3 Ways to Improve Web Design Using Psychology

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

With the proliferation of online commerce and the increasing interconnectedness of our planet, it has never been more important to stand out from the crowd with good, eye-popping design. However, it is not enough to merely grab people’s attention on the web; you need to know what to do with it once it has been gained.

Here are three psychological principles to help you make the best use of your personal online space.

1. Pattern

The English language is the predominant means of communication online. Unless you are designing your website with a specific market in mind, China being a standout example, you will want to tailor your web presence to suit the mentality and the tendencies of English speakers.

English speakers read from the top of the page downward, and from left to right, in a zigzag pattern. So you would be best served by putting your most important information on the upper left corner of the page since that is where their eyes will first rest. What they see there will help them form their first impressions.Continue reading

5 Things Every Small Business Website Needs

Contributed article in our small business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

There are many awful websites online. While some offer poor designs, others are not user-friendly or provide next to no value to their visitors. To ensure your company isn’t one of them, read the five things every small-business website needs.

  1. A Simple URL

A simple URL is not only easy to remember, but it will appear more professional. It is an extension of your brand, so you must carefully choose a domain name before you even embark with a web design. If possible, we recommend using your brand name so it stays in your visitors’ minds.

Companies are wise to opt for a .com domain or one applicable to their local area such as .co.uk. However, non-profits should opt for .org to build visitor trust. Also, try to avoid using hyphens or numbers in your URL, as it could cause confusion and a visitor may type in the wrong web address.Continue reading