Whether you run an online business or use a website to promote a physical storefront, the design of your website is a critical component to your business success. Here are five essential web design components that you need to consider.
1. White Space
White space is an important design element because it breaks up the page and creates a clean, fresh look. When a website is too cluttered, users can feel overwhelmed. There needs to be space between images, objects, paragraphs, and links to help users navigate your site more effectively and feel relaxed as they click and scroll through. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t add background colors or bright, attractive images or headlines. Just make sure you balance your site’s prominent features with enough unoccupied space.
2. Typeface
“Typeface” is another term for “font.” Choose a font that is legible, appealing, and represents your brand. Sans serif fonts work best for websites because they are simple and clean. Serif fonts, contrarily, include small end strokes that extend each letter in a fanciful way. It’s best to steer clear of fonts with excess strokes to make reading easier on your users. There are plenty of free fonts online that you don’t have to download directly to your computer. You simply refer to the font family in the head portion of your HTML file.
3. Color Palette
Color is key in web design. Your website can have all sorts of wonderful features, but if the colors don’t match or are unappealing, your users won’t return. Consider the psychology of color when choosing your palette to evoke certain responses from your users. For example, bright yellows and oranges provoke energy and excitement, while muted blues and greens create a calming effect. Choose colors that match your brand and the mood you want to set when users visit your site.
4. Links and Buttons
The easiest way to get users to interact with your site is by providing links and buttons. However, you must design attractive links and buttons so that your users click on them. Active link color, link hover color, and text effect are important design elements for text links. Shape, color, border, font, and hover effect are important considerations for buttons. Use your color palette and typeface as a guide for creating clickable features that users can’t resist.
5. Forms
Forms are another way to provide interactive elements on your site. Email list sign-ups, contact forms, information requests, and submissions forms are ways you can get users to divulge information or get in touch with you. Your forms must be easy to complete, attractive, and match the look and feel of the rest of your site. Pay attention to the input field shape, color, and typeface. If creating custom forms gives you trouble, consider hiring a professional website builder for help.
Create a Simple, Smart Design
Your website should accurately reflect your brand and evoke certain emotions among your users. Consider your color scheme, font families, and input forms when designing your site. Give your users an incredible experience and a consistent visual message so that they know what to expect.
