What is Web Design (and Why Does It Matter for Edmonton Businesses)?

Websites are everything for local businesses these days.

See this?

Whenever a potential customer is searching on Google, your website is put front and centre, and if your website's not up to scratch, quite simply, you won't be in these top "promoted" results that everyone's clicking on first.

So, how is your website doing? 

Do you have a decent bounce rate of lower than 40%? Are you investing hours and hours and getting a relative traffic flow in return? Are you ranking in the top ten or even the top five for specific Edmonton-focused keywords?

Does it capture attention, engage visitors, and guide them towards taking action? Or is it slow, outdated, and failing to deliver the desired results?

Are you receiving complaints about your website being slow, confusing, or just plain outdated? Whenever you see your website, do you feel disappointed or even a little ashamed, yet revitalizing it is constantly bumped down your to-do list?

To get your website working for you, you need to focus on improving your site's web design - the art and science of building successful websites.

The sort that turns browsers into paying customers.

That's what we're talking about today, as I take you through everything you need to know to get your website right and working for you.

What is web design vs. web development?

Building your Edmonton business website is kind of like building a house. There are several moving parts and skills that come together to create the whole package.

Web design is the architect, crafting the blueprints, envisioning the layout, and choosing the materials that will make your home both beautiful and functional. 

Web development is the builder, taking those blueprints and bringing them to life, ensuring the house is structurally sound and everything works as it should.

What is web design?

Web design is all about your website's look, feel, and user experience. It's the creative process that involves:

• Visuals: Choosing colors, fonts, and images that align with your brand identity and appeal to your target audience.
• Layout: Arranging elements on the page in a way that's visually appealing, easy to navigate, and guides visitors towards your desired actions.
• User Interface (UI): Designing interactive elements like buttons, menus, and forms to make your website easy and enjoyable to use.
• User Experience (UX): Considering the entire journey a visitor takes on your website, from their first click to their final conversion, and optimizing every step for maximum satisfaction.

Again, good web design isn't just about making your website look pretty, although that's certainly part of it. It's about capturing the essence of your brand, communicating your message effectively, and creating a positive first impression that keeps visitors engaged.

For example, the Nike website is crisp, modern, sleek, and colorful, and clearly the Nike website. It doesn't take more than a few seconds for people to get into the branding and to know where they are.

What about this website?

It's calm, rustic, adventure-like, and clear for outdoor types. You can tell by the colors and design. This is for a homemade candle company, and clearly aims for a certain type of person. 

See the difference?

Now ask yourself, how does your website make people feel?

Do they connect with your branding? Can they see and feel your mission? Can you identify what you stand for in the first few seconds? Or does it confuse people? Does it leave them feeling a little all over the place?

Web design is everything you need to bring all your ideas together cohesively.

What is web development?

Web development takes the visual web design and ideas and turns them into a functioning website people can use and interact with. It involves:

• Coding: Writing the code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) that structures the website, adds functionality, and brings the design to life.
• Content Management System (CMS): Implementing a CMS like WordPress to make it easy for you to update content, add new pages, and manage your website without needing technical skills.
• Performance Optimization: Ensuring your website loads quickly, is mobile-friendly, and provides a smooth user experience.
• Security: Protecting your website from hackers and malware to keep your business and customer data safe.

Development is like the engine that powers your website. The technical foundation that ensures your website works seamlessly so your visitors can focus on your content and your message.

Why both web design and web development matter

Web design and web development are two sides of the same coin. You need both to create a successful website that achieves your business goals. 

A beautiful design without functionality is like a stunning house with no plumbing or electricity – it's not very useful.

Similarly, a website with all the bells and whistles but a poor user experience is like a cluttered, poorly designed house – it's hard to navigate and doesn't leave a good impression.

Investing in both professional web design and web development ensures your Edmonton business has a website that looks great, functions flawlessly, and delivers the results you need.

Why does web design matter for Edmonton local websites?

Let's break it down;

First impressions are everything

Let's face it – we all judge books by their covers, and websites are no different. 

Your website is often the first point of contact a potential customer has with your brand. In a matter of seconds, they'll form an opinion about your business based on how your website looks and feels.  

Research shows this happens in less than 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds)!

So, make that time count. A well-designed website immediately signals professionalism, credibility, and attention to detail. It tells visitors you care about their experience and that you're a reputable business worth engaging with. 

On the flip side, a poorly designed website can send potential customers running to your competitors faster than you can say "poutine."

For instance, imagine a local Edmonton bakery with a website that's visually stunning, featuring mouthwatering photos of their pastries and an easy-to-navigate menu.

This website is far more likely to entice customers to visit than one with blurry images and a confusing layout.

User experience is non-negotiable

Would you want your customers to trip over displays, struggle to find prices, or wait in long lines while in a brick-and-mortar store?

Of course not, and the same principles apply to your website.

A website with poor user experience (UX) is like a frustrating shopping experience. If visitors can't easily find what they're looking for, navigate your site, or complete a purchase, they'll simply leave and find a business that offers a smoother experience.

According to Zippia research, 88% of online shoppers will NEVER return to a website after a bad user experience. Simultaneously, 55% of companies who invest in user experience tests on their website receive a 9,900% ROI on their investment (or every $1 of spending returns $100).

Consider an Edmonton tourism website that's optimized for user experience. It has a clear navigation menu, fast loading times, and is easily viewable on both desktop and mobile devices. 

This website encourages visitors to stay longer, explore more local attractions, and potentially book accommodations or tours. It also ranks higher in the search engines!

Work on your branding

Your website is more than just a collection of pages; it's your digital identity. 

It's your business's personality online, and place to showcase who you are, what your values are, and where you've come from. A well-designed website visually communicates your brand's essence through consistent colors, fonts, imagery, and tone of voice.

Think of a local Edmonton craft brewery. 

Their website may feature rustic textures, warm earth tones, and images of friendly faces enjoying their beer. This creates a brand identity that resonates with customers who value local businesses, community, and craftsmanship.

A strong brand identity not only sets you apart from competitors but also builds trust and loyalty with your audience. When visitors feel connected to your brand, they'll become repeat customers and brand advocates.

These days, it's not just about people buying your products or services. It's about them feeling what your business stands for and becoming a part of your community. 

Aim to turn website visitors into loyal customers

While good web design and functionality are important, a successful website is far more than just a collection of pretty pages. 

It needs to generate tangible results for your business. Again, achieving those results isn't just about flashy design or chasing metrics. It's about creating a website that truly connects with your audience and guides them towards taking action.

Think of your website as a salesperson who never sleeps. To be effective, this salesperson needs to:

• Make a great first impression: I can't stress this enough. Just like a friendly face and a warm welcome, your website's design should be inviting and professional. This means using high-quality images, clear and concise language, and an intuitive layout.
• Build trust and rapport: Showcase your expertise and build credibility by offering valuable content like blog posts, case studies, and client testimonials. This is where you demonstrate your knowledge and build authority in your industry.
• Clearly communicate your value proposition: Make sure visitors understand what you offer and how it benefits them. Use strong headlines, compelling calls to action (CTAs), and clear, concise language.
• Guide visitors towards desired actions: Whether it's making a purchase, booking a consultation, or signing up for a newsletter, your website should make it easy for visitors to take the next step. Use clear CTAs, intuitive forms, and a streamlined checkout process to encourage conversions.

Here's how strategic web design can help you achieve these goals:

• Optimize your website for search engines (SEO): By using relevant keywords and phrases throughout your website content, you can improve your website's ranking in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
• Create a user-friendly experience: A well-designed website is easy to navigate and understand, making it more likely that visitors will stay on your site and explore your offerings.
• Use persuasive design elements: Elements like color, typography, and imagery can be used to evoke specific emotions and guide visitors towards taking action.

For example:

An Edmonton bakery could feature mouth-watering photos of their cakes, customer testimonials highlighting the quality of their ingredients, and a prominent "Order Online" button on their homepage. This combination of visuals, social proof, and a clear CTA encourages visitors to place an order.

By understanding your target audience's needs and pain points, and designing your website to address them, you can create a seamless path that converts website visitors into loyal customers.

Wrapping up

As you can see, web design is so much more than just making your website look pretty. It's a strategic investment directly impacting your business's success in Edmonton's digital landscape.

A well-designed website creates positive first impressions, provides a seamless user experience, strengthens your brand identity, and drives conversions. It's your 24/7 salesperson, working tirelessly to attract and engage potential customers.

If your current website is outdated, confusing, or simply not delivering the results you want, it's time to consider a redesign. Don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted online presence to elevate your brand and drive business growth.

Ready to ignite your online potential? 

Visit Ignite Web Design, and let's create a website that truly reflects your Edmonton business's unique brilliance. We also offer free audits to update and improve your existing site.