What should my website look like?
Match your purpose
The look of your site should reflect its purpose. A personal blog can be more creative and casual; a business site should appear trustworthy and professional.
Consider your audience. A site for kids might use bright colors and playful fonts, while a law firm should use conservative colors and serif fonts.
Look at competitors in your niche to see what's common. You don't have to follow trends, but understanding expectations helps you meet user needs.
Essential elements
Every website needs a few key elements: a clear header with your site name and navigation, a footer with contact info and links, and a consistent color scheme.
Your homepage should quickly communicate what your site is about. Use a headline, a subheadline, and a call-to-action button.
Content pages should be easy to read, with short paragraphs, subheadings, and bullet points where helpful. Images should support the text, not distract.
- Header with logo and menu
- Footer with contact and legal links
- Consistent colors and fonts
- Clear headlines and calls to action
- Readable text with good contrast
Avoid common pitfalls
Don't use background images behind text unless they're very subtle. Text should always be easy to read. Avoid flashing animations and auto-playing audio.
Keep the design consistent across pages. The same header, footer, and color scheme should appear everywhere. This builds trust and helps users navigate.
Finally, make sure your site looks good on all devices. A responsive design is non-negotiable today. Most builders handle this automatically, but always preview on a phone.
Common mistakes
- Prioritizing flashy design over usability and readability.
- Using inconsistent styling across pages, which confuses visitors.
- Forgetting to include basic contact information or a way to reach you.
