How to Design an Effective Web site

Posted October 20, 2011
by Justin Murphy in Web Design & Marketing

Have you ever wondered how to determine a good web site design from a not-so-good web site design?

It's more than just a gut feeling. Here is a list of four criteria:

1. Clarity

Your site should unmistakably communicate your identity, your purpose, and your distinctives. If you want to stand out, it should never be designed using the same template anyone else could buy off the shelf. Branding is supposed to set you apart, not make you blend in. Be different and tell your customers why that difference matters to them.

2. A Targeted, Branded Web Design

The design of your web site either aids the communication or distracts from it. It must be targeted and aesthetically pleasing to attract and engage visitors. It needs to reflect a unified look and feel, so that your customers gain a sense of confidence in your professionalism. This gives them the confidence to do business with you.

3. Ease of Use

The site must be simple to navigate, and should help users easily find information. Think through your audience and ask yourself: what specific questions are my users coming to me with? Then arrange your content and pages so that they specifically answer those questions in a simple, clear way.

4. Substance

Your visitors should gain relevant content that truly educates them on your product or service and specifically gives them clear calls to action. A website that is updated regularly will give users a reason to return often. The contrary is also true.


Need a quick checkup?

Our team is highly experienced in thinking this way. We are skilled at using cutting-edge web technologies to produce a site that meets your needs, surpasses your expectations, and engages your audience. Over time a site's audience can change; we're here to help. We're happy to give you a quick review of your site and recommendations for improvement in any of these 4 areas. Get in touch with us today!

Tags: Design, Web Site Development

Blog

Subscribe

Based in Greenville SC, Your Creative People is a forward-thinking brand development, web design and marketing communications agency that creates solutions that engage your audience. We are experts in integrating social media, e-mail marketing, video, and search engine optimization into campaigns that drive leads.