Web Design Trends That We Love (And You Should Too!)
Everyday, website design and social media platform layouts change and update features within a blink of an eye. You never think that an update will create a HUGE impact. Maybe you've wanted to move a tab over or make it more accessible to contact customers, or even just swap a color, you should be aware of some key tips where less is truly more. How you update your online presence and use new features to your advantage could make or break the aesthetic nature of your identifiable brand. And let’s face it, no one wants that! That’s why we are bringing to you the top trends in web design for 2017. 😁
1. Minimalism
While we all know that your website conveys your brand, no one exactly likes to be overwhelmed with a gazillion tabs to click on in a page or spammy ads. Not only can it be confusing and frustrating, but hard to navigate! Your bounce rate will sky rocket. Please do not go overboard with features. Examples of brand with minimalist layouts are Apple, Bustle, and Glossier. Layouts that are straight forward also allow for quick page loading and easy updating. Keep it simple, (silly)! Flashy, gimmicky design is passé, so shoot for the better, easier usage of negative space.
2. Brighter Colors
Even though it sounds like this trend counteracts the previously listed, brighter color usage does not mean that you cannot have a minimalist website. In fact, bright color choices in minimalism are becoming very popular among social media platforms; see Snapchat and reference artists like Piet Mondrian. How you combine intense, saturated colors with minimalism is key. If you're just developing your brand, limit yourself to a couple colors (three MAX). If you have an existing brand, focus on a single color with accents of a few others. Don't be too gaudy and make all of your colors flashy or neon but also don’t use colors that are universally dull like a bowl of generic bran flakes; find balance. I reference bran flakes like I’m not the reason they’re still in business (I love bran flakes, just not on websites). Read up on color theory if you're lost or better yet, just hire a designer if you don't have the time or knowledge to DIY. (Insert promotional suggestion to contact us and we'll build a website for you, haha 😁).
3. Automation
In one of my previous articles, I talked about how Facebook AI Bots can function as reminders, style advisers, or even be assigned to answer questions on specific Facebook pages. Conversational Bots however that are designed for your website can be implemented in dozens of unique ways to automate some of your small business tasks. Whether you use them for Q&A, promoting current sales, or collecting customer info, they allowing customers to ask specific questions instead of scrolling through a fixed list. This automation frees up your valuable time but also helps you identify what your customers are looking for exactly so that you can better tailor your business to their needs. When using features like automation, be mindful that it doesn't interfere with the first to trends listed above!
4. Destination Facebook
While it can be argued that this is actually a digital marketing trend rather than a web design one, the fact of the matter still remains that using Facebook is an invaluable tool for business visibility and connection with customers. It is also contested that businesses should use LinkedIn over all other platforms but remember, Facebook is king of social media platforms with more users (and growing) than any other platform presently. Facebook pages offer reviews, live messenger, groups, live video, and direct contact with customers that other platforms like LinkedIn can't compare to. It would be wise to use multiple platforms but if you have to choose one, it should be Facebook. In fact, most clients would rather contact you through Facebook directly compared to any other platform, including your website. Think about that.
5. Bottom Sticky (or Pinned) Elements vs. Top Sticky (or Pinned) Elements
First of all, if you don't have sticky or pinned elements in your mobile website or app, you should consider updating. Secondly, when choosing pinned elements, it's important to consider where the element is going. Should you choose top, bottom, both? The answer shorthand is no, yes, and no way! The reality is that people are getting in the habit of clicking at the bottom of their screens, just as we read from left to right. And because mobile app design has had such an influence on modern web design, you’ll see this trend transfer to websites and social platforms like Instagram or Tumblr.