What Makes a Good Website

The good, the great, and the best

What makes a good website great? There are 8 different points to consider

User-Friendly Navigation

“Imagine landing on a website and instantly knowing where to go. The menu is right there, not hiding in some secret corner.” Effective navigation is crucial for enhancing user experience. Clear menus and organized content help visitors find what they need without frustration. When users can easily access important information, it creates a seamless browsing experience. This intuitive setup ensures that users can focus on content rather than wasting time figuring out how to navigate the site. Straightforward navigation is like providing a well-marked path through a complex maze, guiding users effortlessly to their destination. An early example of this is shown below of Apple's website in 2001.

Source: 8 Qualities of a Good Website - Twofold Studios

apple

Simple and Professional Design

“A good website should have an automatically attractive user's eyes.” A simple design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also improves usability. Effective color contrast and readable text create an inviting environment for users. By breaking up text with subheads and bullet points, the site becomes more scannable, allowing users to digest information quickly. Each design element should serve a specific purpose, ensuring that nothing detracts from the user experience. A professional appearance builds trust and encourages users to engage more deeply with the content.

Source: Top 10 Characteristics of a Good Website - LinkedIn

Functionality

If they have a bad experience, 13% of customers will tell at least 15 people about it. Functionality is a necessary aspect of a website’s success. A site that works well, with fast loading times and responsive interactions, keeps users engaged. If users encounter bugs or broken links, they’re likely to abandon the site and share their frustrations with others. This underlines the importance of testing and maintaining website functionality regularly. Ultimately, ensuring that all elements work as intended is crucial for retaining visitors and fostering a positive reputation.

Source: UX Statistics - Baymard Institute

Clear Point of Action

When you visit a good website, you'll notice those buttons that stand out, saying things like "Buy Now." Effective call-to-action elements are essential for guiding users toward desired actions. These buttons should have clear, persuasive messaging, creating a sense of urgency or a compelling benefit. Strategically placing these elements ensures they catch the user’s eye and encourage interaction. A well-placed call to action simplifies decision-making, making it easy for users to engage with the site. These guiding elements are crucial for converting visitors into customers or subscribers.

Source: 8 Qualities of a Good Website - Twofold Studios

Personal Creativity

“When asked what visual elements they value on a company website, 40% of consumers said images.” Incorporating creative visuals such as high-quality images and videos enhances user engagement. These elements can convey a brand’s identity and message more effectively than text alone. Striking visuals capture attention and create a memorable experience for users. A well-designed site balances creativity with functionality, ensuring that artistic elements do not overshadow usability. Creativity in design is a powerful tool for making a lasting impression and attracting repeat visitors. However, if there's too much, it can lead to results like this.

Source: 8 Qualities of a Good Website - Twofold Studios

Mobility

Mobile users are five times more likely to abandon a task if the website isn’t optimized for mobile. With the growing reliance on smartphones, mobile optimization is non-negotiable. A responsive design ensures that content is accessible and easy to navigate on any device. Issues like poorly sized buttons or hidden menus can frustrate users, leading to high abandonment rates. Prioritizing mobile functionality not only enhances user experience but also improves search engine rankings. In today's digital landscape, a mobile-friendly site is essential for reaching and retaining a broader audience.

Source: UX Statistics - Baymard Institute

Relevance

Only put what is absolutely necessary. A website should prioritize relevant content that serves a clear purpose. Visitors appreciate streamlined information that helps them navigate the site effectively. By curating content and eliminating the unnecessary, the site becomes more enjoyable to use, encouraging return visits. This focus on relevance also enhances SEO (search engine optimization), as search engines favor sites with clear, purposeful content. A well-organized site that respects users' time fosters a positive experience and builds lasting loyalty.

Source: 5 Key Aspects of a Good Website - Fremont

Responsive Design

Responsive design is essential in modern web development, allowing websites to adapt seamlessly to various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. As stated, “A responsive design is a web design approach that allows your website to adjust its layout on the device used to view it.” This flexibility enhances user experience by enabling easy interaction with content, regardless of the device. With the increasing use of mobile devices, failing to optimize a site can frustrate users, who often face small text and hidden navigation menus. Non-responsive websites force users to “pinch, zoom, and scroll excessively,” leading to a poor experience. Prioritizing responsive design ensures that your site is accessible and user-friendly, fostering greater engagement and satisfaction among visitors. This connects back to user-friendly navigation.

Source: What Makes a Good Website - Hostinger

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