Your website is an integral component of your business that needs constant attention. In this technologically-driven world, your website is working for you just by existing, as it gives your potential customers a way to find you and determine if your product or service is right for them. 

That being said, it’s not really enough to just have a few pages up and call it a day. Your website design needs to be updated regularly to keep with contemporary design trends and ensure that your branding initiatives remain strong. However, more than just that, your web design holds a crucial role in your success in the online marketplace.

Here are four elements that you need to incorporate to help your website design stay relevant in 2020 and 2021.

#1 Mobile-friendliness 

In 2020, mobile-friendliness is not just a competitive edge; it’s a requirement. With over 50% of all online searches done through a mobile device as of January 2019, a website that isn’t mobile-optimized could be turning away at least half of its visitors!

A website that doesn’t scale well on mobile takes longer to load and is difficult to navigate, given that it is designed for a bigger screen. Aside from turning away visitors and potential clients, not being optimized for mobile can hurt your Google search rankings as well. 

As of July 1, 2019, Googlebot has been doing mobile-first indexing for all new web domains. This means that because Google has seen that more people are choosing to search using their mobile devices, their crawler will now be prioritizing mobile websites over desktop versions. 

If you already have an existing website, you can either create a mobile version that contains the same information in a mobile-friendly approximation or redesign the whole website using responsive design. Regardless of which option you choose, you will probably need to hire a web design agency to get the best results possible. 

#2 Defined grid structure 

Think of the grid structure as a way to keep your website clean, organized, and easy to read. Having a well-defined grid structure means that the spaces between elements are even and logical. 

That being said, a grid structure doesn’t always mean stiff and conservative use of shapes and lines. Grid structures can be graceful and creative, while still allowing you a semblance of order and uniformity. 

Over the years, web design agencies have created several grid layouts that are still in use today. Some websites stand by the classic four-column grid structure, while others have found a better use for the 12-column grid. 

#3 Intuitive navigation 

There’s always time and space for creativity when it comes to designing your website. In fact, having a unique web design is encouraged, as it can help your website shine against your competitors. That being said, there’s also a case that has to be made for familiarity, especially when it comes to navigation. 

In designing your website, the visitor must instinctively know where to click or scroll to find what they’re looking for. If they want to jump on the next page and then go back, your website’s navigation should let them do that without much trouble. 

Nowadays, it’s impossible to expect website visitors to fumble around and look for that button that he or she needs to click. If your website’s navigation is confusing, your visitor will leave and move on to another website with a more familiar design. 

#4 Brand consistency 

Your website is your brand’s foremost representation online, which makes it important that its design is consistent with your brand and its various other marketing materials. Brand consistency starts with using the same logo—but it doesn’t stop there. Your website should also use the same colors, typefaces, and graphics as your brochures, calling cards, and other marketing materials. 

Website Design Should Continue to Evolve and Stay Relevant To Reach Your Customers

Website design is an ever-evolving field that has come a long way from where it was less than a decade ago. If your website looks the same as it did during the early days of the internet, then chances are, your website is due for a redesign. Whether you choose to do it on your own or sit down with an expert web development agency, make sure to keep these four elements in mind to ensure that your website is as optimized as possible for today’s customers. 

The Stack Group is a web design service and branding agency that aims to level the playing field for small business owners. Our services include modern website design, SEO ranking, and social media management. If you have questions about website design or digital marketing, reach out to us for help!

Stay Inspired!