Every business owner wants to have a website that’s a beautiful
and effective marketing tool. So, why is it that so many companies have put up
layouts that look plain, or just plain bad?
In some cases, they are probably following poor advice from
creative teams who are rushing through the web design process. In other
situations, they may be giving in to instincts that are counterproductive. We
don’t want you to make either of those mistakes. That’s why we want to give you
a simple, usable guide you can follow to ensure you get a great web design.
Let’s start with a straightforward step a lot of business
owners and web designers overlook…
Pick an Aesthetic
Theme
If you’ve ever searched for a new home, you’ve undoubtedly
noticed that realtors talk about different properties in terms of distinct
styles. They might show you something that’s Ranch, Victorian, or even Tudor.
These terms serve as shorthand for a particular architectural philosophy. You
should begin your business website with the same type of concept. Decide what
kind of look you’re going for and then let that guide subsequent inspirations.
Choose a Clean and
Engaging Layout
Even when a website is built from scratch there are going to
be mockup designs to choose from. As a business owner, one of your most
important roles in the web design process is to make the final decision on the
overall look and layout. Don’t fall for the trap of choosing something that’s
too cluttered and confusing just because you want to put more apps and content
on every page.
Keep Colors and Fonts
Simple
Go to a museum and you’ll see many different styles of art,
ranging from the strikingly simple to more complex mixtures of colors, shapes,
and textures. On the web, though, your visual medium is more limited – people
can only see what you put in front of them on a flat screen. Knowing that, you
should stick to simple color and font schemes that work well together. It’s
usually better to be a bit understated online than it is to go over the top and
annoy website visitors.
Only Use High-Quality
Images
No matter how strong your website layout and visual plan is,
your pages aren’t going to look their best if you have low-quality images.
Ideally, you would fill your website with lots of custom photos that had been
shot by a professional photographer. If you don’t have those, however, consider
using stock photos (where appropriate) rather than trying to convey your
credibility with grainy or outdated images.
Keep One Eye on
Utility
The look of your website is important, but it isn’t the only
thing that matters. That’s important to remember when considering things like
layouts and color choices. You only have a few seconds to impress a first-time
visitor who is arriving on your site for the first time. Make sure they can
understand what you do instantly, and can find the information or resources
that will lead them to give your business a try.
Looking for Web
Design That Goes Above and Beyond?
At Kinetik IT in Arizona we think a business website should
impress customers, support your marketing goals, and have a positive impact on your bottom line. If you’re looking
to build a web presence that helps your company grow and compete in the digital
age, contact us today so we can set up a free consultation.