This year is an exciting time for website trends. It is imperative that marketing agencies stay on top of the latest web design trends, ensuring clients receive the most modern, functional designs that appeal to mass audiences. While we are all drawn to attractive websites, it takes more than just a pretty design to draw readers in.
I’ve helped hundreds of law firms design and optimize their websites. Here are the latest website trends I’m seeing that are making a splash this year. No matter your industry, consider implementing these design, development, content, SEO and PPO trends on your own or your clients’ websites to see increased traffic and engagement.
Design Trends
• The Bigger, The Better: In the last couple of years, I’ve seen a dominating trend: Bigger is better. Embrace wide designs for desktops to promote higher user engagement numbers. This allows designers the space to capture stunning visual images that convey a story to audiences.
• Consistent Branding: Having a consistent brand across all platforms, including print, website, marketing materials and social media, is imperative. That way, audiences will associate your unique brand image with your company.
• Mobile First: Mobile devices drive more than 50% of all website traffic. Having a mobile-friendly design is no longer optional but a must in today’s smartphone-driven world.
• Compelling Videos: In my experience, incorporating videos on your website helps increase conversion rates when they are before the fold. Before the fold means the area is viewable on the site without scrolling and is the first thing people see when they visit.
• Reviews: Never underestimate the power of having reviews feed into your site. Whether your company has reviews on Google, Avvo, Yelp or Facebook, updating your website to show off good reviews provides compelling information that your company rates well with clients.
• Declutter: This year’s minimalist movement made its way into website designs, at least in terms of menu options. I recommend limiting your main navigation bar to seven pages. White space is also back to keep sites looking fresh and clean.
• Personal: Incorporating bios for the leadership team and even behind-the-scenes videos adds a personal touch to any website design. It’s important that audiences connect with your brand, and first impressions are critical.
• Interact: Let visitors interact with your website by incorporating drop-down menus, hover states, unique pages leads and even content reveals. Your website should offer an experience for visitors. Additionally, many sites are using chatbots to allow visitors to get answers to frequently asked questions. Chatbots offer answers 24/7 to many common questions, allowing people to engage with your site well after regular office hours.
read more at: forbes.com
