The Key Components of Successful Website Design

When first setting up a website, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by all of the different aspects that need to be considered.

18:14 14 September 2020

The Key Components of Successful Website Design

When first setting up a website, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by all of the different aspects that need to be considered. From the way that a website looks to its usability, it can be easy to get lost in this sea of technical and aesthetic choices. However, since a website is one of the most valuable tools a modern business has in its arsenal, knowing which parts of website design will impact most on a company’s long-term success can be invaluable. Whether you are thinking of starting a new website, rebranding, or simply want to check your current site’s performance, the list below outlines some of the fundamental components to successful website design.

 

Usability

 

An expert web design company will tell you that, fundamentally, all successful websites have been structured with the user in mind. This will impact the way that a site is designed, structured and operated; some specific examples include:

 

Site Navigation

 

It sounds rather basic, but building a site that will be easy for a user to navigate is vital. A user should always know where they are on a website, how they reached the webpage and how to return to the home page. Having an inbuilt and accessible site map helps with both user navigation and search engine optimization.

 

Intuitiveness

 

Websites that excel in the usability area of website design have been structured to respond to the user’s intuition. This means that a user has found their next page, search bar, or product, before they are conscious that they’re looking for them. This has been found to increase sales conversions, time on site and repeated visits.

 

Information Accessibility

 

Structuring a site to cater for those users who do not wish to explore every single page, is also hugely valuable. This might mean having key information in obvious locations, or optimizing the pages for internal searches.

Aesthetics

 

A website's aesthetics play an important role in a wide variety of different areas. A site’s aesthetic design supports its content and functionality, which in turn aid the usability of a website. It appeals to the taste of the target audience, helping them identify with the brand more deeply. It will also create the desired image for the sender and help to fulfill the requirements of the site’s genre.

 

Whether intentional or not, visual expression and communication are always important in website design. This is why a website designer should never neglect the need for them to also act as a graphic designer. This impacts creating a positive impression with a new visitor and encouraging past customers to return, both of which will reduce your need for costly digital marketing campaigns.

 

Content and copy

 

It is content that actually composes most of your site. Having well-written, relevant and concise copy will benefit search engine optimization, as it shows search engines that you are a trusted authority in your relevant field. Quality content also offers an enhanced experience for your users. Giving the option for user interaction, in the form of comments, or social media posts, will help to foster a community around your website.