Whether you’re looking to build a simple, static website or a complex one with advanced features, you should consider the benefits of a professional website design. Hiring a website designer will allow you to focus on the look and feel of your site while delegating technical aspects to a development team. However, website design requires multiple resources, skill sets and team members. If you’re not sure whether or not this process is right for your website, you can use a website builder instead.
Visual hierarchy
Visual hierarchy is a design principle that helps consumers navigate a website by giving them cues about what is important. It also focuses on inclusivity, as many brands fail to provide accessibility for users with disabilities. By using a hierarchy of elements to guide users through information, a website can create a more interactive and appealing site that attracts more visitors. Here are some common examples of how to utilize visual hierarchy in website design.
Colors
While there is no one right color for your website, there are many things to consider before you decide on a color palette. The Institute for Color Research has conducted studies on how colors affect our subconscious assessments of products and people. According to this research, 62% to 90% of our subconscious assessments are based on color alone. This means that when you design a website, your color choice will affect the first impression that people have of your brand, as well as their overall experience on the site. Using colors well will improve your website’s user experience and increase the trust of your customers.
Navigation
A good way to optimize navigation design is to use user scenarios. These scenarios provide context and information needed to align the navigation design with the user’s goals. The back button is one of the most powerful navigational tools, and Jakob Nielsen calls it the lifeline of the web user. However, navigational cues can also be useful. They can help the user know how to reach specific pages or content without using the back button.
Calls to action
If your goal is to increase your conversion rates, your calls to action need to be as compelling as possible. Most web users will be skeptical of anything presented on the internet, and have probably already been burned by a free service link or a website that requires a credit card number. To overcome this skepticism, you must anticipate user concerns and address their questions in an effort to win their trust. Here are some tips to improve your calls to action in website design.
Layout
The layout of a website plays a significant role in navigation. Some websites have a featured image that takes up the entire home page, while others use multiple layouts, each aimed at displaying a single product or service. The type of layout you choose should be determined by the design’s purpose and intended audience. For example, a site showcasing events or a portfolio will likely use a one-page layout.