Elements of small business website design
Small business website design can have a huge impact when done right, and can be costly when done wrong. Companies that focus on modern web design elements regularly outrank competitors and more easily attract clients. This is because every element on a website should be purposeful and easy to understand. Viewing or analyzing a website is generally a qualitative process, rather than a quantitative one. Let’s look at the elements that make up a modern small business website.
Responsive design
Here is the thing – you need your website to be accessible across all devices and platforms, from a smartphone to traditional PCs. Realistically, only a responsive design can help you do that. Responsive design means the website will scale to any device in real time. This element makes your website far more accessible- and with more people using smartphones to access websites than PCs, it just makes sense.
White space
There’s so much to be said for intelligently used white space in web design. Of course, when we say “white space”, we don’t actually mean it has to be the color white. We mean space that is void of anything: data, images, graphics, text… seriously, anything. White space is a critical component to a well-designed page, because, it helps your users focus in on what’s relevant. When you use white space correctly, users will be directed to your products or services in a manner that feels natural.
Clean lines
Clean lines help to maintain order on a site. Good web design let’s the lines carry the flow of information over the span of your page. When used in conjunction with proper white space, the result is a site that’s astonishingly easy to navigate and use. A good rule of thumb to use when evaluating ease-of-use for your site is to run it past someone who isn’t tech savvy. If they can get around, anyone can.
Consistent fonts and colors
It is easy to get carried away with different web fonts and different color schemes. Don’t be afraid to put your foot down to ensure your site stays consistent. Any publication, either online, or in print, can suffer from fonts and colors that keep changing. Pick a style, and really whittle it down to the essentials, and have the courage to stick with it.
Invest in great imagery
Spice up your website with rich media, including great pictures and professional videos. Ensure that you do not overload web pages with images and videos – web pages still need to load quickly. When used correctly, imagery should compliment your website’s design and help establish the point of the page.
Limit Distractions
If you’re already making good use of white space and clean lines, limiting distractions should come easily. Have a call to action at the end of a section and make sure it fits naturally. A good web design can guide users eyes to where you want them to be. This will allow your users to focus on what they’re really looking for, and what really matters to them.
If you’re working with static content, take the time to make the best choices and don’t be afraid to change things as you go along. Invest time in making the right small business website design, and don’t forget the basics.
