Firstly, let's cut to the chase here. If you've got a brand influence level that Ian Rush would be proud of, and yet your web design isn’t screaming "Mind Blowing" louder than the filled ranks at Anfield on match day, then you've got a bit of a problem. Basically, it’s like driving your new Aston Martin right into Otterspool and expecting it to still gleam like the gem it was when you brought it home - Simply not going to happen, lad.
Breathe easy though, we've got the solution steeped in some hard-earned wisdom. Read on to understand how you can give your website the transition from "yawn-inducing" to "eyeballs-glued-to-the-screen”.
Redefine the meaning of user experience on your website: Remember the last time you couldn't find your way around a complex website and just clicked that red-cross in disappointment? That's exactly what your users would do if your website’s navigational hierarchy is as confusing as Scouse slang to a foreigner. Make their journey as easy as Park Road.
Accessibility is a legal and ethical obligation: Just like everyone's welcome inside the Boot Room, on your website everyone deserves a seat at the digital table, irrespective of whether they are visually impaired, hard-of-hearing or have mobility issues. Do a double check for color contrast, font sizes, video captions, alt text for images, and tab navigation.
Speed is the key: Remember when Michael Owen sprinted past the Argentinian defence at France 98? Yeah, that kind of fast. No one likes to keep their patience hanging by a thread. If your website is taking longer to load than a slow walk from Lime Street Station to the Cavern Club, you may soon find yourself bidding farewell to a potential customer.
Mobile responsive web design : Just like putting Gerrard in defence, a website not optimised for mobiles is a wasted asset. With mobiles championing the internet usage stats, a mobile-first design approach is no more a shiny new object but the standard procedure.
Web design is a lot like telling a good joke - if you have to explain it, it ain't working. The purpose of your website's design should be to guide your users smoothly from point A to B without unnecessary distractions.
Similarly, make everything on your website, from your content to forms and CTAs, as straightforward as possible. The simpler the process, the better the user experience, and the higher the chances of them converting into a paying customer.
Lastly, it's about security, lad. Making your website secure isn't optional. With cyber threat on the rise, a secure website not only protects sensitive customer information but also builds their trust in your brand.
Now, let's take a look at it from a web designer's view. Honestly, good web design is a lot more than throwing together a couple steel, glass, and block elements together. I mean, it's not just the Goodison Park built overnight, is it? It's about understanding the unique 'vibe' your brand wants to represent, and representing it in a way that's engaging, interactive, and visually stunning at the same time.
That said, what's important is not to shy away from asking the real hard-hitting questions: Are you designing with your customers in mind? Is your website actually usable? More than fancy, schmancy designs, it all boils down to if your website actually does all the heavy lifting for your brand.
As a web designer, it's time we understand that web design isn’t just about artistic exposition, but is equally about functionality and usability. Because at the end of the day, mate, no matter how stunning your website looks, if it’s not serving its purpose, your customers are surely going to leg it to your competitor. So, put on your designing boots and give your brand the home it truly deserves - one that's not just good to look at, but provides real, tangible value to your customers.