Whether you operate a small home decor business or a growing event planning enterprise, having a well-designed website is critical. Although content and SEO are key variables in regards to sustained success, many business owners underestimate the impact that design has on conversion rates.
Whether you are creating your first website or are eager to give your preexisting site a facelift, here are five design elements to consider and some additional considerations that will allow you to achieve your short- and long-term goals.
- Color Palette – Colors have psychological significance
- Use White space – A place for the eyes to “rest”
- Social Media Icons – Does lose out on opportunities
- Use Images and Videos – We are visual creatures.
- Be consistent – Don’t confuse your audience and dilute your brand message.
These 5 Website Design Elements Will Create a Lasting Impression
When prospective customers, clients, and potential partners visit your site, they develop a certain perception of who you are and what you’re all about. Of course, having a user-friendly site is critical. However, it is the design of your website that often makes or breaks that first impression.
There is plenty of research out there that showcases the importance of design elements. For example, Adobe found that 38 percent of people will stop engaging with a website if the layout and/or content is unattractive. What is even more shocking is that 94 percent of people cited web design as the reason they rejected or distrusted a website.
Related: 7 Web Design and Development Tricks to Leave a Digital Footprint
94 percent of people cited web design as the reason they rejected or distrusted a website.
Adobe
With that in mind, in order to support your growing business, please consider the following four design elements.
1. An Attractive, Yet Minimalist Color Palette
The color scheme you use is very important in regard to modern design, cohesiveness, and even psychology — as color can actually impact mood and behavior. Neil Patel, a top digital influencer, does an excellent job of explaining the psychology of color in relation to website conversions.
Tip: To create an impactful design that isn’t distracting, opt for two (or three at the very most) colors to use within your major design elements.
2. Don’t Be Shy of White Space
Although you most certainly can leave this area white, the term “white space” simply means empty space. This ties into the point above, as white space alongside a strong color palette, is pleasing on the eye.
Tip: When you leave a buffer between your sidebar, margins, copy, etc., this makes your website more “digestible” for the visitor. Remember, less is often more, which is why so many websites are now opting for a minimalistic approach.
3. Incorporate Social Media Icons on Every Page
Do not underestimate the power of social media icons, as these social networking platforms can significantly increase your return on investment. Although this is a key marketing strategy, 44 percent of small businesses reported that they are not able to measure the impact social media has on their business.
44 percent of small businesses reported that they are not able to measure the impact social media has on their business.
smallbiztrends.com
Tip: Start to leverage this cross-promotion strategy and make it easy for your website visitors to find you on social media right away — before they lose interest.
4. Leverage Stunning, Relevant Images & Videos
The images and videos you post, whether on your blog or on your homepage, have a direct impact on how visitors view your brand. Remember, humans are visual creatures — so when you can effectively engage your audience, this will lead to a higher conversion rate, increasing your bottom line.
Tip: Always opt for professional, captivating images and videos that convey your company’s story or overall mission. This is particularly important when posting product shots.
5. Consistency
When it comes to website design, consistency is the “golden rule.” It’s all about the small details, which when combined, provide a great end-user experience.
Tip: Although you will want to evoke visual consistency (in regards to typography, colors, and other elements), functional and internal consistency is also key.
It can be a lot to think about and put into effect but if you are too busy running your business and don’t have the time to learn how to effectively design and operate your website, don’t avoid taking action. That will not help your business and could actually hurt it. There are many ways to get assistance with this but what we recommend is that you hire a professional design agency.
From the implementation of a relevant call-to-action to SEO-boosting elements, website design is more than the overall “look” of your site. It’s a means to build trust, interest, greater functionality, and of course, a thriving business.
Be proactive today in terms of your website’s design and functionality — and always remember: “Your website deserves the best. It is the internet advertising billboard for you and your company.”
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