You’re ready to build a website, and you’ve decided to design it yourself. We’re glad you’re here, and we’re going to help you make it amazing. Luckily, web design has come a long way in being user-friendly to help people learn how to design a website. Paired with our reference guide, you’ll be confident and ready to build an aesthetically pleasing website.
Did you know that as much as 38% of people have claimed to leave a website if they did not like the design or layout? Not to fear, we’re going to lay it all out for you in 8 easy steps.
WEBSITE DESIGN REFERENCE GUIDE
1. Purpose
Like with any venture, it is important to know why you are doing something before you do it. If you want to design a website, ask yourself first, what is it for? Will it be a personal blog? Maybe it’s for your travel photos? Is it for a business? Once you know what it’s for, ask yourself the following:
- What am I hoping to achieve with this website?
- If I am a business, what is my USP (unique selling position) that sets me apart from my competitors?
- Who am I building this site for (customers, visitors, personal)?
2. Web Design Trends
Like with all trends, they can come and go quickly and not be right for everyone. Staying abreast of what is trending is helpful to keep an eye on competitors or see if there is a new tool you can utilize to your advantage. Remember that less is more, and it pays to keep things clean, simple, and user-friendly. One trend we love: chatbot support. Many sites come with the built-in option of adding a chatbot, which customers can type questions to and receive 24/7 AI support.
3. Platform
Gone are the days where only coders could build websites. Many platforms teach you how to design a website through very user-friendly tools, often drag and drop. Top platforms to check out include:
- WordPress (best for bloggers)
- WIX or WIX eCommerce
- Squarespace
- Weebly
- Shopify (for eCommerce)
4. Getting Started
Once you have the above in order and have chosen your platform, it’s time to design. Many of the platforms listed here come with templates. Some free, others available for fees. All templates are customizable. Themes are divided up by popular use and industry. Pick one that aligns with your purpose and message and begin.
5. Branding
Customizing a site means you need a brand. What makes up a brand in association with web design?
- Color scheme
- Font theme
- Logo
- Imagery
6. Optimizing Content
Once your website is designed, it’s time to fill in the blanks with optimized content. This is what will help you rank on search engines and get more eyes on your page. Optimized content pertains to the copy on the website, and any additional text you may post such as a blog.
7. Ready, Set, Publish
Congratulations, you’re now ready to publish your new and improved website design! Check these points before you hit that button:
- Does your website have a purpose?
- Have you done a competitor analysis?
- Have you chosen a platform and template?
- Do you know what your branding is for color, fonts, and imagery?
- Do you have optimized content ready to fill out the pages?
If you answered “YES” to all of the above, you’re ready to go. Hit publish, and remember, you can update content, images, brand, and design at any time.
