With so many websites out there, it can be tough to stand out and make an impact. But if you stick to the best practices for web design, you can be that special one that grabs your readers' attention. Check out this guide for all the top tips on web design to achieve success in 2024.
Website Design Best Practices
- Easy-to-read typography
- The use of white space
- Website colour scheme that fits your brand
- The use of different textures and patterns
- Visuals that are intentionally designed
- Interactive features
- Easy navigation
- A clear call to action (CTA)
- Mobile-responsive design
Easy-to-read typography
Image this scenario: you click on a website, and the first thing you see is an overwhelming array of fonts. From curly to bold to cursive, there's so much going on that it hurts your eyes. This is not the website design you want for 2024.
When choosing typography for your website, stick to a maximum of three different fonts and ensure they are easy to read. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are great options as they are clean and modern. Also, make sure the font size is not too small or too large, and there's enough spacing between letters to ensure smooth reading.
The use of white space
White space, aka negative space, is the empty area around elements on a website. It may seem counterintuitive to leave blank areas when designing a website, but it can actually enhance the overall look and feel.
White space provides readers with a visual break, making it easier to navigate and digest information. It also helps create a clean and modern aesthetic.
So when designing your website, don't be afraid to leave some blank space around elements such as text blocks, images, and buttons.
Web colour scheme that fits your brand
Your website colour scheme should reflect your brand's identity and values. It is important to have consistent colours throughout the website to create a cohesive look.
When choosing colours, consider your target audience and what emotions you want to evoke from them. For example, if you're designing a website for a spa, soothing colours like light blues or greens would be appropriate.
An overload of colours can be overwhelming, so stick to a maximum of five colours and make sure they complement each other.
Tools like Adobe Color or Coolors can help you.
The use of different textures and patterns
As an interior designer would say, "Texture adds depth and character to a room"; the same goes for website design. Web textures and patterns allow for more visual interest and can help break up large areas of solid colour.
When using textures and patterns, make sure they align with your brand's aesthetic. For example, a website for a modern art gallery may use geometric patterns while a nature conservation website may incorporate natural textures like wood or leaves.
However, it's important not to overdo it with too many textures or patterns. Keep it simple and subtle, or else it may distract from your website's content.
Visuals are essential
Images, cartoon illustrations, and videos all play a significant role in website design. They can help tell your brand story, showcase products or services, and keep visitors engaged.
When choosing visuals, make sure they are high-quality and unique. Do not opt for stock photos that many other websites may use. Use real images of your products, services, or team members to add a personal touch.
Furthermore, use visuals sparingly and strategically throughout the website. Too many can make a website look cluttered and slow it down, leading to a negative user experience.
Interactive features
One of the best ways to keep people for longer on your website is to include interactive features. These elements engage visitors and encourage them to explore more.
These can range from:
- Quizzes
- Surveys
- Polls
- Games
- Calculators
The possibilities are endless, and they are great for collecting data or getting valuable feedback from your audience.
Easy navigation for a better user experience
Your website can have the most appealing design, but if users can't find what they're looking for, they'll quickly become frustrated and leave. That's why easy navigation is crucial for a successful website design.
For better website navigation, do the following:
- Create a website sitemap to help plan the layout and structure
- Use a clear, descriptive menu that is easy to find and understand
- Utilise breadcrumbs so users know where they are on your website
- Keep important information no more than three clicks away from the homepage
- Utilise search functionality for larger websites with a lot of content
Aside from these tips, one key element in creating easy navigation is to think from the perspective of your users. What would they be looking for on your website? How can you make it easy for them to find it?
Clear call-to-action (CTA)
Sometimes people just need an extra push to take action on your website. That's where a clear call-to-action (CTA) comes in. A CTA is a specific instruction to the user, usually written as a button or link, that tells them what to do next.
To create an effective CTA, do the following:
- Use action words that create a sense of urgency
- Keep it short and concise
- Make it stand out visually from the rest of the page
- Use contrasting colours to draw attention
- Place it in a strategic location where users will see it easily
Optimising for mobile devices
In 2020, more than half of all internet traffic came from mobile devices. That number is only expected to increase in the coming years. Therefore, it's essential to optimise your website design for mobile devices.
One way to do this is by implementing responsive web design. This means that your website will automatically adjust its layout and features based on the user's device, whether it's a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This ensures that your website looks great and functions well across all devices.
Another crucial aspect of mobile optimisation is page speed. Page speed plays an essential role in SEO, user experience, and conversion rates. So make sure to regularly check and optimise your website's loading time for the best results.
Implement The Best Practices Today!
These best practices for web design may seem like a lot to implement, but they are crucial for creating a successful website. So take some time to review your current website design and see where you can improve.
For seamless implementation, hire web design services today!
We at Starbright have years of experience in creating beautiful, functional, and user-friendly websites for our clients. Contact us today, and let's make your website one in a million!