8 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT WEBSITE DESIGN
Good website design can make a good first impression, but it can also leave a lasting effect. Regardless of whether you’re thinking about redesigning your existing website or looking into professional website design in Fort Collins for the first time, there is no denying the impact a well-designed website can make. But, there’s also no denying how much damage a poorly designed website can do. Good website design can play a crucial role in converting site visitors into customers. To build a website that will not only be visually appealing, but also effective, it’s important to invest in high quality design. In order to create a website that will speak highly of your brand, it’s also important that you’re not falling for the common website design myths circulating around the Internet.
Myth 1: You Can Build a Good Website for Cheap
In this day and age, it’s easy to find website templates that allow you to get a site up and running quickly and at a low price. Although it may be tempting to save the extra money, there are many reasons why you should invest in a custom website. The best way to ensure that you have a website that looks good, works great, and is user friendly is to work with a web design specialist who understands the importance of creating a site that properly reflects your brand identity. Customizing a template to represent you will inevitably limit your possibilities, but by investing a little more money into a custom site, you have the freedom to create something that uniquely encompasses who you are, what you’re about, and what your customers need.
Myth 2: Aesthetics Are More Important Than Function
Don’t confuse the importance of a well designed website by concentrating more on the visual appeal of the site, than the functionality of it. While it’s important to create a site that will catch the eye of any visitors, it’s more important to create a site that will fit the needs of those who are actually using it. Rather than focusing on looking the part, focus on designing the one that’s best qualified for the job. Aspects of user experience such as quality content, readability, responsive design, clear navigation, and site speed are crucial for a successful site.
Myth 3: Responsive Design Is Nice, But not Necessary
The world as we know it is saturated with devices, all ranging in size from smartphones to desktops, and all accessing the Internet differently. While there was once a time when mobile-friendly design wasn’t necessary, those days are quickly coming to an end (and some might argue, they already have). Responsive design benefits your SEO while making it possible for users to easily access your site and your content regardless of the size of their screen.
Myth 4: Design Once and You’re Done
Just as with any well-oiled machine, routine maintenance and updates will always be necessary for optimal site performance. The digital world changes constantly with new advancements and evolving trends, so you’ll need to invest time into readjusting and reworking your site if you want to keep it from getting rusty. Take the time to regularly monitor analytics and take the necessary actions to keep your website current and relevant.
Myth 5: Stock Photos Will Do the Trick
While there might be an extensive variety of images to choose from, using stock photography will never look as good as using original and unique photos. You want to attract visitors to the individual characteristics that make your brand stand out, rather than showing them generic images that they’ve likely seen before. It’s important to note, however, that poor-quality images (even if they are original and unique) will not provide you with a stunning website. Images play a HUGE role in your site’s appearance: you may have an excellent design layout, but bad images will destroy the design. There have been numerous times we have recommended that clients use stock photography (if we’re not needing specific images of products) if they are unable to provide high-quality, original photos. However, whenever possible, we encourage them to send us their own images.
Myth 6: More Or Less Is Best
Some might tell you that the more features you have the better, while others argue that minimalist design is what you need. The truth is the ideal number of features for your site depends on what you have to offer. You want to focus on providing the best user experience. Over-filling your site with unnecessary features might not benefit you, while leaving out important elements might not either. There are plenty of sites on both ends of the spectrum that have found both success and failure, the key is to concentrate on finding what’s best for your site and purpose. This may require flexibility and a bit of trial and error, but working with a successful web design company can significantly help you as you decide on the right balance in your design.
Myth 7: Home Page Matters Most
The homepage is like the entryway of a house; it welcomes people as the walk in, but it’s not where people sit and stay awhile. You want to make sure that your home page does a good job of welcoming your visitors and introducing yourself, but don’t forget that sub-pages are where you’ll make them feel at home. Make sure that your home page is optimized with high-quality, pertinent, and easy to read content and don’t overlook doing the same for every other page on your site.
Myth 8: A Good Website Is the Key to Success
There’s no denying the role good website design plays in helping you to find digital success, but it doesn’t stop there. An attractive, responsive, quick loading site is key, but good website design is wasted if no one knows your site exists. That’s where good SEO steps in and takes that well designed website and turns it into a top ranking site. Red Rocket Web Specialists builds websites that actually work and look great, too. Call us today at (970) 674-0079 or Contact us online to learn more.