Branding is promoting a business or product using advertising and distinctive design. Until a few years ago, marketers would brand their products through creative logo design, billboards, engaging in-store experiences, and memorable TV ads. However, website design has entered the picture, weighing as much, if not more, than others. Why? In 2024, consumers’ first interaction with brands took place online, which played a significant role in whether or not they decided to do business with you. In this article, you’ll learn how to build your brand through web design in 2024.
According to HubSpot data, 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the layout is unattractive, and 57% would never recommend a poorly designed website on mobile. The website has become integral to a brand’s identity, and not paying enough attention to its design can render all other marketing efforts futile.
2024 has redefined the user’s experience with websites
The Coronavirus crisis has accelerated the shift towards digital transformation. The change has taken aback many business owners, who, before the pandemic, only had generic websites based on predesigned themes or basic websites lacking functionality.
With lockdown and social distancing in place, physical stores and offices were closed, and everything moved online, making good website design crucial. From an appendix to businesses’ branding components, websites have become the only representation source.
Whether you’re launching your website now or giving it a facelift to match the requirements of the new business scene, it’s essential to put just as much thought into the design as you would into a beautiful storefront.
Why does web design matter when building your brand?
A website’s role isn’t just to sell things. It’s also an essential element that can make your brand unique and speak volumes about your company’s philosophy. So, don’t leave the design to chance. Every little choice you make sends a message, whether you know it or not.
A good website design determines brand credibility. Did you know that 75% of online consumers judge a company’s credibility based on the design of its website? So, even if you put a lot of work into your products and services, there’s a big chance that customers will perceive you as unreliable if your website looks sloppy and difficult to use.
A good website design sets you apart from the competition. Yes, there are many free website themes out there, but working with a web design agency makes much more sense in the long run because they can help you create a unique design that fully represents the brand and enables you to stand out from the competition, and gives personality to your brand. A brand is a symbol that sets certain expectations, so don’t choose the free stock option.
A good website design creates meaningful consumer interactions. In the physical world, you enhance the user experience by making your store or offices as welcoming as possible and instructing the sales staff to be kind and courteous. The website design reflects this hospitality in the online world. If the design is intuitive and fun, it will create positive consumer experiences that boost sales and client retention.
Elements that will help you build your brand through web design
So, now that you know why website design has taken over as the #1 branding element in 2024, what exactly should you pay attention to?
1 A logical, easy to follow the structure
In a physical store, products are arranged logically on the shelves, and shoppers know where to go if they need help. The same applies to websites. Before thinking of colors, animations, and fancy widgets. Ensure your design is intuitive enough for the average user to follow and that sequences and hierarchies make sense.
2 Design uniqueness
Your design should have at least a couple of elements that set it apart from the millions of other websites out there, whether that’s a unique idea or the way it was implemented. The best way to inject personality into your design is to think about what makes your brand different to begin with. Is it its customer support, playfulness, professionalism, and innovation ability? Once you establish that, a professional web designer will help you translate your unique strengths into visual form.
3 Colors to build your brand through web design
The use of color and color combinations is never random in web design. As you’ve probably seen in big enterprises, every color symbolizes something: red creates a sense of urgency, which is why it’s used for online sales and news websites, green represents nature and it’s used by eco-friendly companies.
Blue denotes professionalism and stability, is used by finance companies, and so on. If your company operates abroad, it’s also a good idea to check whether your chosen color scheme has certain connotations in that culture.
4 Emotion
Good website design isn’t just pretty. It also sends a certain emotion and, as a marketer, it’s important to explore the emotional impact of web design to create meaningful user experiences and prompt users to take specific actions. In the book Emotional Design, researcher Don Norman explains that there are three levels of visual design:
- the visceral level (appearance)
- the behavioral level (usability)
- the reflective level (personal satisfaction, self-image, and remembrance)
Using colors and arranging elements on your website can make users feel more comfortable. Boost trust, reduce the bounce rate, and drive more sales.
5 Design consistency to build your brand through web design
In web design, consistency matters for two reasons. Firstly, it makes browsing the website easier because the design elements don’t clash or send conflicting messages. Secondly, they make your brand memorable through the power of repetition.
- AI and Personalization: Artificial intelligence can be used to personalize user experiences. By analyzing user behavior, AI can display content, offers, and products that are most relevant to each visitor, creating a more engaging and personalized experience.
- Animation and Micro-Interactions: Subtle animations and micro-interactions can significantly enhance the user experience by providing feedback, guiding tasks, and adding a layer of interactivity that makes your website feel dynamic and alive.
- Accessibility: Web accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use your site effectively. Incorporate accessibility features, such as keyboard navigation, alt text for images, and sufficient color contrast.
By coming in contact with the same type of design across multiple channels. So, users come to associate your brand’s personality with certain elements, and thus, they remember you faster. After all, the principle of familiarity is crucial in marketing because. It makes people more likely to accept your brand and perceive it as trustworthy.
