Driving traffic to a website is one thing and ensuring the design is striking is a whole other criterion. There are several factors which can affect the design of a website as well as its functionality. Thus, whether you are a designer or business owner, you will be required to experiment and improve the design continuously.
In this article, we will cover 8 research-backed tips which will help you in improving your website design and also converting your website visitors into loyal customers.
In this article, we will cover 8 research-backed tips which will help you in improving your website design and also converting your website visitors into loyal customers.
Tips for creating/managing the systemic layout of the website
Here are some tips which can help to improve the website layout:
Visual hierarchy refers to the practical arrangement of fonts, colors and visual elements on a website.
Designers use this technique to divert the viewer’s attention to the core elements of a web page. VIsual hierarchy enhances the website layout (i.e., Positioning of Icons/ Images/ Videos along with Title/ Text Visibility).
According to nextweb.com, the basic thumb rule for Visual Hierarchy is to enlarge essential elements (i.e., an Image or Text) and placing it on the top of the page. The prominent elements should be surrounded by white space which will direct the viewer’s eyes to the important elements.
Try to incorporate a catchy headline or keyphrase which defines the brand's purpose. The headline can be short or descriptive as long as it defines the brand purpose. Placing it on the top of the page will also reassure the visitor that they have come to the right place.
Also keep in mind that the website will be viewed on different devices which can be a phone, desktop or tablet. So make sure you keep the headline/ keyphrase above the page ending/fold as more than 80% of the viewers spend time viewing the area above the page fold.
Once a visitor reaches your page, it’s not necessary they will spend a lot of time there. To increase the engagement time, you must effectively call of action throughout the page and even beneath the fold. This will help to persuade the visitors and trigger response (i.e., Lead Generation).
A cluttered website will not attract much traffic. A visitor doesn’t feel attracted to a cluttered website. Adequate whitespaces here and there improve the visibility.
As a designer, you should stress upon single column/ tall page layouts. A simple design will enable the user to browse the website easily. Whereas a design with multiple columns (i.e., left-right navigation and excessive content) will be visually complex and can leave the visitor dazed. According to a blog published in millo.co multiple navigations and clutter can be resolved through linking of web pages or creating a site map.
So to avoid clutter, try to incorporate one or two of these visual aiding elements.
Hidden content on the website is not focusable. It can confuse the viewers, or they can even miss out on it while viewing. As a designer, you might find it intriguing to use expandable or hidden content tabs to reduce visual complexity. However, this approach can also cause the viewer not to view that relevant content.
Remember most website users focus on scrolling than clicking. So if they are made to click on a tab to open it, they are less likely to use it.
Moving to the imaging/ graphics: Here the focus is on using the right images/ graphics:
Every business aims to build a personal connection even through their website. hire web designer online who can effectively incorporate images of people with testimonials in the website design. According to a blog of intechnic.com viewers gaze at images, and when they are relatable a connection is initiated. Most of all avoid using filler images to complete the design. Filler images don't feel genuine and also don't contribute to building trust.
Another way to improve the website design is to incorporate facial or pointer cues to direct the viewer’s attention to headlines or calls to action. Both of these indicators will prompt the viewer to perform and also helps to add a personal touch to your design.
Different colors can trigger emotional connotations in our mind. For example, red reflects emergency and blue reflects calmness. This feature of colors has made them a great tool to direct viewer attention to CTA’s.
If you are a designer, you can incorporate colorful buttons in the website design. They are visually striking and can easily trigger a response. You can try either one of the combinations:
Always remember to use only one color for all your buttons/ clickables and that color will become the action color.
Final Words
The ultimate goal while developing any website is to ease the viewer's pain of finding things. Aesthetic appeal is just one element the actual conversion takes place through the content and accessibility of the site. Thus, by following these tips, you will be able to optimize your website’s potential.
Here are some tips which can help to improve the website layout:
1. Take Advantage of Visual Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy refers to the practical arrangement of fonts, colors and visual elements on a website.
Designers use this technique to divert the viewer’s attention to the core elements of a web page. VIsual hierarchy enhances the website layout (i.e., Positioning of Icons/ Images/ Videos along with Title/ Text Visibility).
According to nextweb.com, the basic thumb rule for Visual Hierarchy is to enlarge essential elements (i.e., an Image or Text) and placing it on the top of the page. The prominent elements should be surrounded by white space which will direct the viewer’s eyes to the important elements.
2. Incorporate a Catchy Headline or Keyphrase on the top of each Website Page
Try to incorporate a catchy headline or keyphrase which defines the brand's purpose. The headline can be short or descriptive as long as it defines the brand purpose. Placing it on the top of the page will also reassure the visitor that they have come to the right place.
Also keep in mind that the website will be viewed on different devices which can be a phone, desktop or tablet. So make sure you keep the headline/ keyphrase above the page ending/fold as more than 80% of the viewers spend time viewing the area above the page fold.
3. Keep the Persuasion Active Throughout the Page
Once a visitor reaches your page, it’s not necessary they will spend a lot of time there. To increase the engagement time, you must effectively call of action throughout the page and even beneath the fold. This will help to persuade the visitors and trigger response (i.e., Lead Generation).
4. Avoid Clutter on Your Webpage
A cluttered website will not attract much traffic. A visitor doesn’t feel attracted to a cluttered website. Adequate whitespaces here and there improve the visibility.
As a designer, you should stress upon single column/ tall page layouts. A simple design will enable the user to browse the website easily. Whereas a design with multiple columns (i.e., left-right navigation and excessive content) will be visually complex and can leave the visitor dazed. According to a blog published in millo.co multiple navigations and clutter can be resolved through linking of web pages or creating a site map.
So to avoid clutter, try to incorporate one or two of these visual aiding elements.
5. Try to Avoid Including Expandable Boxes or Hidden Content Tabs
Hidden content on the website is not focusable. It can confuse the viewers, or they can even miss out on it while viewing. As a designer, you might find it intriguing to use expandable or hidden content tabs to reduce visual complexity. However, this approach can also cause the viewer not to view that relevant content.
Remember most website users focus on scrolling than clicking. So if they are made to click on a tab to open it, they are less likely to use it.
Moving to the imaging/ graphics: Here the focus is on using the right images/ graphics:
6. Try Using Real Pictures and Avoid the use of Filler Images
Every business aims to build a personal connection even through their website. hire web designer online who can effectively incorporate images of people with testimonials in the website design. According to a blog of intechnic.com viewers gaze at images, and when they are relatable a connection is initiated. Most of all avoid using filler images to complete the design. Filler images don't feel genuine and also don't contribute to building trust.
7. Use Faces and Arrow View Cues
Another way to improve the website design is to incorporate facial or pointer cues to direct the viewer’s attention to headlines or calls to action. Both of these indicators will prompt the viewer to perform and also helps to add a personal touch to your design.
8. Colors and Contrasts
Different colors can trigger emotional connotations in our mind. For example, red reflects emergency and blue reflects calmness. This feature of colors has made them a great tool to direct viewer attention to CTA’s.
If you are a designer, you can incorporate colorful buttons in the website design. They are visually striking and can easily trigger a response. You can try either one of the combinations:
- Variate the button color with the background color.
- Outline the button with a dark color
- Keep the button text in the dark tone and the button color in a lighter tone
- Variate the button color with other elements of the web page and fill with a shadowing shade. It will make it stand out subtly.
Always remember to use only one color for all your buttons/ clickables and that color will become the action color.
Final Words
The ultimate goal while developing any website is to ease the viewer's pain of finding things. Aesthetic appeal is just one element the actual conversion takes place through the content and accessibility of the site. Thus, by following these tips, you will be able to optimize your website’s potential.
Also Read: 6 Reason to Choose CakePHP for Web Application Development
Alex Jone Works in an HR and Recruitment at Alliance Recruitment Agency- an IT Recruitment Agency. He specializes in helping with international recruiting, hires dedicated web designers, HR services and Careers advice service for overseas and international businesses.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alliancerecruitmentagency/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/career_alliance
Author Bio
Alex Jone Works in an HR and Recruitment at Alliance Recruitment Agency- an IT Recruitment Agency. He specializes in helping with international recruiting, hires dedicated web designers, HR services and Careers advice service for overseas and international businesses.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alliancerecruitmentagency/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/career_alliance
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