5 keys to Creating a User-Friendly Website
As a small business owner, you know that having a website that looks good is only half the battle. It's just as important to make sure that your website is easy to use and navigate for your customers. Luckily, the Nielsen Norman Group, a leading research and consulting firm in the UX field, has some awesome tips to make sure that your website is user-friendly and engaging.
Simple and clear layout
First things first, it's crucial to keep your website layout simple and clear. A cluttered and confusing layout can quickly turn off visitors, making it difficult for them to find the information they need and reducing the likelihood of them returning to your site in the future. Furthermore, a simple and well-organized layout can help to improve the user experience, making it easy for visitors to quickly find the information they need and engage with your website.
A clear and simple layout also helps to establish a sense of professionalism and credibility for your website. By prioritizing easy navigation and a user-friendly design, you are showing your visitors that you care about their experience and take your online presence seriously. This can go a long way in building trust with your audience and encouraging them to view your company as a credible and trustworthy source of information.
Source: https://auralis.ru/en
Consistent visual design
Another way to make your website more user-friendly is by using consistent visual design. This means using the same fonts, colors, and imagery throughout your website to create a cohesive look and feel. Consistency is key, not only for branding purposes but also to make it easier for users to navigate and find the information they need. Users are able to focus on the content without being distracted by unnecessary design elements. Consistency in visual design also creates a sense of professionalism and credibility. When users feel that a website is well designed and professional, they are more likely to trust the information presented on it.
Inconsistent visual design can be confusing and frustrating for users. If a website's visual design changes drastically from page to page or section to section, it can make users feel like they are on a different website altogether. This can lead to a lack of trust and confusion about the content being presented. A consistent visual design, on the other hand, helps users to feel more comfortable and confident in their navigation of the website.
Branding guidelines are super helpful to ensure the consistency
simple language
It's also important to keep the language on your website plain and simple. Your customers don't want to be confused by complicated jargon or industry terms. Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand, and avoid using complex terms that your customers may not be familiar with. This can lead to frustration and confusion, ultimately causing users to leave the website in search of simpler and more accessible information. By using simple language, website owners can ensure that their content is easily understood by a wide range of users, regardless of their level of technical expertise or knowledge.
Simple language also helps to make a website feel more approachable and welcoming to users. When content is presented in a clear and concise manner, users are more likely to feel comfortable engaging with the website and exploring its various sections. This can lead to longer visits and increased engagement, ultimately helping to build a loyal audience of users who return to the website time and time again.
Visual cues
Last but not least, use visual cues to guide users through your website. Breadcrumbs, subheadings, and meaningful icons can all be helpful tools in making your website more user-friendly. Breadcrumbs show users where they are on your website and how they got there. Subheadings break up large chunks of text and make it easier to scan for information. And meaningful icons help users understand the purpose of different sections of your website.
Source: https://contrabureau.com
Summary
In short, following these tips from Nielsen Norman Group can help you create a website that not only looks great but is also user-friendly and engaging for your customers. Remember, your website is often the first impression that customers have of your business, so make it count!
“A clear layout, in simple light,
Keeps the user’s journey bright.
Consistent design, visual grace,
Trust and clarity embrace.
Branding guidelines assure,
In confusion, no detour.
Language simple, no intrigue,
Visitor engagement, a league.
Visual cues, clear signposts be,
Guide users with certainty.
With care and thought, design does cite,
A website that feels just right.
An approach that's trusted and smart,
For user-friendly site, a start.”
-Onegin Group
