Three Common Elements Of Website Design

Sep 19, 2019 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

The average webmaster is not always aware of the importance of some of the basic principles and elements of website design. Professional website designers with formal training are often the only ones who understand these design concepts. Incorporating the simple principles commonly used by experienced website designers can make a great difference in your own website design.

Creating a Focal Point for Your Website

Your focal point will be the location of the primary piece of information you want your visitors to receive from your website. This area will stand out from the rest of the page and attract your guest’s attention as soon as they enter your site. You can create a prominent space on your website by varying the size of that particular section or using a contrasting color. The area can even have its own distinct shape to set it apart.

Choosing Your Website Colors

The color scheme you choose plays a prominent role in your visitors’ reactions and feelings toward the site, as well as how easy it is for them to view the pages, images, and text, so it is a very important part of website design. Various colors will either balance one another or they will create a contrasting eyesore that turns visitors away. A typical website theme incorporates two or three colors into the design. The colors should blend with another and you should keep the color variety minimal. A simple white background with black text is a good start for a basic website design. You can then add a subtle shade to the page.

Creating a Balanced Website

A color scheme with complementing color shades is the best way to create a balanced look with your website. A balanced website design is much easier to view so your visitors will want to stay longer and will be more likely to visit your site again. White, or a very light color, should be the prominent color in your design and a matching, darker shade should be used in a few areas of the design. A website that looks good may not necessarily be balanced and balanced websites typically see greater success than those that are merely attractive.

Using Your Available Space

The way you use the space on your website page can influence the success of your website design. A good looking, effective website is based on a logical, but creative, layout.

Using Lines in Your Website Design

The lines used in your website also have an effect on your visitor’s feelings about your site. Horizontal lines have a soothing effect and are best for professional websites, like those for a business. Vertical lines have a more engaging effect, stimulating activity, and are great for accenting your pages. Diagonal lines are active lines that create a fun feeling. Diagonals are great for use in children’s websites or when you need to create excitement.

All of these commonly used elements of website design can help your website succeed.

What Are Local Business Citations?

A local business citation is simply any mention of your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) on the internet. Citations can appear in many places, such as:

Online business directories like Yelp, Angi, and Yellow Pages
Local chamber of commerce websites
Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn
Map and navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze
Review sites and local blogs

Each time your business information appears online, it helps confirm to search engines — and potential customers — that your business is real, trustworthy, and active in your local area.

To learn more about how Google uses this information, check out the official Google Business Profile Help Center

Why Are Local Citations Important for Local SEO?

Search engines like Google and Bing rely on consistent business information to determine which local businesses to show in search results. When your business’s NAP information is the same across multiple reputable websites, it strengthens your credibility and helps improve your local search rankings.

Here’s how local citations help your business grow online:

Boosts Local Search Rankings
Consistent citations tell search engines that your business is legitimate and active, which can help you rank higher in the Google Local Pack (the map listings that show up for local searches). For more insight, check out this Moz guide on local SEO and citations
Builds Trust With Search Engines and Customers
When customers see your business listed in multiple directories, it builds trust and brand awareness. People tend to click on and call businesses they recognize and see frequently online.
Increases Website Traffic and Phone Calls
Every citation gives your business another opportunity to be found by potential customers searching for your products or services. More visibility often means more website visits, phone calls, and leads.
Improves Your Online Reputation
Many citation sources allow customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews on trusted directories can help attract more customers and build your reputation online.