What is a good layout for web design?

8 November 2022

Opening a website is one thing, but it’s important to make sure that website is desirable to visit. This can be tough because registering a domain name and opening a website is relatively simple, but it’s not altogether clear how your website should be designed, especially if you have little web design experience.

After all, a clear, consistent layout and well-formatted content will incentivize Google’s algorithm to raise your SEO ranking. Of course, much of this is common sense - laying out easy-to-load images formatted well within the content, subheadings, a simple menu of services you offer, and essential pages like a contact form can help a website thrive.

Never fear, because at WidaGroup we’re more than happy to help. In this post, we’ll discuss a few good layouts you can use for your web design approach - as well as discuss what visitors are looking for when they approach your online platform.
 

What are the principles of good web design?

Whatever layout you choose, make sure it’s easy to read. Break up text with paragraph spaces, and keep it well-formatted alongside its images.

Drop-down menus at the top or side of a web page allow for easy movement from page to page, and an indexed search bar can help a user find content easily.

Most importantly, good web design is adaptable from desktop to mobile devices, as 90% of people own a smartphone, this important. Avoid spam, overbearing advertisement placements, links that lead to 404 errors, and overtly ‘busy’ design that impedes navigation.

Like with any form of interactive design, simplicity is king. It will also allow for easy editing and updates to your online platform as you add or refine content..

Which web design formats are most popular?

The F-Pattern reading layout has proven to be the most reliable means for matching eye-scanning patterns.

This means users can easily follow your content and find the specific sections they most care about.

Heightening accessibility and increasing user retention; applying your content near the top and left side of your web page and laying it out in sections has proven to work from website to website, regardless of its purpose or content variety.

What goals should we try and reach in our web design?

●Navigability - from new to power users, accessibility and quick movement from page to page are key.

●Loadability - if your website is too slow, it will inspire users to find another platform. Optimized imagery and content brevity are key.

●Visual cohesiveness - Themed colour palettes (best aligned with your branding design), simple fonts, light and dark modes in compliance with device viewing settings, and keeping a similar format from page to page will ensure your website flows cleanly.

That’s great, but what approach is best for your business?

This is a wise question. These principles, while working for a vast variety of businesses, may need to be applied to your brand’s website in a unique and compelling manner.

If engaging in that pursuit, you need the experts in your corner. Contact WidaGroup today to see how your layout can be designed to compete with the best of them!