A strong website design will not only help you attract site visitors but will help convert them to customers. While Search Engine Optimization is the digital marketing tool used to ensure a solid site user experience leading to a sale, phone call, or sign-up, this discipline works within the site’s web design framework. Everyone knows the internet becomes a more competitive marketplace daily so that now more than ever, it is important that site design reflects what users are seeking. That said, here are the top web design trends to incorporate for optimal success in 2020.
1) Full-Screen Forms
The more the digital world emulates what consumers are accustomed to, the greater the likelihood that they will convert. Full-screen forms not only make it easier for users to complete but offer fewer distractions that could cause them to abandon an incomplete form or put it off for the ‘later’ that never comes.
2) Oversized Type and Page Elements
To be successful, visual communication must be clear and immediate. ‘Busy’ pages confuse users who will simply leave the site. Not only are these larger images and type attention-getting, but they also can be used to deliver succinct messaging (i.e. Nike’s iconic ‘Just Do It’). The caveat here is to not overload users’ sense with too many oversized-elements and to assure SEOs that alt tags will attract search engine bots, not necessarily a keyword-rich block of text.
3) Split Screen Content
Partitioned design is having its moment. This is an ideal concept for the home page where site visitors are confronted with numerous opportunities to explore. Maximize its efficiency by dividing the above-the-fold content into two major elements to differentiate each (i.e. Products/Services). Rather than have the design equivalent of a surgical scar down the middle, relocate a business logo for a dramatic effect that also extends a brand’s reach. If used on internal or nested pages, the center of the dividing line is an effective location for a Call-To-Action (CTA).
4) Color Blocks
Color blocks are part of the ‘return to whitespace’ movement that has been developing over the past decade. Manufacturing and catalog websites have been particularly guilty of cramming content into every square pixel of screen space, to the confusion of readers. Slogans, tag lines, messaging, as well as headings will not be overlooked if offset on large blocks of color. This clean and concise approach also offers an ideal location for CTAs, links to forms, etc.
5) High Impact 3D Digital Artwork
3D images have always lent upscale credibility to any site. The problem has been that the software was priced out of most designers’ reach. These modeling programs are now much more affordable and, when combined with subtle colorations, such as iridescent tones, the overall effect is dazzling and impressive.
6) Engage with Motion
Our eyes are programmed to respond to movement and can be harnessed to receive a brand’s strategic messaging more effectively than with static text or images alone. A steady diet of special web design effects, however, can leave visitors bombarded, jaded or overstimulated. Whether to opt for elements that move when the mouse hovers, textual zippers that run across a page, or full-screen video/animation, these techniques must be used judiciously to achieve the intended goal.
7) Overlap Layers
Site movement should not be limited to videos. Adding depth to secondary pages will not only engage visitors but also pique their interest. It is an ideal way to influence conversions and facilitate the sales funnel.
8) Custom Artwork
As many production artists can attest, despite the proliferation of available stock photography and illustrations, regular internet users will soon see the same images used time and again. Studies have shown that it is actually far more effective to create custom artwork to demonstrate a product, tell a story, advance the brand than the use of stock imagery in any format. Why? Become the shock of the new not only gains users’ attention but also is retained in memory- along with that brand.
9) Microcopy
Is also having a moment. A key part of the sales funnel, this transitional content usually takes the form of a line of instructional text. Not only does this copy provide a useful suggestion to readers, i.e.“We value your opinion. Take a minute to submit our form and receive 10% off your next order”, but also guides them closer to goals achievement.
10) Exposed Design Foundations
Another form of page segmentation easily incorporated into current web design trends is actually a throwback to earlier web design: exposed grids and windows. Normally reserved for behind-the-scenes work, using grids and guidelines to segment web pages also lets users feel part of the act, from concept to finished presentation. It is the web design equivalent of the All-Access Pass and subliminally makes users more comfortable with the process of finding what they came for and converting.
Web design trends come and go based on their efficacy and continued response from site visitors. Can you distinguish which are most viable from those that will actually block prospects and potential customers from finding you? We can and have been designing and building websites that succeed for decades. For optimal results as well as a visually stunning and effective web design, contact our professional team at Active Web Group. Call to schedule a confidential review at (800) 978-3417. Let’s get your business noticed in a good way!
