When it comes to building websites, it’s our job to stay ahead of the curve. Keep reading to dig into some of the most influential web development tips we have for 2023 and get the tools and advice you need to boost your brand and your bottom line.
Websites Are Becoming Less Content-Heavy
In modern web design, websites have evolved to use fewer lengthy blocks of text and more icons and decorative elements. This shift has resulted in pages that are lighter and faster loading.
Improve your website’s readability and engagement by shifting away from long blocks of text and excessive content. Instead, focus on creating a balance between compelling visuals and impactful copy. Quality visual content can have a greater impact than long paragraphs, and it can prevent your site from becoming overloaded and slow. Don’t overwhelm your audience with cluttered pages – keep it engaging and concise with eye-catching images supported by powerful copy.
Designers are also moving towards a more airy and seamless aesthetic, including white space and lighter colors instead of bold, full-width color blocks. This layout creates a smoother transition and a more pleasant browsing experience.
Make Sure Your Site Is Built With Flexibility in Mind
AI is a hot topic right now, and it plays a significant role in creating websites. We have made great strides in making the website-building process more efficient and user-friendly. In the past, each section of a website required specific elements like:
- Images
- Subheaders
- Paragraphs, and
- CTA buttons.
Now, there is a smarter way to build websites, especially with platforms like WordPress. It’s the gold standard for website building, offering intuitive tools that don’t require coding knowledge.
Programs also have enhanced design flexibility, allowing multiple calls to action (CTAs) in a section. This streamlined process saves time for both clients and developers, making it a breeze to create visually appealing sections without exhaustive work.
An innovative back end system makes it easy to add such elements while maintaining a visually appealing front end. Programs have streamlined the process for clients and developers, reducing workload and increasing flexibility. You, the client, are fully empowered to own and understand your website.
Make It Make Sense for Humans and Robots
As web developers, we constantly face the challenge of catering to both humans and robots in website design. The rise of machine learning has made it increasingly difficult to discern between user behavior and bot activity, and it’s crucial that we navigate this tightrope with care.
Striking the right balance between visual appeal and technical functionality requires a deep understanding of both human and robot behavior, and that’s where you should trust the experts. By combining web development and user behavior, we can create sites that look great and function seamlessly for both users and bots alike.
Page Speed Should Be a Priority
Keep your website up to date. Many website owners overlook the importance of regular updates, especially when they’re simply uploading raw files. While they may review their site at their office or home with fast internet, users on their phones in the field may have a completely different experience. If a site takes ages to load, the audience won’t hesitate to move on.
Typically, people will leave a site if it doesn’t load within 3 seconds. Even if users are in an area with poor service, their patience is still limited.
During a website audit, we assess your site speed to give you a starting point. The page speed ranking system ranges from 1 to 100, with 100 being the best and 1 being cold molasses. Our goal is to achieve a ranking in the high 90s.
This ranking is based on the initial frames of the website, such as the hero section and a bit of content. Achieving a score in the 90s or 80s is considered excellent, and it’s challenging [damn near impossible] to reach a perfect 100.
Websites Can Work Harder so You Don’t Have To
Websites have evolved from mere sources of information with a “contact us” form to platforms offering a complete and immersive experience. The use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has played a significant role in creating this rich experience.
APIs allow you to display information from secondary sources on your primary website seamlessly.
For instance, our client, the MCP family of ski resorts, leverages APIs to provide real-time weather updates directly on their site. No need to search for weather conditions elsewhere. With one simple visit to their websites, you can quickly decide whether it’s a perfect day for skiing or hot chocolate…
In addition to APIs, forms continue to be an essential feature on websites. These forms collect specific user information, enabling site owners to understand their audience’s needs better and provide tailored assistance.
Unlike a generic “contact us” option, forms offer users a clear path and set expectations, all while streamlining the lead generation process.
The Wrap-Up
These tips can help websites of all sizes adapt in order to compete in today’s online marketplace. Remember, to optimize user experience, your website needs:
- Improved flexibility,
- Streamlined navigation options,
- Lightning-fast page speeds, and
- Hardworking back end processes
The key to success is finding a web development team that understands its client’s goals and can build a website accordingly; Workhorse Marketing can design sites with robust technology solutions tailored specifically for you. Contact us today to revolutionize your web presence!
