According to recent studies, over 23% of small businesses don’t have a website. Of those that do, many fail to take advantage of basic web design principles that could make a big difference in their online success.
Despite the many benefits of having a website, many small businesses still don’t see the value in investing in one. In fact, 70% of those with a website don’t have an SEO strategy.
As a result, their website does likely not appear in search engine results, meaning potential customers are unable to find them online.
If you’re one of the small businesses without a website or have a website but are not seeing the results you want, it’s time to brush up on your web design basics. Or another great option to create an eye-catching site is to get in contact with a professional web designer, whether you’re looking for web designers in Melbourne or for your specific location, you can find the best in your area by searching ‘best web designers near me’.
Here are seven essential web design basics you need to know to create a website that will help your small business succeed online:
Keep it simple
When it comes to web design, less is almost always more. A simple, clean design will be more user-friendly and easier to navigate than a busy, cluttered one.
The idea is to make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for on your website without feeling overwhelmed. Despite the trend towards more complex designs, simplicity is still key.
And when in doubt, always err on the side of simplicity. Although, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. You can always consult a professional web designer to help create a simple, effective website. The difference between a professional web design and a DIY one will be immediately apparent, so it’s worth the investment.
Use whitespace
The next step in keeping your design simple is to use whitespace, also known as negative space. This is the empty space on your web page that surrounds your content. It may seem counterintuitive, but adding more whitespace can actually make your design more effective, not less. That’s because it makes your content more readable and easier to digest. It also helps to break up your content, so visitors don’t feel overwhelmed when they land on your page. So don’t be afraid to use some whitespace in your design. It all comes down to using it effectively. According to stats, whitespace can increase conversion rates by up to 20%.
Stick to a limited color palette
Another web design basic that is often overlooked is the use of color. When it comes to color, less is definitely more. A limited color palette will give your website a cleaner, more streamlined look.
It will also make it easier for visitors to focus on your content. It will create a cohesive look that is visually appealing and easy on the eyes.
To create a color palette, start with two or three main colors and one or two accent colors. Then, use those colors throughout your website in a consistent way. The more you experiment with color, the more you’ll get a feel for what works and what doesn’t.
But, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to stick to a limited color palette.
Use typography to your advantage
Typography is another vital aspect of web design. The right font can significantly impact your website’s overall look and feel. When choosing a font, there are a few things to remember.
First, make sure the font is legible. It should be easy to read, even on a small screen. Second, choose a font that fits your website’s overall tone.
And third, don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many great free fonts available online that you can use on your website. Just make sure to use them sparingly.
Too many different fonts can be visually confusing and make your website look cluttered. However, typography can be a powerful tool in your web design arsenal.
Use imagery and videos
In addition to great typography, imagery and videos can help make your website more visually appealing. When choosing images, be sure to use high-quality, professional photos. And make sure they are relevant to the content on your website.
As for videos, they can be a great way to engage visitors and give them a more immersive experience. Just be sure to use videos sparingly and only when they add value to your website.
In addition, be sure to optimize your videos for both mobile and desktop viewing.
Optimize for mobile
With more and more people accessing the internet from their mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure your website is optimized for them.
Mobile optimization ensures your website can be easily viewed and used on a small screen. It includes resizing images, using larger fonts, and simplifying your overall design.
Mobile optimization is essential if you want your website to be successful. After all, most people now use their phones and tablets to access the internet.
Remember, the better your website ranks in search engines, the more likely people will find it. Moreover, Google now uses mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor in its search algorithm.
In other words, if your website isn’t optimized for mobile, it could negatively affect your search engine rankings.
Test your website
Last but not least, always test your website before making it live. Testing will help to ensure that everything is working properly and that there are no errors. It includes testing things like navigation, links, forms, and other elements. It’s also a good idea to test your website on different browsers and devices.
It will help to ensure that your website is accessible to everyone. Finally, don’t forget to test your website regularly. As you make changes and add new content, you’ll need to test it to ensure everything is working correctly.
Bottom Line
As we learn more about web design, it’s important to remember the basics. For instance, whitespace is an important design element; stick to a limited color palette and use typography to your advantage.
Also, use imagery and videos sparingly and always test your website. By following these basic principles, you can create a beautiful and user-friendly website that will be successful.