Key Design Points For Your Website

In 2010, your website is often times the first encounter a person has with your business. If your business is not on the web, you don’t exist. First impressions for future potential clients definitely matter, so put some effort into your website design and make it good. If your site is difficult to use and/or the content on your site is out of date, you run the risk of turning off new customers. Consider these quick design tips that could boost your business’ success.


Simplicity is the Key
I know it may be tempting to use flashy designs or lots of graphics on you site, but it causes clutter and can slow the load time of your page. Many people do have broadband access, but there are still plenty with dial-up internet. Avoid all of the “bells and whistles.”

Focus your Content
Everything on your website should have a logical flow. Good format is an essential component of any good website; you don’t want your readers confused and lost in the content. Don’t feel like you have to say everything on your homepage. Keep paragraphs short and break up large sections of text with images or quotes.


Cut Back on the Ads
If your focus is on selling your own goods and services, don’t fill your website with countless ads for other companies. Don’t litter your page with pay-per-click ads and product banners. This could possibly result in lower revenue for you.


Make it Easy on the Eyes
Choose a color scheme that reflects your line of business. A vibrant set of colors may be perfect for what your business offers. If you work in a more sensitive arena, choose your color scheme more carefully. Choose shades that blend well together, and don’t get carried away--you should only use a maximum of five colors for your entire website.


According to mashable.com, 5 small business web design trends to watch are:

1. Minimalism

-Stripping away the excess and helping the use to focus solely on the content:

 2. Unique Photography

-Using imaginative imagery to reinforce your brand message and add character/charm to you site:

3. Bold Typography

-Using bold typography to create contrast between other text while grabbing the reader’s attention:

 4. Clear Calls to Action

-Grabbing the reader’s attention and moving him/her to take action:

5. A/B Testing

-Examining the effectiveness of one web page over another. Two versions of a page are randomly shown to site visitors to see which generates the best results:

 

Let us know what web design changes would help your business!