Learn how to enhance user experience, increase engagement, and drive conversions with these best practices for website layout design.
Creating an effective website layout is a crucial aspect of web design. A well-designed layout can enhance the user experience, increase engagement, and ultimately drive conversions. Here are some tips for creating effective website layouts that your designer will look at incorporating for you:
Plan your layout
Before you start designing your website, take the time to plan your layout. Consider your goals for the site, the needs and expectations of your audience, and the content that will be included. Your designer might sketch out a wireframe or rough layout to help you visualize the overall structure of the site.
Keep it simple
Simplicity is key when it comes to website layouts. A cluttered or complicated layout can be overwhelming for users and make it difficult for them to find the information they need. Stick to a clean and simple design that’s easy to navigate. Don’t get tempted to ask your designer to add more in to the layout if it isn’t essential.
Use a grid system
Using a grid system can help you create a structured and organized layout that’s visually appealing and easy to follow. Grids can help you align elements and create a balanced design that’s aesthetically pleasing.
Prioritize content
Your website layout should prioritize the most important content, such as headlines, calls to action, and important information. Use font size, colour, and placement to draw attention to these elements and make them stand out. Your designer will need your input of what’s most important for your business to ensure that they can make that part stand out.
Use white space effectively
White space, or negative space, refers to the empty space between design elements. Using white space effectively can help your layout breathe and make it easier for users to focus on the content. Don’t be afraid to use white space to create a clean and minimalist design. It’s tempting to want to add more in, but often it will take away from the impact.
Consider responsive design
More and more people are accessing websites on their mobile devices, so it’s important to create a layout that’s responsive and mobile-friendly. Consider how your layout will look on different screen sizes and test it on different devices to ensure that it’s easy to use and navigate. If your designer doesn’t talk to you about this, you should look at flagging it as important.
Pay attention to typography
Typography plays a critical role in website layouts. Choose fonts that are easy to read and appropriate for your content and audience. Use typography to create a hierarchy of information and make it easier for users to scan and find what they’re looking for. A number of designers will look at incorporating the font from your logo into your website to help tie in your branding, so if your logo was designed a while ago, it might be worthwhile seeing if you can track down that information.
Use colour effectively
Colour can help to create a mood or tone for your website and draw attention to important elements. Use colour strategically to create contrast and highlight key information. Bold colours really help to draw your attention, but subtle colours don’t overwhelm as much; your designer will probably look at incorporating different shades of your main colours into the design.
In conclusion, creating an effective website layout requires careful planning, simplicity, structure, and attention to detail. By following these tips and best practices, you can create a website layout that’s visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for conversions.
