6 First Impressions that Prove the Importance of Web Design
Web design is sometimes underrated and undervalued, especially by small businesses who believe they cannot afford to spend much time or effort on a redesign. However, web design is one of the most important elements of an online marketing strategy—and these potential first impressions of visitors illustrate why:
1.      Distraction. Links that lead to different sites or other design elements that direct people to outside sources can immediately jeopardize your chances of long-term success with new visitors. If your users’ first impressions are distracted ones, you’re doomed in the online marketing world.
2.      Apathy. Your web design needs to be compelling—immediately. Without a solid design to draw people in from the home page, your visitors won’t be sticking around for anything that you’re offering or selling.
3.      Confusion. If your web design doesn’t clearly epitomize your business, users might not know what you’re there for. Unless you can demonstrate your company clearly through design, your users will not be coming back anytime soon.
4.      Disorientation. Navigability is essential to draw users into key pages of your site, and your site design needs to help users get to where they need to go. Unless a navigable layout helps your users, your site will see very little repeat traffic.
5.      Unimpression. The worst first impression is no impression at all. Your site design needs to be memorable, not drawn from a template. Make sure people can remember you based on your design schemes.
6.      Ignorance. Don’t allow your users to have misconceptions about your business or your brand. Build your site design so that people understand—accurately—who you are.
These potential first impressions can be avoided by paying critical attention to the details of your website’s design. Working with a Cleveland marketing firm can help you find the perfect, unique design to engage visitors and retain them for future visits.
