Business design trends used to change over decades. Now, in the Internet age, they can shift from year to year, or even month to month. While that can make it harder to keep up, it can also be a great thing – especially since it drives web designers and marketers alike to stay competitive by trying new ideas and creating a better user experience.
With that in mind, here are 10 business web design trends we think are fantastic, and will be keeping an eye on:
1. Cleaner, simpler web designs. Cluttered, distracting websites are out, and for good reason – customers don’t have the time or energy to deal with them anymore. Less is more, and if there isn’t a reason for something to be on your site, it shouldn’t be there.
2. Picture-heavy layouts. Social sites like Pinterest have shown just how popular, and powerful, images can be as an online marketing tool. More and more businesses are following suit and making the most of pictures on their pages.
3. Responsive web design. We’ve written about responsive web design in the past, and think it’s one of the most positive trends out there today. Why not have a site that’s optimized for every kind of user and mobile device?
4. More usable business websites. A good rule of thumb when it comes to usability is this: Someone should be able to get from any page on your site to any other page on your site within three clicks or less. If buyers have to work for answers or information, they are likely to look for what they need on a competitor’s website.
5. Pickier search engines. Google and the other search engines are changing their algorithms to appease searchers. That means that lots of the old tactics (like keyword stuffing and using lots of cheap links) don’t work the way they used to.
6. More emphasis on local search. Likewise, the major search engines are figuring out that customers prefer to do business with companies that are close to home. Maps, zip codes, and location-specific keywords are all important to your SEO strategy now.
7. The changing look of social media integration. A couple of years ago, having a link to your Facebook or Twitter profile was enough. Now, smart marketers are using live feeds and other tools to ensure that they’re getting a flow of visitors from their websites to social profiles, and vice versa.
8. Simpler landing pages. It shouldn’t take you several pages of text to convince a customer to order a product or sign up for more information. Keep your landing pages (and especially those tied to your pay-per-click campaigns) short, sweet, and to the point.
9. The use of detailed analytics. The more you know about your visitors, and the way they interact with your business website, the easier it is to make your business more profitable. Analytics give you the answers and statistics you need.
10. More personality in small business websites. Instead of trying to imitate the bigger players, small businesses are increasingly showing off their uniqueness and personality. That’s at the very heart of branding, and something that can help separate your company from all the others out there.
Need Help with Your Website?
Is your business website ready to compete in the future? If not, contact the team at Weblinx today at 630-551-0334, and we’ll be happy to set up a free consultation.