These days, there are plenty of applications and tools that make creating an aesthetically pleasing website super easy and fast. This has really expanded the world of web design so that having a well-designed website isn’t just for big companies anymore, but is possible for anyone! Whether you’re a company that’s just starting out, an exclusively online business, an artist needing a space to display your bio and portfolio, or just a working professional––a website is a great addition to any resume. In fact, nowadays people are creating websites instead of resumes!
Still, even with all the resources out there to help, there are some websites suffering from some seriously bad design. This may seem like no big deal. After all, websites just need to function properly to do what they’re supposed to, right? Who cares what it looks like if it gets the job done? Well that’s what we’re here to talk about. What is good web design, and why do you need it?
Why is Website Design Important?
A well-laid-out website is the trademark of any legitimate business. It signifies to people that you’re a professional and helps establish you as an authority within your industry. The difference between a well-designed website and a poorly designed website could mean thousands of dollars in potential customers. That’s why it’s important that a lot of care and effort goes into the creation of your company’s website and the content contained within it.
In the world of marketing, first impressions are everything. Your website is an opportunity to create a positive, lasting impression on users. If you were going into a job interview you wouldn’t want to just be mentally prepared, but physically prepared too. Having thoughtfully prepared answers and expansive knowledge of the field you're applying to isn’t enough to get the job––you have to look the part as well. A serious candidate will act and dress professionally in order to give off the right message that they’re serious about the position. For that same reason, it’s important that your website doesn’t just have great content and information, but looks great too!
Good web design conveys a level of professionalism to your audience, and that in turn instills trust within your brand. People like to know that companies care about the user’s experience, and putting effort into what your site looks like shows that you care.
What Does Good Web Design Look Like?
When people click on a link to your site it should take them to a beautifully laid out home page. When a website is designed well, it is both functional and visually pleasing. Bottom line––people like to look at pretty things. If they enjoy looking at your site, then it’s more likely that they’ll stay there, browse, and buy a product or service. Using key principles of color and design, your website should draw people in and encourage them to look around.
Design can also be used to communicate your brand style and tone. Choices in color palette, typeface, and graphics can all help to inform your audience of who you are and what you’re about.
An important part of being visually pleasing is having structure and organization in your site. When elements are laid out in an organized way it makes them not only look good, but it makes your site easier to use as well. Which brings us to one of, if not the most important aspects of good web design––usability. It is vital that your website is created in such a way that makes it very user-friendly and easy to navigate. If people have a hard time finding what they need, they’ll give up and go look for somewhere more helpful to them. Don’t make it where people have to waste time trying to figure out how to find something or purchase something. You’ll likely lose their business that way. Instead, design your site to be fluid, functional, and easy to access.
Finally, good web design is informative. It includes a lot of information without being overwhelming. If there’s something on your site that doesn’t inform the user who you are, what you do, or why you do it, then it’s not worth storage space. Don’t waste data on useless fluff. Tell your customers the information they want to know. Be sure to include contact information or even a comments section so you can readily receive feedback from consumers and tailor the information you provide to their needs and desires.
In the end, if someone has ended up on your site (whether intentionally or through organic search engine results) they’re looking for something. Something you might have. A product, a service, a skill––who knows? No matter what it’s for, best to put your best foot forward! Beautiful web design can enlighten, inspire, and simplify the user experience. Most importantly, it can create an atmosphere of trust, and ensure that customers return again and again. Use your website as an opportunity to create an experience that makes people’s lives easier and better.