For many, designing a website can seem like a very daunting task. However, it does not have to be. Regardless if you are a developer, designer, or someone who wants to create an online presence (with minimal experience), you can make the web design process a bit easier with some forward and meticulous planning.
Designing Your Website? Keep the Following in Mind!
Apart from ensuring you have a responsive website design, there are other vital factors you need to consider to ensure you achieve your web design vision.
Target audience
Before you start designing your dream website, you first need to identify who you are designing it for. Who are the people you are targeting? Determine the demographic you are going after. For instance, if you want to create a clothing brand for young people, you might need to look into pop culture for inspiration.
Content
When planning their website design, many don’t take into consideration the site’s content. Big mistake! You can liken your website to a blank sheet of paper. If you only have a few words written on the paper, it won’t be inviting to look at. If anything, content can help keep visitors on your site.
However, not any content will do. It has to be high-quality content. Otherwise, your visitors might consider your site unreliable. Good content can also help foster engagement and boost your SEO efforts, so it’s not something you can overlook.
You also need to ensure you are conveying a clear message to your audience. Some studies indicate that the lack of a clear message is one of the biggest turn-offs for consumers, with 46% citing it as the reason they leave a site.
Imagery
When it comes to images, you have various options available at your disposal. You have the option to take the photos yourself. It’s hands down one of the cheapest and quickest ways to get images for your site.
However, if photography is not your strong point, you can hire a photographer to take all the images you want. This is a rather costly alternative. However, if you wish to have brand images of topnotch quality, this is one of your best options.
Another option you have is using stock images. You can obtain some to flesh out your website at reasonable prices. There’s also a vast library of images online available for this. However, most stock images are generic and might not represent your brand as powerfully.
Layout
When working on your site layout, you must get the right balance of text and images. Give your website a good structure, so it’s easier for the user to digest. It is also recommended that you keep visual cues to a minimum, so you don’t confuse your visitor with your layout.
It would also be an excellent idea to wireframe the site before designing the actual interface. This can help ensure you can easily change and chop the layouts and test how the design works.
Inspiration
If you are stuck when it comes to your design, it is reassuring to know there are many places online where you can find inspiration. Sites like Behance, Awwwards, and Dribbble are terrific resources where you can find fantastic web design ideas.
When you expose yourself to various design elements you have not considered before, you might be inspired to create something new.
Brand
It is crucial to consider your brand’s image before you design your website. Keep in mind that a website is not something that should be ad-hoc. You need to consider any pre-existing branding or build the brand identity from scratch if you don’t have one yet. This will entail flexing those design muscles.
Responsiveness
Nowadays, many people access the web using various devices. There are multiple screen sizes for websites to appear on from smartphones to tablets to widescreen televisions. According to a study, consumers utilize an average of five different devices.
This highlights the importance of a responsive website that ensures a great user experience, regardless of the visitor’s device. Another study indicated that a whopping 62% of companies that designed their website specifically for mobile noted a dramatic boost in sales.
Conclusion
Designing a website is not as difficult as many people perceive it to be. With thorough planning, you are a step closer to creating a website that serves all your needs. If you are looking for a professional to help you out, there are some great website design companies in San Franciso that you can look into.
About the Author
Gabby Klesser is the Outreach Manager for LA Website Design, a digital marketing agency that has assembled a team of expert web designers and digital marketing strategists. She often writes about web design, UX, social media, technology, marketing, and starting a non-profit.