7 Essential Elements for a Great Website Design
- By Fox Team
- March 5, 2013
There are many things that go into the design, implementation, and maintenance of a website. Here are 7 essential elements that every website should have:
1.) Home Page / Landing Page
When a user first arrives at your site either directly, via search engine, or a through a social media network, it is important to immediately let them know what you have to offer them. Also, you must remember, this landing page will likely be the first impression of your company, so it is a good idea to create an overall positive experience from the beginning.
2.) Video / Digital Media
Video and digital media are crucial tools for defining your message and addressing your audience. Visual elements beyond text will enable the viewer to experience more information faster, simpler, and more directly. You should only use media that represents and enhances your message. It is also recommended that you display an introductory video on your Home Page for new visitors.
3.) Contact Information
Whether they want to provide feedback, get more information directly from you, or just say hello, you need to allow for users to transmit a message to your company. A website is just an extension of the physical location of your company or organization. Your location on ‘the cloud’ should be a compass and not an end. Give users a way to find you in the ‘real world’ and communicate on a professional or personal level.
4.) Proper Navigation
Viewers of your website need information directed to them in a balanced approach. A webpage should be just that, a page. Just like a newspaper or book, by separating the information into categories and chapters versus clustering all the information into a single page or format, you give the user the ability to connect the dots and browse the information. Don’t overload the user with too much information at once. Also always keep in mind the navigation compatibility for the mobile user. 
5.) Interactivity
On the Internet, there is an expectation that almost everything should have interactivity. In other words any website is a two-way street. Give the users an opportunity to click on different parts of your website and naturally interface with the information you provide. If your website is stagnant, visitors will not return. Don’t make your website into a pamphlet or billboard. Interactivity is intuitive.
6.) New Content / Blog
It is important to engage with your audience frequently, whether it is in the form of a blog or a news post. By adding new information weekly, you will ensure that your audience is returning to your webpage and ultimately keep your webpage alive.
7.) Social Media Links
If someone likes something or wants to share information on your site with their friends, colleagues, or businesses, make that communication network as streamlined as possible. By integrating your site with social media, you will gain more new visitors through other users own personal or professional networks.
Be sure to check out a demonstration of all of these elements on our website at:
Fox Learning Systems offers a wide range of services including website design and development.