Follow These 5 Steps To A Successful Web Design Strategy
by Josette MIllar
Creating a website is one thing. Creating a successful web design strategy is another thing. While it’s true that, in a perfect world, these two things are synonymous, the reality is that they don’t often go together as perfectly in the beginning as they should.
Before you find yourself trying to reconcile oil and water after the fact, follow these simple tips to get your site on the right track so you can create the perfect blend from the very beginning:
1. Create a Compass
Easy and intuitive navigation is absolutely imperative when it comes to web design strategy. Your users and search engines alike will look toward your navigation as a guide that will lead them to (or away from) you. While kitschy navigation links and industry-only words may sound like a good idea in theory, the reality is that words and links that aren’t universal will likely send a portion of your visitors away before they even learn what you’re all about. Make sure your compass points north and creates a clear and concise road map for your site’s visitors.
2. Use Your Words.
You’ve heard these instructions since you were a child, and if you’re a parent, you’ve likely caught yourself saying this phrase far more than you’d like to admit. Those lessons we learn when we’re toddlers are often meant to carry on through life, and when it comes to creating a successful web design strategy, this is one of those lessons that spans the ages. Unique, viable, and relative content is essential for your website. Don’t know how to write? Don’t worry! There are plenty of freelancers in the world who will be happy to help. The key is to keep the content fresh and on-topic so search engines will rank you higher and send people your way. Content comes in the form of landing pages, sub-pages within the site, blogs, and really anything else that uses words, pictures, or videos to get the message out.
3. Respond Accordingly.
There has been a Great Debate about responsive themes for years, but it doesn’t matter which side of that argument you’re on, you’re not likely to dispute the fact that websites need to be mobile-friendly. Well before you begin drawing up the blueprints, your web design strategy needs to incorporate features that are friendly for users of all platforms. These days, you’ll have visitors viewing your site on their phones, tablets, desktops, and laptops. The possibilities are endless, and your site needs to accommodate the needs and devices of anyone who could land on your landing page.
4. Be Resourceful.
As you integrate quality content into your web design strategy, be careful not to go overboard or link to sites that aren’t as useful as others could be. For example, out-linking to a post from Forbes is going to carry much more authority than would a link to a site that is unconfirmed or otherwise unknown. Of course, if you find a resource that seems helpful and in-tune with your own product or service, you should absolutely link to it; just be mindful not to go overboard with out-links to nowhere.
5. Be Brief.
Have you ever landed on a page that immediately felt overwhelming? Of course you have; we all have! Avoid the overwhelming banter and flashy photos in favor of a more streamlined and clean process. Brief explanations and navigation will allow visitors to explore at their leisure.
We’d love to hear how you plan your web design strategy to meet the needs of the masses! Share your thoughts about this topic at our Sheffield Media Group Facebook page!