When business owners and marketing executives turn to us it isn’t because they want an “average” or “great” web page design – they want the very best. But what exactly does that mean?
We hear versions of this question almost each and every day. So, we want to help our readers and clients by shedding a little light on what the perfect business web design looks like.
1. There is no Perfect Web Page Design Layout
Let’s begin by bursting the big bubble: there isn’t any such thing as “perfect” web design. There is no specific combination of text and images that makes buyers react. Instead, it’s all about finding a unique look and feel that is congruent with your business strategy and brand.
Usually, when someone starts talking about the “only” or “best” way to design a website it’s because they are trying to push their own style or theme. There are certainly trends and principles to follow (which we’ll outline below), but the best web design is the one that fits your company.
2. Think Like a News Editor
With that caveat out of the way, the first thing you have to know about effective business web design is that many of the most important principles have been around for decades. For instance, newspaper editors used to put top stories “above the fold” for maximum visibility. You and your design team should do the same.
When a potential buyer comes to your site for the first time you have only a precious few minutes to grab their attention. Make sure they can understand what your website and business are about in a matter of seconds by keeping the relevant messages and details where they are easiest to notice.
3. Users Like Simplicity and White Space
White space (also known as negative space) is just the room you put in between different elements on a web page. It’s important because it allows the viewer to scan quickly and understand an overall theme.
If this seems abstract to you, just consider the way you feel when you see a crowded webpage or brochure. It’s distracting and takes away from the overall effect. Online or off, less can be more. If you have even the slightest sense that your website layout feels “busy” it’s probably time to pare things back a bit.
4. Organization is as Important as Design
A great deal of attention gets paid to website design and aesthetics, but industry professionals know that organizing information for usability is just as important as creating a good first impression. In other words, if potential buyers can’t find the products or answers they are looking for, it doesn’t matter how pretty your layout is.
Experience and testing are important parts of this equation. So too are web analytics. Using each of these together, you should pay close attention to the flow of traffic across your website to ensure you are giving visitors a logical path to your various pieces of content, along with menus and search bars that guide them when they become lost or confused.
5. Want a Web Design That Works for Your Business?
Far too often, business owners and marketing executives end up with web designs that are based off the preferences of their creative teams rather than their own real-world business needs. If you feel like your layout or online marketing strategies aren’t as effective as they could be, this is the perfect time to talk to us. Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation and see how we can help!
At The Marcom Group, we know from experience that clients are best served when they can call one phone number for anything–which is why we own all of our own hosting equipment and have on-site staff ready to handle everything from design and development, to management and marketing, to the ongoing security maintenance and hosting of your website.