How To Design a Website That is Unique and Useful

Approaching the design of your website can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. Where do you begin? How do you decide what will attract your clients? And worse, what if your design causes visitors to turn and run? For starters, you must recognize and appreciate the importance of design. And it is imperative your site is a true representation of you and your business. I should first clarify I am not a graphic designer nor do I play one on TV (I love that line). I know very little about html code and I would only consider myself average when it comes to technical stuff, (but I do have nice legs and I'm a good cook.) Despite my short comings as it pertains to web design, I have managed to create a design I love and one that works well for my visitors. There are millions of websites, blogs, apps and ideas out there — and good design is necessary to differentiate you. It should catch attention and keep it. Your design should be an extension of you. What makes you different from other people? How can you reflect that in your design? With some simple tips, you can create a site that attracts your ideal client and is a true expression of you and your business.  

Think big, but start small

Don't waste a lot of time and money adding this and tweaking that. Rather, do one thing really well then move on to the next. Start with something simple and then evolve. Rome wasn't built in a day, right? Don't think you have to have it all laid out perfectly immediately. It won't happen and that's okay.  

Get inspired

I spent a ton of time scouring the web looking for great designs. I visited sites I loved and jotted down what I liked about them. I looked at everything that would help me create a memorable and useful site - things like fonts, color schemes, images, layout etc. I didn't copy other sites, I just used them as inspiration to help me create a website that's all me.   

More tips to consider

 
• Organize your website and don't clutter it. Make sure it's easy to use and navigate.
• The placement and style of your navigation menu can tie your whole website together.
• Think about your buttons. Make your website better by creating distinctive (but still click-able) buttons.

 Creating your site should be fun and exciting. It's kind of like decorating your home. Create a style that is yours. Create delight for those viewing your website that is uniquely you!  

Check out these Resources to help you understand more about designing a website that is YOU and yet useful:

• Website Reviews by Reese Spykerman: Reese Spykerman did a series of website reviews where she analyzed and discussed the good and could-be-better aspects of 3 different reader websites.
• 5 Website Mistakes You May be Making:  Learn to spot and identify 5 common mistakes when designing your website.

What tips do you think are important when designing your website?