Did you know when people were asked why they didn’t like or trust a website, almost 94% said it was related to web design? Today, having a good website isn’t a nicety, it directly determines how many customers you pull in, so good site design is a business investment.

As a team of web designers in Vancouver, we work one-on-one with business owners looking for professional websites that are beautifully branded. However, while aesthetics and creativity are important, factors like Search Engine Optimization (SEO), user experience, and responsive design are also crucial in creating a site that brings in traffic and business. For those looking for a crash course in what makes a site wonderful, we’ve put together 10 tips proven to attract and entice.

1) Keep it smart & simple (KISS)

After almost 10 years of specializing in websites and SEO, we believe there’s an elegance to simplicity. It’s important to understand and highlight essential messages and then invest in a website that directs attention to this information. New entrepreneurs often have a thorough understanding of their profession, but not the business of, well…business. Consider how people using the site should react and guide them towards the end goal, whether it’s a sign-up, appointment, donation, or inquiry.

2) Be fashion forward

Like many industries, there are fashions associated with web design. As we move into 2020, flat design—a clean and minimalistic look—is what’s in vogue. Design can be extremely important for connecting with your audience, especially if your business is related to fashion, beauty, music, or youth culture. However, website trends don’t evolve for purely aesthetic reasons. At least part of it is rooted in practicality. Right now, a lot of people use smartphones and tablets to browse the Internet. Clean, functional layouts make it easier for websites to load, function, and explore using different devices.

3) Simplify site structure

Just like a store, the more time a visitor spends on your site, the more likely they are to purchase/connect. Keeping readers engaged means making it easy for them to get around, and this is a function of site navigation. Simply put, don’t get overly creative when it comes to your website menu. Opt for a familiar layout that makes finding information fast and easy.

4) Have a plan

Every site should be built with a plan in mind. For a website, this blueprint usually revolves around how to turn visitors into customers. Are they supposed to buy a product? Sign up for a newsletter? Make a donation? Get an estimate? Whatever the ultimate goal, your content and calls to action should gently (yet firmly) direct visitors to complete that action. Make sure your website is easy to read, even for people who are just scanning through because this is how an awful lot of people use the Internet.

5) Invest in SEO

Search engine optimization is a must for people doing business on the Internet. SEO considers what search terms people are using to find your business, and how you can show up on page one when someone “Googles” those terms. Your ranking on Google is determined by almost every aspect of a website—URL, design, content, structure, social media, and so on—so investing in SEO web design is a good idea. Trying to optimize a website that’s already made may require altering site design, adding pages, and changing the content/structure. If you’re getting started, do it once and do it properly.

6) Keep written content succinct

People looking at websites have limited patience and an awful lot of choice. Text and pictures should be artfully arranged to highlight products/services. Show text and visual elements to delight, entice, and inspire confidence. The purpose of your website is to fundamentally make a case about why people should stick with you instead of finding a competitor. Don’t waste your opportunity.

7) Embrace space

Not every inch of space on a website needs to be filled, and it shouldn’t be. When you see a section devoid of images or text, it’s called whitespace. Think of it as mental breathing room. White space works to direct focus and attention. It helps break up ideas and create small pieces of information that are easy to digest. Consider the Google search page as the ultimate example of white space—there’s no mistaking what you’re supposed to do.

8) Choose the right colours

The colours used in your website will likely be determined by elements such as your logo and other branding. Colour theory is an important part of building a business. Many intuitive meanings are linked to colour, and choosing the right palette strengthens the impact of your business. Learn more about choosing the right colours for your business.

9) Be readable

When filling your site with clever, concise verbiage—make sure the text is readable. People of all ages use the Internet, and not everyone has 20/20 eyesight. Choosing a beautiful font is a fundamental part of web design and pays an enormous role in making the site more beautiful and functional. Four top trending fonts for websites today are Brandon Grotesque, Museo Sans, Railway, and Playfair Display

10) Design for mobility

Not everyone will be looking at your website from a desktop or laptop. Today, up to 70 percent of web traffic could come from a mobile device. In fact, there’s a good chance people could be visiting your site for the very first time from a smartphone. If your mobile site is ugly, chances are you’ve lost a customer. Websites today must be compatible with phones, tablets, and other devices. In most cases, sites can be tailored to adapt to a phone, but some businesses opt for a separate mobile site (with streamlined content and pictures) that enhance the mobile experience.

Today the very best websites deliver good basic principles in an impactful, meaningful way. From a user perspective, this has made navigating the web an easier and more enjoyable experience.

If you’re ready to create a website in Vancouver, ask us for a free consultation. We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and put together a free quote.