A well-designed website is crucial to the success of any business. Whether you run a small business or are looking to establish an online presence, your website is often the first point of contact with potential customers. Following a few key best practices for web design can ensure that your site looks professional, works smoothly, and provides a great user experience.
These simple tips will help you understand what to look for in a good web design without needing to handle the technical work yourself. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to getting your website right.
Ensure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
With more than half of website traffic coming from mobile devices, your website needs to function just as well on a smartphone as it does on a desktop computer. A mobile-friendly or responsive design allows your site to adapt to any screen size automatically, improving the user experience.
It’s crucial to ask your web designer to prioritise mobile responsiveness. A responsive design improves both usability and search engine rankings. For inspiration, you can explore some of the best mobile designs on CSS Design Awards.
Fast Loading Speeds are Key
A slow website can frustrate users and cause them to leave. Studies show that most users will abandon a website if it takes longer than three seconds to load. Fast page speed is not only vital for user experience, but it’s also a factor in how Google ranks websites.
Your web designer can optimise your site’s speed by compressing images, reducing plugins, and using efficient coding. Improving speed ensures users stay on your site longer and increases conversions. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help measure and improve your website’s loading times.
User-Friendly, Simple Navigation
One of the most important best practices for web design is keeping your layout simple and easy to navigate. A clear and structured design helps users find what they’re looking for quickly, improving their overall experience.
Consider these features for user-friendly design:
- A simple menu at the top of the page
- Consistent colours and fonts that reflect your brand
- Strong calls to action (CTAs) that guide users towards important actions, such as “Contact Us” or “Learn More”
For creative ideas on intuitive website design, check out Smashing Magazine.
Include Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
Your website should direct visitors towards the next step, whether that’s making a purchase, getting in touch, or signing up for a newsletter. Calls to action (CTAs) are key in guiding users toward these actions.
Make sure your CTAs:
- Stand out with bold, easy-to-read text
- Use action words like “Get Started” or “Request a Quote”
- Are placed prominently throughout your site
A well-placed CTA can make all the difference in encouraging users to take the next step. For more tips on creating effective CTAs, HubSpot offers insights into the best practices.
Secure Your Website
Website security is vital, especially if your site collects personal data or handles transactions. An SSL certificate is the basic security measure every website needs—it encrypts the data transferred between the user and the website, ensuring privacy. Websites with an SSL certificate display “HTTPS” in the URL, which builds trust with visitors.
Ensure your web designer installs an SSL certificate and regularly updates your site to keep it secure. For more insights into website security, TechRadar offers advice on security tools and updates.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
It’s important for your website to be easy to find through search engines like Google. That’s where search engine optimisation (SEO) comes in. SEO is the practice of structuring your website to rank higher in search results, bringing more traffic to your site.
Key SEO practices include:
- Using clear, keyword-rich titles and headings
- Structuring your site with relevant content and easy navigation
- Optimising images and using internal links
For more information on SEO best practices, Moz is a great resource to explore.
Consistent Branding
Your website should reflect your brand’s personality through consistent use of colours, fonts, and tone. Whether your brand is fun and creative or professional and serious, consistency helps build trust and makes your business more recognisable to visitors.
Ensure that all elements on your website, from the logo to the language used, are cohesive and align with your overall brand strategy. If you need help with branding and web design, FOXCR8 is here to guide you through the process.
Final Thoughts
By following these best practices for web design, you can create a professional, user-friendly website that enhances your business’s online presence. Whether you’re building a new site or updating an existing one, working with a skilled web designer can help you achieve your goals.
If you’re ready to build or update your website, get in touch with FOXCR8. We specialise in creating stunning, effective websites for businesses across the UK.