Web design can be a complicated game with the code you use determining so much more than how your site looks. The way in which you design a website affects not only the way the site looks; it also affects the way that it functions. Web design, therefore, is not only a question of aesthetics but practicality as well.
Here, we take a look at a number of practical elements which you need to be aware of when designing your website.
1. SSL Security
Particularly if you’re looking to use your site for e-commerce, security should be a number one priority. This is also important for sites that ask visitors to share any personal or sensitive information.
The key to security lies in encryption and the best way to prove to your visitors that your encryption is effective is to gain an SSL certificate. An SSL checker should be used to diagnose any problems you may run into in the future and you can use firms such as Symantec to invest in comprehensive SSL security solutions that include all the relevant certificates you need and checkers.
2. SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) isn’t only a matter of creating offsite content and links; it also comes down to the building of the website itself. As part of your design process, you should look to consider things like rich text, internal links and the ease with which new content can be added.
3. Shareability
Sharing has become a key part of the web, particularly for businesses looking to get their brand out there. For this reason, it makes sense to link your site heavily to social media. Not only should you be doing this yourself, you should also be looking to make it easy for your users to do so.
Twitter and Facebook ‘buttons’ are a great example of how you can encourage your visitors to share your content. You might also consider running promotions after the fact.
4. Ease of Use
It might sound simple but ease of use is an area where so many websites fall down. The temptation to cram a site with content or to make it as visually appealing as possible can easily takeover during the design process but this rarely leads to intelligent design.
The secret to making a successful and powerful website lies in crafting the user experience. While this should include visual appeal and high quality content, the usability of the site should always be your first concern. Frustrating users is not the way to garner high levels of traffic and engagement.