Things To Do When Designing A Website

 

The start of a web design project can cause some apprehension. There are many variables and the customers, in general, set the bar very high qualitatively. Identifying goals, defining the scope, developing a site tree and a model, creating content, interface design, and site testing are all aspects of the process of web design.

 

In other words, the risks of failure are multiple. It is, therefore, necessary to prepare with a sound strategy.

 

“Do not underestimate the battle of creation: equip yourself with the right tools.”

 

Let’s take a look at some tips for web design when creating a website for your customer. These recommendations are valid for all types of websites specialized in e-commerce for the general public: e-commerce sites, small business websites, product showcases, etc.

 

Identify precisely the expectations.

 

A web design project can only be successful if this notion of “success” has been defined.

 

Depending on the client’s degree of experience in operating a website, he may not be able to articulate his real needs.

 

This may have consequences, such as a customer becoming aware, in the middle of a project, his mistake.

 

This is why it is essential to understand the client’s expectations from the first interview with him. Here are five questions to ask:

 

• What is the interest of this website for you and your company?
• What results do you want from this website?
• How do you measure the success of this website?
• Is this website intended to represent an essential part of your business, or will it serve to provide information about the company? Should it be considered a brand extension (microsite) or an ancillary project?
• Who is the target audience? Who will visit this website?

 

From the moment you have collected the answers to these questions, prepare a relevant document with an attractive presentation, which will encourage the client to adhere to the solution you propose. Attach this document to the contract. At this point, you have limited the potential disappointments.

 

1. Embrace Social Media

 

Just like mobile, social media is an ever-present element in the modern web landscape. Don’t ignore it. Whether your client likes it or not, social media is where people are.

 

2. Do not neglect typography

 

Beyond the visual aspect of a project, we must also focus on typography and not just add some fonts to the design.

 

Currently, many quality web design projects emphasize typography, to make it not just a design element, but a creative tool in its own right. Another exciting aspect of well-studied typography – and this is related to the previous point: it is exploitable on all devices.

 

3. Focus on mobility

 

Mobility is in tune with the times – whether it’s surfing the web, viewing multimedia content, interacting on social networks or shopping. Currently, users access the internet on mobile devices more often than from a desktop.

 

For this reason, you must ensure that the design of your website is optimized for mobile, i.e. your site must be responsive. This means that all features – including the shopping cart – must work smoothly to deliver an exceptional user experience.

 

4. Simplify navigation

 

To fulfill its purpose, users must be able to navigate easily from point A to point B.

 

Therefore, the design of the navigation system must be minimalist and use only the information needed to bring the user from point A to point B at a glance.

 

Begin by summarizing the most important steps punctuating the journey of users on the website. Make sure your navigation system helps them on this route instead of making it difficult for them. Think about how you can help them do the things they want to do, without imposing your vision on them. Applying good browsing practices on websites and mastering the basics of mobile navigation is the assurance of optimized user experience.

 

5. Respect web standards

 

Standards must be respected for one essential reason: your audience is used to it. Do not force users to learn a new way to navigate your website. Make it easy for them by implementing web standards they already know.

 

For example, all e-commerce sites position the shopping cart in the upper right corner. Not for aesthetic reasons, but because the public expects to find it there.

 

Also adopt other web standards, such as these:

 

• Logo top left (according to a study by Nielsen Norman, users are 89% more likely to remember a logo when positioned there).

 

• Consistent visual identity throughout the website (pages must follow identical design patterns – which is rarely the case for e-commerce sites).

 

• Contact at the top right or center.

 

• Navigation banner at the top of the page, across its width and without clearly identifiable menus.

 

• Added value and call-to-action at the top of the homepage (a highly visible call-to-action helps optimize conversions).

 

• Search function in the header.

 

• Area reserved for inscriptions in the footer.

 

6. Give priority to content

 

Nothing can replace well-presented content. The content is king. Never neglect it because it will trigger interactions and possible actions on the part of the customer.

 

Always focus on the content your client wants to share on their website. Then think about how design can help improve the visibility of this content and awaken more resonance in the audience.

 

For example, if you are creating an e-commerce site, ask yourself how you could showcase the products rather than blending them into the rest of the design.

 

7. Set the goal

 

This point is in direct correlation with the previous one. Quite simply, a website with no clearly defined goal has no chance of success.

 

The goal is a notion that you and your client must define together. It must be clearly defined, achievable and measurable.

 

A valid goal for a website must be:

 

• Clearly defined. “It has to generate sales.”

 

• Measurable. “It must generate at least X sales per month.”

 

• Achievable. “It has to generate one billion sales a month.”

 

And most importantly, a website should only pursue one primary objective.

 

Author Bio:

 

Melissa Crooks is Content Writer who writes for Hyperlink Infosystem, one of the leading app development companies in New York, USA & India that holds the best team of skilled and expert app developers. She is a versatile tech writer and loves exploring latest technology trends, entrepreneur and startup column.