Form may be fleeting but function is forever.Ā Some website trends justĀ arenātĀ going to cut it in 2022.Ā Is your website free of them?Ā
An updated website is crucial for your business,Ā itāsĀ true. But effectively redesigning your digital face requires more than an understanding ofĀ current style guidelines and modern web design principles.Ā Ā
Like all fads, website trends also come and go. Your business must be able to adapt to these changesĀ in order toĀ stay relevant online.Ā
Here are just a few website trends we recommend leaving in 2021.Ā
Obvious Stock ImageryĀ
Look,Ā weāreĀ all guilty of it; YouĀ canātĀ find the rightĀ organicĀ imageryĀ for a particular page so rather than leave the space blank, you fill it with the next best thing: a stock image.Ā Ā
But just becauseĀ itāsĀ commonĀ doesnātĀ mean thatĀ itāsĀ right.Ā Ā
In 2022, we urge you to try and use as little stock imagery as possible on your website, or, at least on the main pages of your website.Ā While we understand that stock photos may not beĀ entirely unavoidable ā and they certainly have their time and place ā limiting their use will help your brandĀ in the long run.Ā Plus, real photos will always communicate your brand values better than stock.Ā Ā
Impersonal ContentĀ
The urge to appear āprofessionalā is real, but donāt get caught up in appearances. Personality is important too. Ā
Todayās customers arenāt just looking at your website to validate your skills or services, theyāre searching for a sense of who you are. While it may be tempting to keep the content of your web pages strictly business, try and inject a bit of charisma and identity as well. Ā
Todayās customers are better at spotting jargon than you might think. Go for honesty andĀ clarity,Ā first and foremost.Ā Ā
MutedĀ Color SchemesĀ
Business doesnāt have to be boring. If you identify your brand with bright, powerful colors, then your website should reflect that.
While muted color schemes might be in vogue, we always recommend using a color story that speaks not to current website trends but to the values and personality of your business. This isnāt to say whites and grays donāt have their place in modern web design (did someone say hyper-minimalism?), but rather that you should only head for the minimalist design aesthetic if it speaks to you.Ā
Annoying MediaĀ
Animations, video, and sound are great! But if done incorrectly they could also detract from your overall message.Ā
The goal ofĀ autoplayĀ media is to garner attention from visitors, enticing them to extend the time that they stay on your page. However,Ā if this media is too loud, too garish, non-stopping, or just blatantly annoying, youāre likely to experience the opposite effect, withĀ visitors clicking off almost as soon as they got there.Ā Ā
If you hope to useĀ mediaĀ on your webpage ā and trust us, you should ā make sure theĀ implementation is overseen by the experts.Ā Ā
DesignĀ For EveryoneĀ
Your website is public-facing. As such, there is a tendency for business owners to want the design of their website to appeal to the public as a whole.Ā Ā
However, like all forms of advertising, a website that speaks not to the general but your specific audience is always going to be more successful. Your website design should reflect the internet literacy, aesthetic values, voice, and functionality of your target audience in addition to adhering to brand standards. The more specific you can get, the better.Ā
Going It AloneĀ
One last website trend to leave in theĀ past?Ā DIY.Ā Ā
Let the experts guide you through creating an incredible new digital face in 2022. EMPIST curatesĀ and createsĀ custom websitesĀ or mobile apps for businesses looking to improve their customer experience, update theirĀ digital presence, andĀ ultimately grow to new heights.Ā
To learn more about EMPIST web design and development, visit us online today. To get started with an EMPIST expert right now, contact us, here.Ā Ā