Creating a user-friendly and efficient website is not easy. It involves plenty of technicalities that must be executed properly at every step. Only qualified and experienced professionals can successfully design effective websites for various industries.

There are several elements you must consider when designing a website. It isn’t all about aesthetics (though this is undoubtedly still important for your branding) – you must also think about usability and the latest search engine algorithms.

Before you begin the web design process, here are a few ‘do’s and ‘don’t’s to keep in mind throughout the process:

The ‘Do’s of Website Design

1. Be Consistent

While variation can be beneficial in some areas of your business, it isn’t the best practice for your web design. Creating a website with pages that look entirely separate in terms of design, layout, and the interface can confuse your users. Maintaining the consistency of your website’s interface throughout each page is essential for branding your business. Creating easily identifiable company branding is critical for making your business memorable and reliable in the minds of your target audience.

2. Consider Usability

Websites with easy-to-navigate pages are far more likely to see sales and conversions, as users will probably leave if they struggle with the site’s functionality. To ensure your website visitors follow through with their purchase, make your navigation labels clear, visible, and readable, and try to reduce navigation time for each section of your website.

3. Take the Content Seriously

Your website copy is just as crucial as the design. Many users will judge the quality of your services based on the quality of your website, which is why there is no room for error when it comes to content. Be it a video, an image or text, you must share original, informative, and well-written content to maintain a professional appearance. A good website designer will ensure that the design complements the content.

4. Check Your Site for Errors

Website design may seem like a one-time job, but there’s always a chance that you’ve missed certain mistakes that could cause a host of issues for your branding and the user. Problems like dead links, typos and other inconsistencies can ruin your efforts and harm your professional image. Proofreading and quality checking your site will allow you to identify any errors and rectify them swiftly. It’s also a good idea to give your website a refresh every so often to keep up with evolving trends and demands from your audience.

The ‘Don’t’s of Website Design

1. Don’t Keep Users Waiting

A website with a longer loading time will never be a successful one. In the age of social media and instant gratification, internet users are more impatient than ever, meaning they are highly likely to click off a page that takes too long to load. Keep your loading time to a minimum by uploading smaller images and assessing your website speed on a regular basis.

2. Don’t Use Too Many Typefaces

It can be very tempting for website designers to use multiple different typefaces when creating a website. However, too many fonts can create confusing, inconsistent branding that makes your page look slightly infantile and unprofessional. We recommend sticking to a maximum of two fonts across your website.

3. Don’t Use Too Many Colours

In a similar vein, it’s important to keep to your company’s colour scheme to maintain consistent branding and cohesive, visually pleasing design. Refrain yourself from using more colours than you need, and try to stick to two or three primary colours (preferably as per the business logo.)

4. Avoid Stock Images Where Possible

Pictures are a hugely effective way to engage your visitors. However, overuse of stock images can reduce the impact of your branding and make your site appear somewhat generic and unoriginal. If possible, use your own photos of your employees or products to build trust with your audience and make your site appear more authentic.

Contact the Experts for Outstanding Results

Experienced and efficient website designers in Portsmouth will always produce the best results. The experts are well-aware of all these ‘do’s and ‘don’t’s, so you can rest assured you are in the most capable hands.

nu media group is a team of highly qualified web designers with a wealth of experience. For years, we have been making websites for clients belonging to a vast range of industries. From eCommerce sites to portfolios, we can deliver bespoke products that make your online identity more prominent and boost conversions.

Why wait to grow your business to where it deserves to be? Get in touch with our expert team today to learn more about our web design and development solutions.