There are certain web design elements that every website should have. The key to retaining web visitors is to provide them with a smooth web experience. If your website doesn’t provide the user with what they want, they will abandon the site and never return.
More and more people are conducting business on the web than ever before. Many web users have become savvier over the past few years, especially when it comes to making online buying decisions. Your web visitors will expect to see certain features on your website and if those features are missing, they will take notice. The following are a few web design news tips every business owner should follow.
Web Design Element 1: Smooth Navigation
Navigating within a website or blog should be easy and consistent. This is one of the most important web design elements. Visitors should be able to roam without difficulty. Avoid trying to re-invent the wheel when it comes to a website’s visual images and if web text is used as a form of navigation, it should be succinct.
When hyperlinks are embedded within a site, they should stand out from the web text. Make sure you test your website for any broken links. Avoid anything that may create confusion or wastes the valuable time of your visitors. Here are a few quick navigational tips:
- Use textual descriptions for links to make it a smooth transition to the next page.
- Offer alt text for images.
- Utilize alternative text description methods for Javascript links or Flash.
- Organize the site’s navigation along with the theme of the website.
Web Design Element 2: Include a Search Box
Whether you own a website or a blog, you should have a search box. A search box is basically an archive of information. This is also one of the important web design elements to have in case a visitor decides to search for information that is concealed within the website. Remember, if people are unable to find what they are searching for, they will more than likely ditch the website. It is important to provide them with an easy way to search for information.
Web Design Element 3: Avoid Complicated Registration Forms
When creating registration forms keep it simple. Most users don’t have time to fill out long registration details. Some website owners create long-winded forms to help prevent spam. In reality, you’re doing more harm than good.
Keep in mind, when a form has too many fields, this frustrates the user and increases the chances of them leaving the site. Remember, the purpose of a person visiting a website is to obtain information — not give it away.
The easier it is to navigate through a website, the faster your visitors will acquire the information they need.
This website design news article was written by Flying Cow Design. Flying Cow Design provides web design, logo design, print design, eCommerce design, SEO and more. To find out the latest website design news, visit: FlyingCowDesign.com today!
CEO, Flying Cow Design
Attended University of Auckland
Lives in San Francisco Bay Area
