Great web design can do many things for your brand, not the least of which includes engaging the customer, improving brand recognition, and improving sales conversion rates. Today’s consumer has a more sophisticated eye and so many options to choose from when it comes to where they go online.
Make sure you capture and keep your customers’ attention with these tips, to keep them coming back for more every time.
Simple navigation
Be sure your navigation is clean (use only one!), exists on every page of the website, and clearly categorizes your content. Be clear on what your audience is coming to your website to accomplish before determining what your navigation will be. Know that audience well enough that you are organizing your content in a manner that makes it easy to find what they are looking for.
Beautiful imagery
You want your site to have a premium look. Use gorgeous, high-resolution imagery to ensure that your site is eye-catching and engaging. Be selective with your imagery so that download times aren’t too long. Quality, not quantity, is what matters.
Use the element of surprise
Whether through imagery or words, consider the element of surprise and how it can actually help you to build your point. A great example is one that the This Bar Saves Lives team uses to show the positive impact of their product here (Warning: Images are graphic and may be disturbing).
Memorable logo
Make sure your logo is memorable and that it integrates nicely into the design of your website without disappearing. A logo encapsulates a brand and often will drive the color palette of the website, as well as mood and design elements.
Logo design is the first and most important creative element in building your website, so take it seriously—do focus groups with your target audience to gauge reaction for the feelings the logo engenders (be sure you know what feelings you are trying to engender before even designing the logo), and incorporate feedback in revisions.
Refreshed content is critical
You want to make people come back for more. Refresh your imagery and copy with some frequency. Have a blog. Integrate social media in an unobtrusive way. Just make sure there is interesting and engaging content for your audience to read when they get to your site.
Don’t overdo it on content
As much as you want content that will keep your audience interested, don’t overdo it so as to overwhelm your audience. Be clear and concise with what you are trying to say. Too much copy has a tendency to make one’s eyes glaze over.
Your website is much like a piece of art. Allow consumers to enjoy it and to be surprised and engaged by it. Make sure to refresh your content regularly so people want to come back for more to check on your progress, new offerings, and to see what cool things you continue to do as a business. Your website is the face of your brand online, so make sure it presents your brand in the best possible light.
Cara Aley is a freelance writer who covers a panoply of topics ranging from digital marketing strategy to healthcare recruitment.
