Making Your Website User Friendly
Posted on 3rd July 2023 at 11:18
In this fast-paced world, users demand instant gratification and effortless navigation. The good news is that achieving a user-friendly website doesn't require a magic touch; it's a culmination of thoughtful design, intuitive interfaces, and a deep understanding of your target audience.
Throughout this blog, we'll delve into some practical tips, techniques, and best practices that will revolutionise your website's user experience. From the moment users land on your homepage to the final click of conversion, we'll explore strategies to create a visually appealing website that is still easy to navigate.
Users will quickly tire of browsing your website if it is the equivalent of a confusing forest with too many paths! Your website needs to be easy to navigate, which means that it needs to be predictable to navigate.
Rather than planning the best site map for your users to navigate your website, instead predict how your users will expect your site to work.
When you browse websites, how do you move around them? How do you know where to go to find contact information? How do you expect a website to work?
Here are some tips to make your website more user-friendly in terms of navigation:
• Clear and intuitive menu: Design a clear and intuitive navigation menu that is prominently placed and easy to locate.
• Consistent navigation: Maintain consistent navigation elements throughout your website. This includes using the same menu style, placement, and formatting across all pages. Consistency helps users quickly understand how to navigate your site and find the information they need.
• Mobile-friendly navigation: Ensure that your website is responsive and mobile-friendly. Implement a navigation system that works well on smaller screens, such as a collapsible menu or hamburger icon, to make it easy for mobile users to navigate your site.
• Logical page hierarchy: Organise your website's content with a logical page hierarchy. Use headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure your content and make it scannable. This helps users understand the relationships between different pages and sections.
• Call-to-action buttons: Utilise visually distinct and well-placed call-to-action buttons throughout your website. These buttons should guide users towards important actions, such as signing up, making a purchase, or contacting you. Make sure they are easy to spot and stand out from other page elements.
When it comes to choosing the right colours for your website, there aren’t necessarily any hard and fast rules, but there are a few gentle guidelines that will make your website easier for users to follow.
There are a few key elements to consider when choosing the colours you use for your website, such as:
• Contrast – There needs to be enough of a contrast between the colour of your text and the colour of your background so that it is easily readable. This is especially important for users with visual impairments. Dark text on a light background or vice versa is a safe choice.
• Avoid neon or overly bright colours – These can be hard to read but also harsh on the eyes, which might cause users to leave your website! If you use bright colours, use them as accent colours which are paired with more neutral tones rather than covering your website from top to bottom with neon yellow!
• Harmony – For a website that looks professional, sleek and easy on the eyes, choose a colours that complement each other. You can create cohesive color schemes using tools like Coolers! It’s important to also make sure that your website colours are harmonious with your logo and branding colours!
• Consistency – You can choose to have your website background bright blue on one page and then bright orange on the other – but it might not do you many favours! Keeping your colour palette consistent across your website is important for a cohesive look.
• Emotions - Different colors evoke different emotions and moods. Consider the nature of your website and its target audience. For example, warm colors like red and orange can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors like blue and green can convey calmness and trust.
To make your website more user-friendly, it's important to include the right information that meets the needs of your target audience. Here are some key elements to consider:
• Clear and concise language: Present information in a clear and concise manner, using plain language that is easily understandable. Break up content into smaller paragraphs and use headings, bullet points, and subheadings to improve readability.
• Contact information: Make it easy for users to contact you by including a dedicated "Contact" page with your email address, phone number, and a contact form. Additionally, consider displaying contact information in the footer or header of every page.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Create an FAQ section that addresses common questions and concerns your users may have. This can save them time and provide instant answers to their queries.
• Relevant and up-to-date content: Regularly update your website with fresh and relevant content. This can be in the form of blog articles, news updates, or educational resources. Providing valuable and up-to-date information keeps users engaged and encourages them to return to your site.
• Social media integration: If you have a presence on social media platforms, integrate social media buttons or feeds into your website. This allows users to easily connect with you on social channels and stay updated on your latest news and promotions.
By prioritising user-centric design, you'll not only enhance the satisfaction and loyalty of your visitors but also increase conversions and increase the likelihood of those users turning into customers. Remember, a user-friendly website is a powerful tool in an ever-competitive digital world!
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