WEBSITE LAYOUT

1) What is a Website layout? 

Building a website can be nerve-wracking. Underneath all the design decisions that one has to make, is something even more important: The website’s layout. Layout is a key component of website design. 

A website layout is a pattern or framework that defines a website’s structure. In a way that makes sense, is easy to navigate, and lets your content shine. It has the role of structuring the information present on a site both for the website’s owner and for users. It provides clear paths for navigation within web pages and puts the most important elements of a website front and center. It determines the sequence in which page elements are registered amongst visitors, which elements draw the most attention, and the overall balance achieved in the design. Website layouts have become standard because they’re functional, and users automatically understand how they work. 

Basically, a good website layout can lead visitors’ focus in the right direction and provide an easy and better way to navigate and use the website. 

2) Importance of a good website layout? 

A website is one of the most important aspects of any brand’s present online and it’s important that you design it right. Your website is also the place where you nurture your bottom-of-the-funnel leads to get conversions. The design of your website can either make or break the business you are trying to deliver. It actually makes a difference on how your target audience views your business or company and potentially turns them into your customers. So, you can’t afford any website failures that might cause your prospects to bounce off your website. Your website is how users learn what your brand is all about. The last thing you want is for a poorly designed website to dissuade site visitors from becoming customers. As such, developing a website design that has an impressive user interface will result in a much better conversion rate, which leads to better business and revenue.

According to a Web Designer Joseph Putnam “ If the design of a website layout is outdated, disorganized, cluttered or uses unappealing colors, it creates a poor first impression.” 

Some of the key points why it is important to have a good layout of your website. 

➔ 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. 

➔ Judgements on a company’s credibility are 75% based on the company’s website design. 

➔ A study found that first impressions are 94% design-related. 

➔ 47% of website visitors check out a company’s products/services page before looking at any other sections of the site. 

➔ A study found that 46% of consumers base their decisions on the credibility of a website from its visual appeal & aesthetics. 

3) Principle Elements of a Good Website Layout. 

Now as you know why a good website layout is important, there are few principle elements you should focus on while designing a better web layout of your website. An effective website design should fulfill its intended function by conveying its particular message whilst simultaneously engaging the visitor. When designing a website there are many key factors that will contribute to how it is perceived.

Several factors are consistency, Navigation, Hierarchy, typography and Colours are described below. 

● Consistency:- 

Consistency in website design matters a lot. Give your attention to match design elements throughout each of the pages. It can be understood that your fonts, sizes, headings, sub-headings, and button styles must be the same throughout the website. Plan everything in advance. Finalize the fonts and the right colors for your texts, buttons, etc, and stick to them throughout the development. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) would come in handy to keep the complete information about design styles and elements. 

● Navigation:- 

This is essential especially when your website has so many pages. It basically includes a well-labeled navigation bar or a menu that shows a list of the different web pages. When the website navigation is developed well, users can easily explore and understand your website. It doesn’t need to have state of the art typefaces. 

● Hierarchy:- 

Hierarchy is the arrangement of elements in order of importance. This is done either by size, colour, imagery, contrast, typographically, whitespace, texture and style. One of the most important functions of visual hierarchy is to establish a focal point; this shows visitors where the most important information is. 

● Typography:- 

Typography includes the font family, style and size. You can be playful with headings, but you’ll want to choose typography that’s easy to read for body copy. Keep in mind that too many font types and sizes can be visually distracting, and that sans-serif fonts are easier to read at smaller sizes than serif fonts. 

● Colours:- 

Choose colors that communicate your identity and most importantly make the content easy to read. With that in mind, always run your color combinations and ensure its readability.

At NSP Global Services, we love helping new businesses to come online by designing interactive websites at affordable prices.