Stay away from this as much as possible.
Overpromote
There are too many websites out there that allow promotions and ads to overshadow the content they’re next to, which will make it more difficult for users to take action. Limit your ads and promotions on your website and try to place them away from your CTAs.
Beauty Over Usability
We love beautiful, innovative web design, but it should not interfere with the content or message. Avoid having busy backgrounds behind your website’s content or poor color schemes that hinder the site’s readability. Remember, people still need to digest your website’s content and camouflaging them behind advertisements will only weaken your site overall.
If your website is lacking any do’s or full of these don’ts, contact GreenMellen today and we would be happy to assist you in a seamless web design!
