If you spend much time on the Internet, you’ve probably noticed that many websites these days have a similar look. Whether you browse on your mobile device, tablet, or desktop, you’ve seen common features and popular layouts. It might make you wonder where the creativity in web design has gone.
At Lighthouse Marketing, we’ve been having this conversation for a while now. We’ve noticed the trends in web design too. For years we worked hard to create unique designs for our clients, helping them stand out in a swelling sea of websites.
So what are we doing about the current trend in web design? What about all those templates and DIY tools that actually look really cool? Are we concerned about a lack of creativity?
Not at all.
In fact, we see this trend as a good thing. And we’re not alone: others have noticed this trend and see the benefits of common web design features.
In a recent WebDesignerDepot article, Antonio Pratas briefly outlines how web design came to be where it is today and why it’s really ok. Borrowing from his observations, I’ve put together a few benefits of common web design features.
#1 – Web Design that works for people
Pratas points out that “users”–visitors to your website–are now familiar with a certain kind of layout. It’s a design that works well for most people. That’s a good thing because people will be able to navigate more smoothly and find the content they are looking for much faster. That means more qualified customers. It means better conversions from curious shopper to devoted customer.
#2 – Web Design that works for devices
But it’s also a design that works well for most devices. Lighthouse Marketing has adopted a “responsive” web design model for our client websites. That means we design websites to work as good as possible on many devices. Basically, the design “responds” to the width of the web browser’s screen width. So the web content is as accessible on a small iPhone screen as it is on a high resolution, big screen desktop computer.
#3 – Web Design that works for budgets
In a time where budgets seem tighter—a standard scenario for small businesses—common web design features can also help the bottomline. By using common web design features, the development process is streamlined so more effort can be applied to creating great content and to regular monthly online marketing and SEO. We believe that’s a better marketing strategy for your business.
Is Creative Web Design Withering?
These days creativity in web design is actually blooming. It’s no longer just the web designer who impacts the creativity of the website. Now the client and even visitors to their website are involved.
I’m not talking about designing the primary user interface. I’m referring to the ongoing creation of quality content. Design is a crucial part of good content. But so is writing and photography. And regular blogging. Even visitor comments and reviews play a vital role is the creation of quality content.
And the websites with quality content will rise to the surface. From the user interface (the aesthetic appeal of the website) to the user experience (the interaction with the words and images), web design is in a good place.
What do you think of web design these days?
Lighthouse Marketing
Lighthouse Marketing Inc. specializes in visually appealing, mobile friendly website design. We are an independently owned 18 year old Canadian company based in the Lower Mainland of BC, and are not affiliated with any company bearing a similar name in other areas of North America.
In addition to our existing website services, the past 3 years has seen dynamic growth in the area of SEO services, particularly with regard to local search. Our evolution to a full service SEO company means that we now offer complete online business solutions that involve Google local search as well as an effective social media strategy.
Lighthouse Marketing services the Surrey, Langley, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, White Rock, Delta, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and Abbotsford areas, as well as other locations throughout the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.