Most people in Portland and throughout the world visit many websites a day, but not all websites are created equally. Some websites are easy to navigate, beautifully designed, and help the user find exactly what they are looking for. On the other hand, other websites are clunky, slow, and difficult to navigate. Excellent website design services in Portland play an important role in creating a website that is beautiful and functional with all the information you need. Here are the most important elements you need in your website:
Easy Navigation
Aside from how the website looks, one of the most important parts of a site and the first thing a user will notice is the navigation. Navigation is how people get around the site and find the information they need. It doesn’t need to be complicated; in fact, the best navigation is often simple and intuitive. Navigation can be effective in a number of forms, including with a drop-down directory menu. Limit the number of navigation menus and put yourself in the user’s shoes to make sure it is easy for them to find what they need.
White Space
Not every part of the website needs to be covered in a graphic or text. In fact, white space acts as a powerful contrast to draw people in and make it easier for them to focus on certain areas. Don’t overwhelm the user with too much content, and don’t be afraid to spread things out and put space in between.
Contact Information
One of the main goals of nearly every website is to earn more customers. But customers can’t come to you if they can’t communicate with you. Provide your business’s contact information throughout the website in easy-to-find ways, such as a “Contact Us” page or in the footer at the bottom of every page. You can also include a submission form that users can type into directly or links to your social media pages.
Your Company’s Story
Every website should teach users what the company is all about, what it does, and what it stands for. Include an “About Us” page to share what makes your organization tick and what makes you different from the competition. A user should feel confident that they understand your company after just a few minutes on your website.
Search
Some of the best information on your website may be older, and a search bar is crucial in helping users find exactly what they need. Search doesn’t need to be complicated—a simple search box in the top corner of the website can help users find exactly what they are looking for on your website.
Call to Action
What’s the point of your website? What do you want users to do after visiting? A call to action turns casual viewers into potential customers. It includes things like collecting email addresses, getting people to sign up for the service, or making a sale of a product. A call to action should be obvious and strong and done in a way that makes users want to sign up because they see the benefit of what the company has to offer.
Responsive Design
Responsive design is crucial to creating a great user experience. With responsive design, the website adjusts based on how someone is viewing the site. If they are on a mobile device, they see a site optimized for mobile, but if they are on a desktop computer they see things slightly differently. Responsive design creates a more personalized experience that fits the need of everyone who comes to the website.
Strong Images and Video
Content is crucial, but users have to be drawn in first with strong graphics. Modern customers are visual, and large, high-resolution images are one of the best ways to showcase your business and products. Integrate video to add another layer of connection and showcase what your company is all about.
These eight things every website needs show the importance of combining great design with usability and strong content. A great website designer can provide these services and ensure your company’s website is both beautiful and functional.
Interested in learning more about how Cyphon Design can help with your website? Contact us today to learn more.
