The Internet is a place that’s always changing and evolving. As a business owner, you want to keep your website up to date. Not only is this important for potential customers’ perception of your business, but also to help with marketing. For example, as more searches have shifted to mobile devices, Google has adjusted their algorithm to reward sites that load quickly and work properly on those devices. Businesses that haven’t kept their sites up to date are missing out on a very important marketing channel.
Since the above issue is just one example of why web design trends matter a lot, we want to highlight five of the most notable:

Content-First

There was a time when many design trends revolved around utilizing lots of flashy elements to make sites highly interactive. While it’s still important to have an engaging design, huge platforms like Facebook have set people’s expectations with a modern but understated design. Since content is what people truly care about on social media, as well as when they visit individual websites, it’s important for the design to play a supporting role that makes it easy for content to be consumed on devices of all sizes.

Typography
In the past, it was often quite challenging to support anything other than very basic typography across different devices and operating systems. But thanks to advancements in technologies like CSS and web fonts, it’s now possible to create a consistent experience with custom fonts. By emphasizing typography, a business can establish strong brand recognition online.

Plenty of Color
As you may have noticed from what we’ve covered so far, a lot of the current trends in web design are driven by using fewer elements but making the most of everyone that is used. This can be seen in how color is being used. Instead of the muted palettes that became quite common several years ago, many current designs are using strategic pops of color to grab people’s attention and strengthen brand recognition.

Focus on Conversions
At Web Strategy Plus, we’ve always approached web design and development from the perspective of accomplishing business goals. More people are starting to understand the importance of using design as a conversion tool, which we’re very happy to see.

Storytelling
Given all the content that bombards people whenever they pull out their phone or open their laptop, it’s easy for marketing messages to get lost in the noise. One way that businesses are trying to combat this is using design as a way to weave compelling narratives throughout entire websites.
If going over the trends above reminded you that your business website is in need of an update, be sure to take a look at how we can help you execute a successful website redesign.

While social media can definitely drive sales, many businesses forget that these platforms are generally at the top of the funnel. That’s why the businesses that do best with social media, make engagement their top priority. Once you find the best ways to interact with your audience, you’ll create a loyal following that will convert into sales.

By redistributing content, working with influencers, getting comfortable with video and focusing on engagement, you can put all the pieces in place for your social media marketing efforts to thrive.

Need help with your Web Strategy? We offer a free instant web strategy score. You may also request a consultation and live website review to help you identify the exact areas of your marketing plan that need improvement. Web Strategy Plus provides a “one-stop shop” full-service digital marketing agency where all of your marketing efforts are tied together to drive more leads to your business. We proudly serve local businesses and franchise networks of all types worldwide. Whether you require a professional website or need help promoting it, we can help you with it all. Our main goal is to provide cost-effective web strategies that drive results. You may also Request a Quote. If you need to know more about our website development and website designing services, you can reach us at 1-877-224-0478. You may also schedule an appointment to talk to us when it is most convenient for you!

Michelle Hummel is CEO of Web Strategy Plus a full-service digital marketing agency focused on Franchise Marketing. She was recently nominated for the Woman-Owned Business of the Year! She’s a passionate Social Media Trainer with 15+ years of successful online business development, sales, and marketing experience. She also holds a valuable Internet Marketing Degree however with the ever-changing world of web marketing she strives to learn something new every day. 

She travels Nationwide visiting her 22 Social Media Enthusiasts Chapters she developed Nationwide delivering in-depth social media training. She also provides Social Media Certifications through founding Web Media University. A current contributing editor to The Franchise Dictionary Magazine and she has written 3 books in her series called, “The Social Media Magnet: Everything You Need to Know to Attract Customers with Social Media”, where she shares her best-kept secrets to success. She also specializes in helping Franchisors and Franchisees develop an integrated web marketing program to drive leads. She’s available for interviews via email, telephone, Skype video, news segments on location and more. Just let her know how she can help!