The Dos & Don’ts of Effective Web Design
Web design is a delicate blend of art and science that requires a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of user experience (UX).
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting, knowing the dos and don’ts of effective web design can make a significant difference in creating websites that not only look good but also perform well - which typically means more sales for you!
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the complexities of web design and create sites that truly shine.
The Dos of Effective Web Design
ONE
Do Prioritize User Experience
User experience is the cornerstone of effective web design. User experience (UX) is about how people interact with your services and products.
It's all about making sure users are happy, can use things easily, and enjoy your website experience. A great user experience is super important for keeping customers happy and coming back.
It includes design, branding, function, and making things easy to use to give users a smooth and enjoyable time. When users have a good experience, businesses see more sales, customer involvement, and overall triumph.
It’s important to always put yourself in the shoes of your users. Ask yourself:
"Is this website easy to navigate?”
“Is the content accessible?”
“Are the call-to-actions clear?"
A website with a good UX will keep users engaged and encourage them to return!
Suggested Reading Link: Beginner Website Terminology: 23 Must-Know Terms
TWO
Do Use a Clean & Simple Design
Simplicity is key in web design!
A clean, uncluttered design helps users focus on the essential elements of your website.
Use plenty of white space to create breathable room for users to easily skim your content. This doesn’t mean your design has to be boring however - strategically use color, typography, and imagery to create a visually appealing and effective design.
Example:
Apple’s website is a great example of simplicity.
The design is minimalistic, with ample white space, clear typography, and high-quality images. This approach highlights their products and makes the site easy to navigate.
THREE
Do Ensure Mobile Responsiveness
With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is non-negotiable.
Use responsive design techniques to make sure your site looks and functions well on all screen sizes. Test your design on various devices to ensure a seamless experience for all users.
Tips for Mobile Responsiveness:
Use a responsive grid system.
Optimize images for different screen sizes.
Ensure buttons and links are large enough to be easily finger tapped.
Simplify navigation for smaller screens.
FOUR
Do Optimize Loading Times
Speed is critical!
A slow-loading website can frustrate users and lead them to abandon your site.
A critical component to this is your image file size.
Larger image files will slow down your website, so it’s important to make sure you are uploading smaller files, allowing your pages to load faster - and Google of course loves fast loading pages!
Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can also help you identify and fix performance issues.
Strategies for Faster Loading Times:
Compress images using tools like TinyPNG.
Don’t overuse website plugins
FIVE
Do Focus on Readability & Typography
Content is king, but only if it can be read easily so choose fonts that are legible and use appropriate sizes and line heights.
Contrast is crucial - make sure there is enough contrast between your text and background colors. More on this further below.
Break up text into manageable chunks with headings, subheadings, and bullet points to improve readability.
SIX
Do Use High-Quality Images
Visuals play a significant role in web design and this includes high-quality images that can make your website more attractive and engaging.
Use professional photographs, illustrations, and graphics that align with your brand’s message and aesthetics.
Try not to avoid popular stock images that are overused on the internet and more importantly, DO NOT USE COPYRIGHTED IMAGES!
Tips for Using Images:
Use images that tell a story or evoke emotion.
Optimize images for web to reduce file size without losing quality.
Use SVGs for icons and simple graphics to ensure they look sharp on all devices.
SEVEN
Do Incorporate Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Every page on your website should have a clear purpose, and CTAs help guide users towards that purpose.
Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting you for more information, make sure your CTAs are prominently placed and easy to understand for user!
Example:
Look at how Dropbox uses CTAs. Their homepage features a clear and compelling CTA button that stands out against the background, guiding users towards signing up or trying the product.
EIGHT
Do Implement Effective SEO Practices
Good web design goes hand-in-hand with good SEO.
Use relevant keywords, optimize meta tags, and ensure your site structure is logical and easy for search engines to crawl. High-quality content, fast loading times, and a mobile-friendly design also contribute to better search engine rankings.
SEO Tips:
Conduct keyword research to understand what your audience is searching for.
Use descriptive, keyword-rich titles and meta descriptions.
Create high-quality, engaging content that provides value to users.
Build internal links to help search engines understand your site structure.
NINE
Do Ensure Accessibility
Web accessibility ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your website.
This includes using alt text for images (so that screen readers can “read” the image), ensuring keyboard navigation for things such as forms, and providing transcripts for audio and video content.
Another huge accessibility point you should ensure is the around the colors you are using on your website. I tend to stick with about 3-5 colors as to many is a bit overpowering, but it’s important to remember your colors should have high contrast - this means you can easily see one color over another color (like black on white or white on black).
A good rule of thumb is to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Color Contrast Checker to make your site accessible.
Here’s an example of good and bad color contrast:
Example of good contrast ratio
Example of bad contrast ratio
Notice how in the bad color contrast, the color pink is to light to be read on a white background?
A solution would be to either make the color darker (like in the good example) or change the background color to something darker.
TEN
Do Test & Iterate
This tip is more of an advanced one, but still good to know because web design is an ongoing process.
Regularly testing your website’s performance and gathering user feedback can help you make data-driven decisions.
Tools for Testing:
Google Analytics for user behavior insights.
Hotjar for heatmaps and user session recordings.
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The Don'ts of Effective Web Design
ONE
Don’t Overload with Information
While it’s important to provide valuable content, too much information can definitely overwhelm users.
Avoid cluttering your pages with excessive text, images, or videos. Stick to the essentials and use a clear hierarchy to present information logically.
TWO
Don’t Use Too Many Fonts & Colors
Consistency is key in web design.
Using too many fonts and colors can create a chaotic and unprofessional look. Stick to a limited color palette and font family that align with your brand identity. This helps create a cohesive and visually appealing design.
Tips for Consistency:
Choose a primary and secondary color palette.
Stick to one or two fonts for the entire site.
Use consistent styling for buttons, headings, and other elements.
THREE
Don’t Ignore the Importance of Navigation
A confusing navigation system can frustrate users and lead them to leave your site so it’s important to ensure your navigation is intuitive and easy to use.
Use clear labels and organize your content in a logical manner. Implement a search function to help users find what they’re looking for quickly.
Example:
A site like Airbnb has an excellent navigation system. Categories are clear, and the search function is prominently displayed, making it easy for users to find accommodation options quickly.
FOUR
Don’t Neglect the Importance of White Space
White space, or negative space, is the empty space between design elements.
It helps create a clean and organized look, making it easier for users to focus on important content. Don’t cram too many elements into a small space - give your design room to breathe.
FIVE
Don’t Use Intrusive Pop-Ups
Pop-ups can be effective for capturing leads or promoting offers, but they can also be intrusive and annoying.
Avoid using too many pop-ups, especially ones that appear immediately upon landing on your site (unless it makes sense). If you use pop-ups, make sure they are easy to close and don’t disrupt the user experience.
Tips for Effective Pop-Ups:
Time your pop-ups to appear after the user has been on the site for a while.
Use exit-intent pop-ups that appear when a user is about to leave.
Ensure pop-ups are easy to close.
SIX
Don’t Ignore Analytics
Analytics provide valuable insights into how users interact with your website!
Ignoring analytics means missing out on opportunities to improve your site. Use tools like Google Analytics to track user behavior, identify issues, and measure the effectiveness of your design changes.
Example:
By analyzing their site’s analytics, a business might discover that a particular page has a high bounce rate. This could indicate a problem with the page’s content or design, prompting a redesign to improve user engagement.
SEVEN
Don’t Use Auto-Playing Media
Auto-playing videos or audio can be disruptive and annoying for users. Always give users the control to play media content. If you must use auto-play, ensure the media is muted by default and doesn’t startle users.
Example:
News sites like CNN sometimes use auto-playing videos. While this can grab attention, it can also frustrate users, especially if they are in a quiet environment or using a limited data plan.
EIGHT
Don’t Neglect Your Contact Information
Your contact information should be easy to find. Users should not have to hunt for ways to reach you.
Include a contact page with multiple ways to get in touch, such as a form, email address, phone number, and physical address if applicable. Consider adding a live chat feature for immediate assistance depending on your business.
Tips for Contact Information:
Place contact details in the footer of every page.
Use a dedicated contact page with a form.
Provide links to social media profiles for additional contact options.
5 Bonus Tips for Web Design Best Practices
Do Use Scalable Vector Graphics (SVGs)
SVGs are resolution-independent and load quickly, making them perfect for logos and icons. Unlike raster images, SVGs scale perfectly on any screen size without losing quality.
Example:
Many modern websites use SVGs for icons and logos because they look crisp on both mobile devices and large desktop monitors. SVGs also support interactivity and animations, which can enhance user engagement.
Do Incorporate User Feedback
User feedback is invaluable for improving your website. Use surveys, feedback forms, and user testing sessions to gather insights on how your site can be improved. Implement changes based on this feedback to better meet user needs.
Example:
A company might discover through user feedback that their checkout process is too complicated, leading to cart abandonment. Simplifying the process based on this feedback can improve conversions and user satisfaction.
Don’t Ignore the Importance of Content Hierarchy
A clear content hierarchy helps users understand the most important parts of your website. Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to structure your content and make it easy to scan.
Example:
News websites like BBC use a clear hierarchy to differentiate between breaking news, top stories, and other categories. This helps users quickly find the information they’re interested in.
Don’t Overlook the Power of Micro-Interactions
Micro-interactions are small animations or design elements that provide feedback to users. They can enhance user experience by making interactions feel more intuitive and engaging.
Example:
A simple animation when a button is clicked or a subtle hover effect on a menu item can make a website feel more responsive and polished. These micro-interactions guide users and provide feedback, making the experience more enjoyable.
Do Keep Up with Design Trends
Web design trends evolve rapidly. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can help you keep your website modern and competitive. However, don’t follow trends blindly - ensure they align with your brand and enhance the user experience.
Example:
Trends like dark mode, minimalist design, and immersive 3D elements are popular today. Incorporating these trends can make your website look fresh and modern, but they should be implemented thoughtfully to maintain usability and brand consistency.
Currently planning your squarespace website? Grab the free guide on how to plan and launch your website effortlessly with tips and tricks to guide you up to launch day!