A website is a crucial part of any brand’s digital presence. It’s where you share your purpose, vision, products and services with the world – and it isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Whether you’re creating your own site with a template-driven platform or working with a web design agency, getting it right is vital. A stellar design can encourage visitors to spend more time on your site, convert into customers or even recommend it to others. A bad one can have the opposite effect and detract from your brand’s credibility. So what makes a great web design?
The main components of website design are user interface design, visual design and content creation. A web designer is responsible for putting all these elements together to create an online experience that works well across different devices. They use their technical skills to build and structure the website, then apply the visual elements to make it look beautiful and functional.
Web designers need to have a deep understanding of HTML, the code that makes up websites. They also need to know how to apply Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), which control the appearance of HTML tags. This allows them to change the fonts, colors and sizes of all the elements on a page. Web designers can learn to code by hand, but most opt for using programs like Adobe Dreamweaver.
Another aspect of web design is making sure the website is easy for visitors to navigate and understand. This can include things like clearly labeling buttons and links, making it obvious what will happen when a visitor clicks on an item, and keeping the layout consistent. Some web designers also take into account how a site will be used on mobile devices, leading to the rise of responsive and adaptive web design.
A web design should also be unique and represent your brand. This means choosing appropriate images, not using distracting animation and ensuring that all the design elements are consistent with your brand identity. For example, if you have a logo that’s used on letterheads and business cards, you should incorporate it into your website design. In addition, the fonts you choose should be legible and the color scheme should match – this will help with brand recognition.
Ultimately, the most important thing to remember about web design is that it’s for the users. A site that’s difficult to navigate or read will be frustrating for visitors and may drive them away. A site that’s too visually busy will also be confusing and may not convey your message. Lastly, it’s important to keep up with current trends in web design. For instance, responsive and adaptive web design have risen in popularity since the advent of smart phones, and it’s essential that your site is compatible with these devices.
Website design is a complex and critical process that can have a huge impact on your business. Whether you’re building your site yourself with a template-driven platform or hiring a web design agency, ensure that the people involved have both technical and design skills to create a site that will meet your business goals.
