Websites today should be both useful in content and visually appealing without having to sacrifice one for the other. Most website owners that we talk to find that their site does a great job with explaining what it is they do; however, the design of their site tells a different story. Instead of revamping their website with a modern look and feel, people tend to hit the panic button and immediately consider designing a new website from scratch. We’re here to tell you to PAUSE before hitting that panic button!

Most websites just need a little TLC when it comes to their design. What is it about your website that you don’t like? Taking a step back and assessing your website will help you determine what’s working and what’s not. The smallest details can dramatically change the way your site looks. We made a checklist below of some of the common design elements that affect website design. Go through the list and see if you can nail down what design elements need some TLC on your website!

Navigation Design

How is your sites navigation structure? A lot of time, users have difficulty when trying to find the information they are looking for. A common problem we see with website design tends to lie within the site’s navigation structure. Look at your navigation from an outsiders perspective who knows nothing about your business. Would your sites structure make sense to a new customer?

Typography

Check out the different fonts that you are using on your website. How many font styles are you using? Are your font sizes and colors consistent throughout your site? The fonts you select should not only represent your business but should help reinforce your branding. Be conscious of the font styles that you select as different fonts will communicate different messages.

This font feels different 
than this font!
CMS

The content management system that you use plays a huge role in the design of your website. You want to use a CMS that allows you to design your website the way you need and want to. Many CMS platforms are limited in what they can offer you for custom design options, typically providing stale, out-of-the box templates that are non-customizable. Take a step back and check out the overall features and design options of your CMS. Does your CMS allow you to easily customize your site the way you need to? If your answer is no, it’s time to start looking for a new platform.

Imagery

Does the imagery you use on your website reflect your specific business? Websites like Adobe Stock, iStock and Shutterstock are great resources for photos and videos, however, purchasing a stock photo and throwing it on your website is not always best. Using stock images can show a lack of authority. We tend to steer away from using stock images when we can. If you are purchasing stock images, try looking for images that reflect your specific business. 

Color Scheme

Colors play a HUGE role in your websites design. In our Color Psychology for Website Design blog post, we talk about how users make up their minds within 90 seconds of their initial interactions with websites and about 62‐90% of the assessment is based on colors alone. From the color you choose for your headline text to the color you pick for the background; your color scheme will set the mood for your website and ultimately your brand. Take a look at your websites color scheme. Does it represent your brand and the message you’re trying to convey? 

Fresh Content 

Is the content on your website current and up-to-date? Having fresh content on your website is good practice for both SEO efforts and user experience. Click through different pages of your site and see when the last time the content was updated. If your pages seem stale and outdated, try adding some relevant content to those pages. A good practice for generating new content would be to add a blog section to your website. Adding a blog section will allow you create posts on topics from within your industry. Need help coming up with content for your website? Check out our blog post: What is Content? 

Have you assessed your website and still not sure what design direction to head into? Reach out to our Creative Technology team below to start the conversation!

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