The best of the Best in Website Design

There’s a very simple ethos to getting website design right. Keep it simple. It’s not hard to make a killer website, though time and time again you come across a great example of how not to do it. And it all comes down to that simple phrase. Keep it simple.

Website design is absolutely crucial to the success of your website, and ultimately you. Good website design is efficient, streamlined, pared down to the absolute minimum, with no gaudy, gimmicky flashiness distracting your users from the essentials. Website design is about enhancing the online experience, not detracting from it. Avoidable clutter and mess is inexcusable, and you’ll find that more often than not, your users won’t give you a look in if there’s over the top animation, cheap tricks and annoying graphics. So, to make the most of your online presence, take a look at the list below.

Simplicity

Consider the 80-20 rule. Cut everything down to the barest essentials, to the magic 20% that will sum up the 80% of your content. This applies to everything; keep your writing style efficient and most importantly human. Use only the barest, most minimal graphics and animations, and reduce the total number of pages used in your site and will not use up much bandwidth stored by your web host company.

Make a splash

As a general rule, make sure you have as much of your essential message on your homepage as possible. Remember too, to get as much of that essence into the bit that’s “above the fold,” or in other words in that first bit of space before your user has to scroll down.

Navigation

It’s important that your user knows exactly where they need to go for what you provide. Don’t hide the way – guide them, hand in hand, where you want them to.

Color

Gaudiness and tacky flash is an instant turn off. It’s far easier to get it right by only keeping to a few mild tones.

Fonts

The same rule applies. Go for simple font that’s easy on the eyes. No Wingdings, obviously.

Links

A great tip is to make sure you include helpful links back to the homepage, and to your contacts, on all the pages of your website. It’s incredibly helpful for better site navigation.

Adverts

Advertising can be done right, if it blends well into your site. An absolute killer are pop up advertising, however, and you should avoid them at all costs.

Simplicity is what it comes down to, plain and simple. It is more efficient, and respects the time your followers put into reading your message, learning who you are, viewing your work and products, which all pays major dividends in the end. It makes it feel more personal, more inviting and more interesting. It’s always tempting to overload your site with the coolest gadget or the flashiest animation you can get your hands on, but take a step back and ask if it’s really necessary. If something’s not absolutely essential, your site will eventually thank you for not using it.