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The Best Web Design Trends to Implement This Year

Ryan Stack • May 27, 2021

Technology changes quickly, especially given the fast-paced nature of consumer behaviors, demands, and trends. What may be seen as innovative now can quickly become obsolete, to be later replaced by something newer and shinier. The same concept applies to website design, particularly when it comes to features and elements. 


Design formulas can quickly tire out audiences, especially when they become overdone and cliche. In such a competitive market, however, this is something you wouldn’t want to happen to your site. This could lead to aversion, thereby causing you to lose conversion. An outdated website can also make your online presence fall, allowing your competition to thrive in your place.


One critical factor in understanding design trends is that they are influenced heavily by cultural changes. The current pandemic, which has stretched to 2021, has stirred dramatic changes in the digital landscape. Out of fear and necessity, people were forced into quarantine, allowing them to rely more on their devices. The way we live has been changed forever, which is why digital experts have recreated these experiences into the digital spaces. 


Engagement became part of the currency, which is why countless engaging elements need to be present in your website design. Novel features such as unusual color schemes, 3D product simulations, and even typography art have transformed the world of design, along with an emphasis on better security measures, loading time speeds, and even automation. 


Simply put, there are so many trends you need to consider and invest in. Anything less can cause your site to lag behind competitors and even begin to lose effectiveness as a useful tool to grow your business.


To simplify this topic, we’ve curated this comprehensive list of the best 2021 web design trends, broken down into 2 main categories:


web design trends to implement this year


The Tech Side of Web Design Trends



Trend #1: Obvious CTAs


Hard selling isn’t always a good practice, but calls-to-action exist for a reason—they work. It's standard practice to have CTA present on your website, but you’ll want to skip out on the sugary words and be as straightforward as possible. A powerful one can guide your visitors into the next crucial steps, especially if they’re already interested in what you have to offer, be it a product or a service. 


Unfortunately, the majority of websites simply do not have an obvious CTA button. You’ll want your visitors to spot it after mere seconds, thereby making it the best marketing investment you could ever make. Doing so allows you to enjoy better conversions, especially since it urges them to make the jump—either to subscribe, purchase, book a demo, and so on.

CTA buttons


Trend #2: The use of chatbots 


In such an accelerating world, easier is always better—especially when it comes to communication processes. One of the best web design trends you need to consider is investing in a seamless communication process between your business and your audiences. No one would want to waste precious time filling in forms or making calls, especially when their needs are urgent.


Your customers expect to be given immediate answers, as well as command total control over the flow. Although real-time chat agents exist, chatbots can do it better. Such an interface allows you to program and tailor unique visitor experiences, especially since they’ll be able to converse with your chatbots as they would with humans. 


Immediate answers will be given, which can either be pre-written responses and commands or AI, which can understand basic communication and language.


Looking for some widget options?  Check out some of these:




install live chat on your website


Trend #3: Improved page loading speed 


Your website’s performance also relies heavily on your page loading speed, but this element is often overlooked. The modern consumer only has seconds to spare before losing interest, which is why it’s important to capture their attention in every possible way.  Should your website end up underperforming in terms of speed, your visitors will abandon your pages and seek help elsewhere.


In other words, you lose precious conversion potential. This is especially true when it comes to eCommerce and retail, as your speed time can affect potential buyer’s decisions. Make sure to avoid adding unnecessary elements, which include bulky images, videos, and other forms of media. Here’s how you can effectively improve your web speed:

  • A reduction in HTTP requests
  • Decreased image file sizes


To test your websites page speed, check out google's page speed insights

website page load speed


The Design Side Trends


Trend #1: Design accessibility and availability


In today’s modern world, inclusivity and accessibility are crucial now more than ever. It goes beyond just the trendy world of the digital space, as you’ll want your websites to accommodate every single member of your target audience—including people with disabilities. 


For this reason, you’ll want to create a site that can be easy to navigate through. Good interaction is just as important as the rest of your business operations, as this is a part of good customer service that leads to memorable experiences. 


This allows you to enjoy an incredible increase in conversion, boost your SEO campaigns, and gain better visibility. Consider investing in the following elements:

  • Strong color contrast between background and text
  • The use of various labels and instructions with form fields
  • Functional alt tags for images


We are partnered with Audioeye to provide a turn key solution to design accessibility and availability.



Trend #2: The use of organic shapes 


Geometric shapes were all the rage the last couple of years, but today’s website design trend calls for more organic ones. Organic shapes simply pertain to things that do not have straight lines, such as flowing rivers, rounded lakes, rolling hills, and even weightless clouds. Anything asymmetrical is also loved by many, so consider introducing these elements into your design. 


Such shapes will work well against your web pages, especially when it comes to sections filled with hard angles. They can also be used as a way to make more meaningful backgrounds, without taking away from the content presented.


You’ll also want to consider investing in illustrations, as this helps you stand out from the competitors. Most websites end up using stock photos to decorate their pages, which can be tiring–especially when used over and over. A website can quickly feel bland and generic, but investing in illustrations allows you to stand out from the crowd. With new and fresh visual content, you allow your company’s branding to shine through. 


website design shapes


It’s All About Investing in the Right Web Design Trends 


A well-designed website is critical to the success of your business. Anything less may end up hurting your chances of gaining better conversions, especially in a world of constant change. You’ll need to be updated with the latest trends, as this is the only way to ensure that your website performs, converts, and profits well. 


You don’t need to implement all the trends listed above, but it’s best to begin making a change—and fast. By implementing this year’s best web design practices, you’re one step closer to growth and success. 


About The Stack Group

Looking for the best web design company near you?  The Stack Group has you covered.  We work with companies of all sizes and all budget to achieve the perfect web design.  In addition, we help to rank you higher on search as well as provide digital marketing campaigns to help you reach your target audience.  Learn more about our web design and digital marketing services.

Questions? Have a project you're ready to launch?

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(857) 256-1295 or send us a message!

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