Basically, web development is about effective marketing, clearly communicating with the user, and improving conversion rates.
But how do you achieve these things with a web layout exactly? The answer is simple: you should design it in a way that makes it easier for users to find what they’re looking for, and take the actions you want (i.e. subscribing). Here are a few ways you can get started with this.
1. Utilize the “F” pattern design to make it easier to scan
According to eye tracking studies, people scan their computer screens in the shape of an “F” – hence the name “F” pattern. This means that they first look at the top left of the screen and then scan to the right. This being said, users rarely pay attention to the upper right corner of their screens. To catch the user’s attention, then, design your websites so that scanning is done in the “F” pattern. You want to make scanning more natural for your user so that they’ll better digest information on your website. Check out this bvi property magazine’s website for an example of an “F” pattern layout,
2. Make websites mobile-friendly
Today, people are accessing websites from their mobile phones as much as they are with their laptops. Thus, you’ll want to make your website compatible with different screen sizes. You can either make your website responsive (adjustable to different screen widths) or build a dedicated mobile site. See the pic above for a mockup for a current development by the Parlance Media web pros.
3. Use grids for better organization
To make content on your website easier to read, consider making your layouts grid-based. This will section everything into columns and boxes so that your users can easily find what they’re looking for. Parlance Media designed a website for a real estate agent in Canada who needed a grid layout for her listings. This
4. Make your navigation easy for people to take action
Navigation is about how easy it is for people to take action and move around your website. Some tactics for effective navigation include a logical page hierarchy, using bread crumbs, designing clickable buttons, and following the ‘three click rule’ which means users will be able to find the information they are looking for within three clicks. A good example of a site with a clear intent to get viewer to take action is this BVI vacation villa website Parlance Media put together for Golden Pavilion villa.
5. Have a clear purpose for each web page
Your website should have a clear purpose, and your users should immediately recognize what the purpose is. This being said, it’s a good idea to understand what your users will be doing on each page and design it according to that.
If you would like to learn more about effective web design, get in touch.
Sources:
1. “Top 10 Principles of Effective Web Design” (Shortie Designs)
2. “8 Effective Web Design Principles You Should Know” (Conversion XL)