The average internet user will spend approximately 15 seconds on a website. In addition, recent statistics show that web users will decide within just 0.5 seconds whether to stay on a site! It’s clear that first impressions count, so a great web design is essential, but what is the most important thing in website design?
Grab the User’s Attention
With so little time to capture your potential customer’s attention, the landing page must instantly provide a reason to remain on the website. The best way to achieve this is by having the correct information displayed in the right place, in a format that makes the copy readable and easy for the user to find the information they need. A combination of quality content and User Experience / User Interface design skills can achieve this.
Appearance and User Interface (UI) Design
A simple, clean design can make all the difference to a user staying on your webpage. For instance, how do you feel if you walk into a room full of furniture with little space to move around? You might feel stressed, frustrated, or claustrophobic. Including too many elements on a webpage can have the same effect; therefore, it’s important not to overdo it with images and other interactive features. Choose these carefully and position them so as to enhance the page, not crowd it. It is easier for users to focus on pages with manageable amounts of copy interspersed with eye-catching graphics and some blank areas. Using an “F” layout for copy and images has been proven to have good results. It can lead the user through the page, drawing the eye horizontally across the page and then down to the next area of text, which is easier for the brain to process and keeps the user engaged in the content.
On the other hand, there is still room for creativity here, and a unique design can influence a user to stay longer on a webpage. A sophisticated design, with tasteful fonts and color schemes, can add to the trustworthy appearance of your company. In addition, well-chosen graphics or professional photographs of your workplace, products, or services can make a more personal connection with the user and show them what type of company you are.
Functionality / Usability (UX design) in Website Design
Visual appeal can influence someone to investigate a site, but they need help finding the services or information they are searching for to keep browsing. So, User Experience (UX) design elements, such as intuitive layout and site navigation, are vital in delivering a highly functional website.
Navigation and Layout
When designing the layout for mobile and desktop browsers, key content should be easy to locate and understand. For example, a simple menu on the homepage that can take users to the site’s main pages is a quick, effective way to get people where they want to be. In addition, it is beneficial to include pages such as “about us,” “contact us,” and “services” to provide quick answers for users who want to know who you are and what you do.
In addition, the copy and visuals placed above the fold, particularly on the homepage, should be informative and demonstrate the website’s purpose. The less time it takes, and the fewer clicks someone has to make to find what they are looking for, the more likely they will stay on the site. This is where thinking about your potential customer’s journey through your site comes into play, and the website designer will want to use elements like buttons and links to lead clients to make conversions, be that a sale or filling in a contact form. However, if there are too many “call-to-action” (CTA) features, customers may feel hassled at being constantly asked to submit a form or “buy now!” Therefore, balance is needed when deciding where to place CTA’s throughout the site.
Optimized for Mobile Devices
Over the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in mobile users, and recent statistics show that over 50% of internet traffic now comes from mobile devices. Therefore, a crucial aspect of UX website design is ensuring all webpages are mobile device friendly.
Informative Content
If potential clients quickly find helpful content on your site, this will give them the incentive to keep browsing. In addition, valuable content is essential for good search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines are becoming increasingly adept at detecting good, informative copy. If search engines recognize that your website is producing regular high-quality content, this can improve its Authority Score and place the site higher on the search engine results page (SERPs). Frequently adding to the content will keep it relevant and provide returning customers with new information that will motivate them to keep visiting your site.
As your business expands, what used to be “key content” may need updating, which can impact the site layout. For this reason, one of the services offered by Torque Media, website designer in Burlington, Vermont, is a “website refresh,” which can optimize your website’s functionality.
Torque Media- Website Designer Burlington, Vermont – is here to help.
So, what is the most important thing in website design? It’s essential to design with your customer in mind and think about how you can instantly tell them that you have the service, product, or information they require. Combining concise high-quality content with attention to good UX and UI design will produce a site that will grab the user’s attention and deliver actual results. Torque Media (website designer in Burlington, Vermont) can help you achieve this. Contact us today to discuss your needs and begin the journey to creating a website that will complement your company and bring more customers to your business.