When you are building a website for a business or an organization, you are essentially building the shop window of the modern era. It does not only have to look appealing but be suitable for its target audience, functional and engaging. We take a behind-the-scenes look at the most important aspects of web design that you must keep in mind.
1. Visual Should Be Stunning
This is the first thing that springs to mind when we talk about web design – and perhaps the most creative and fun part. Research published on GoMedia has shown that the first impression a website makes on clients is 94% related to its design, while the visuals count for 75% of how users gauge the company’s credibility and 38% of users abandon a website if they do not find its design and layout appealing. So make sure that the visual aspect is appealing, functional and appropriate for the intended audience.
2. Functional Is the Name of the Game
How a website looks is what draws people in, but how it functions is what makes them stay. Even the most stunning website cannot retain visitors if they find it irritating to interact with. GoMedia reports that customer experience will surpass the fundamentals like price and product by 2020 as the single most defining brand feature. 95% of visitors identify it as the most important aspect of a website, while it increased a website’s conversion rate by at least 200% – or as high as 400%. Navigation should be easy, and the interface should be clear and intuitive. Make it smart and fun but not overwhelming – sometimes less is more.
3. Data Protection and Online Security Are Paramount
One of the biggest debates recently is data protection and privacy. Business websites will almost inevitably collect, store and process some types of visitor personal data – especially when there are newsletters and e-shops involved. It is prudent to invest in data security from the start and choose simple yet fundamental cybersecurity tools like a WAF, which can help protect your web applications from malicious attackers that aim to steal sensitive data. It also helps your website to comply with regulatory requirements such as PCI and HIPAA, while advertising your high cybersecurity standards on your website is a great way to increase your brand reputation.
4. Make Sure It Works Across Devices
In 2017, traffic on mobile devices accounted for more than 50% of all internet traffic around the globe. By the end of 2018, it is estimated mobile devices will account for 79% of all internet use. Meanwhile, 80% of clients report that they would abandon a website if it doesn’t appear well on the device they and 57% agree that they wouldn’t recommend a company if the mobile version of their website was not well-designed. Need we say more? More and more people are using their smartphones to access the website you are building – so you need to make sure that everything works well on mobiles and tablets by building in a dedicated mobile version or ensuring the site scales well.
Of course, it is your great product or amazing services that will ultimately retain clients. However, a carefully designed website will not only lure them in but streamline the process of winning them over.