What Goes Into an Effective Website Layout

Jonesen TeamIndustry Insights

Did you know that 38% of users will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive? If your goal is to convert website users and drive more traffic, you need to implement website design into your digital marketing strategy. A website layout should provide a good user experience through the correct elements.

Not sure what elements you should be using? Read our guide to learn what goes into the best website layout.

Simple Design

The best website layout will have a simple design so that it is easy for users to navigate. Trying to be fancy with a website layout probably won’t do you any good.

The goal of website design is to convert visitors to customers. To do this, the design must be simple enough to understand and take content from.

The biggest don’ts when designing a website are adding too many colors, elements, and images. You don’t want to distract users and make them forget why they came to your site in the first place.

White Space

One of the best website layout tips is to avoid overlooking white space. White space refers to the areas between icons, visuals, and sections on a page. Instead of overcrowding your site with these elements, use white space to your advantage.

Using white spaces allows the elements to look better and seem balanced. It also helps users navigate through your pages easier.

Another benefit of white space is that it goes hand in hand with keeping the layout simple. For example, it gives off a minimal and clean look that makes information easier to process. Pro tip: Don’t use too much white space when you design a website as it can impact your user experience in a negative way.

Good Content

An effective website layout includes having good content. People come to your website looking for information. If they don’t find it fast, they are likely to move on to your competitors instead.

Your content should be valuable and relevant. Search engines will penalize you if you don’t consider keywords when creating content for your website layout.

Navigation Elements

For users to flow from one page to another, you need to have the essential navigation elements. The information you deem necessary should be the easiest to access on your site. There are three navigation elements every good website layout will include:

  • Header
  • Sidebar
  • Footer

Even if you opt for more navigation options, they all should be self-explanatory. You want to make the next step obvious for your users.

To ensure a good user experience, every link must work properly. When a user clicks on something, it needs to take them where they want to go.

Your Business Needs the Best Website Layout

When you design a website, you can’t expect to convert users without the best website layout. Any small business can benefit from having a website that generates a good user experience. The best practices for website layouts are listed above, but there is much more you can include in your digital marketing strategy.

Our website design team can create a website that is unique to your business.  Contact us today to start converting website users fast.