The 7 Most Effective Rules of Web Design

One of the most important principles of effective website design is 'Keep it simple'. This rule must be applied to all aspects of your website, including graphics, content and navigation. Use the following guidelines to implement simplicity in your website design and make your sites stand out from the clutter of ineffective ones on the internet that do not follow these rules.

1. Provide content with the target audience in mind

Develop the habit of including only those features on your website that are relevant to the site functionality and carry some meaning for your target audience. Adding a feature that pleases you but does not carry any significance for your readers or customers is a waste of time and bandwidth.

2. Minimize features that need high bandwidth

Bandwidth-consuming images and videos must be used judiciously or they can considerably increase the time your web pages take to load, irritating visitors and hindering usage of your website. Additionally, regularly monitor your web pages to check their loading time and repair any broken links.

3. Inform your visitors but do not brag

Provide your visitors with easy to digest information and not tall claims. When giving them information about your products and services, include references and customer testimonials to allow them to judge your performance. Successful web copies aim to initiate dialogue with customers to make them want to contact you and add to your client base.

4. Simplicity in language and clarity of thought

Use simple, concise and easy to understand language, and minimize the use of overly technical words and industry jargon, that can be understood only by a small section of people. Provide attention-grabbing headlines that encourage visitors to read on and establish a relationship with your company. All your ideas must be well thought and clearly expressed in the content. Ambiguity in language or expression can negatively affect the image of your site and company.

5. Develop good content

Developing good content for your website is very important as it can capture visitor attention and help them better absorb what you have to offer. If you are on a budget, hire marketing, advertising or journalism graduates who are eager to get some real time experience to write for your website or offer bonuses to your regular readers if they contribute and also provide content. Additionally, avoid cluttering up your web pages with too much information, advertisements or features.

6. Provide your visitors with effective information

Your web pages should be designed to give unique information to your readers. Providing information that visitors cannot find easily on other websites gives you a huge advantage. However, this information should be valid and backed by experience and knowledge. For instance, if your site sells accounting services, get an accountant to write an article on "10 biggest tax mistakes".

7. Simplify search and navigation

Along with simplicity in content and graphics, it is important to design your pages in a way that facilitates quick and easy search of desired information. If visitors do not easily find what they are looking for, and have to browse through several pages before reaching their search items, they get bored and turn their attention to other websites. Easy search capabilities make visitors' browsing experience an enjoyable one. The faster your visitors can navigate through your website and find what they are looking for, the more likely you are to get repeat visits from them.

Follow the above-mentioned steps and it will definitely help you to improve your credibility and search engine rankings, build reader trust and loyalty, attract more visitors and build your follower base.