5 Web Design Tips
Why Quality Web Design Matters for Your NZ Business
Not sure what to make of your current web design, or perhaps thinking all websites look much the same? Have a squiz at some of the big players online – think Facebook, eBay, Twitter (X), or even Amazon. You’ll quickly see that’s definitely not the case. These successful sites showcase elements that highlight just how significant quality website design really is. Read on for some handy tips and ideas to help improve your approach to web development right here in New Zealand.
Key Web Design Tips for Success in NZ
Whether you’re involved in website development or running an ecommerce store, keep these pointers in mind:
Prioritise Website Speed
Always remember this: search engines (like Google) favour websites that load quickly. A speedy website is a great website, and you can’t expect much patience from your online visitors these days. If users are left staring at a blank page for more than a few seconds while your site loads, they’re likely to hit the back button and head elsewhere. Slow loading times can significantly impact your page experience and bounce rates. You can test your site’s speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
Ensure Cross-Platform Compatibility (Responsive Design)
Make sure your website design is functional and looks good across a wide range of platforms. This is crucial for bringing in more traffic. A website that displays well on desktops, tablets, and smartphones will naturally attract more visits than one that’s only optimised for a single device type. This is what responsive web design is all about, and it’s essential for reaching today’s diverse audience. Ensuring your site passes a mobile-friendly test is a good starting point.
Choosing the Right Web Design Tools
Designing a website inevitably involves working with images and graphics, often using image-editing software like Adobe Photoshop. The original article strongly recommended a program called Dreamweaver as an invaluable tool for creating content, functions, and pages. While specific tools evolve, the core principle remains: using professional software appropriate for the task (whether it’s graphic design, coding, or content management) is vital. It’s worth investigating the modern tools that can help you achieve your web design goals efficiently.
Evaluating Professional Web Designers
Thinking about getting professional web development and design services? Don’t even consider a provider if they can’t show you a solid portfolio of their previous work. Carefully review their client work to gauge their experience and the quality of their expertise. Make sure their services align with what you need and what you can afford. A good portfolio is an excellent indicator when you’re hiring the right web designer.
Don’t Forget the Favicon
Consider adding a “favicon” – that small graphical icon you see in browser tabs, bookmarks, and history lists. A distinctive favicon helps users easily identify and bookmark your site, making your website stand out when they scan their list of saved sites. As you know, effective marketing often involves standing out in subtle ways, contributing to your overall brand value. You can learn more about the technical side from resources like the MDN Web Docs on Favicons.
Don’t Settle for the Bare Minimum
You might not be aiming to create something utterly ground-breaking, but that doesn’t mean settling for just the basics is a good strategy. Your chances of getting your website noticed by potential customers are already challenging enough. With the right approach to design, you’ll have a much better shot at creating a good website that actually delivers the results you’re after. Following these web design ideas and tips is a solid start!