Website design is a critical element to the success of any business, online or offline, especially in the 21st century. It is the first thing that potential customers see and it needs to make a good impression. A well-designed website will not only tell visitors who you are and what you do, but it will also give them a reason to stay on your page and learn more about your business.
Define: Website Design
Website design is the process of creating user-friendly web pages. This includes specifying the layout, colours, fonts and graphics of the site. In addition, website design also includes the development of webpages and the coding that goes into making a website work.
Types of Web Design
1. Static Website Design:
A static site is one that is built using only HTML and CSS. These websites are typically used by businesses that don't need frequent update to their content, such as personal pages or small businesses.
2. Dynamic Website Design:
A dynamic web site is one that is built using a Content Management System (CMS). This type of website is perfect for businesses that need to regularly update their content, such as online stores or news sites.
3. Responsive Website Design:
Responsive web development is one that is designed to work on all devices, from desktop computers to mobile phones. This is accomplished by using a responsive layout, which automatically adjusts the websites design to fit the screen size of the device as it is being viewed on.
How to Design a Website?
1. Plan Layout:
The first step is to decide how your website will be structured.
- Consider the width and height of your website and ensure it’s responsive for different screen sizes.
- Map out the placement of essential elements, such as:
- Header: Usually includes the logo and navigation menu.
- Footer: Contains contact information, social links, and disclaimers.
- Content Areas: Define where your main text, images, and interactive elements will go.
- Use wireframing tools like Figma or Adobe XD to create a basic blueprint of your site.
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2. Choose a Colour Scheme
Colours set the tone and mood of your website, so choose wisely.
- Select 2-3 complementary colours to maintain consistency and visual appeal.
- Example: A primary colour for backgrounds, a secondary colour for accents, and a neutral colour for text.
- Use tools like Coolors or Adobe Color to explore and test palettes.
- Ensure your colours align with your brand identity and provide sufficient contrast for readability.
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3. Select Fonts
Typography plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and usability.
- Choose a font for each key element:
- Headings: Use bold and striking fonts to grab attention.
- Body Text: Prioritise readability with clean, simple fonts like Arial or Roboto.
- Special Text: For buttons or quotes, choose complementary fonts that add flair.
- Stick to 2-3 fonts to maintain a consistent and professional look.
- Use font pairings from platforms like Google Fonts or Fontjoy for inspiration.
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4. Add Graphics & Visuals:
Graphics bring your website to life and enhance user engagement.
- Include:
- High-quality images that align with your content.
- Logos to reinforce brand identity.
- Icons for navigation or highlighting features.
- Optimise all images for the web using tools like TinyPNG to reduce loading times.
- Ensure your graphics are relevant and don’t overwhelm the design.
Can you Design a Website for Free?
Yes, it’s possible to design a website for free! With the right tools and platforms, you can create a functional and visually appealing website without needing extensive technical skills or a large budget. Here's how:
Free Website Design Options
- Website Builders
- Platforms like WordPress.com, Wix, or Weebly offer free plans that allow you to design a basic website using pre-built templates.
- These tools are beginner-friendly and require no coding knowledge, making them ideal for personal projects or small businesses.
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Open-source CMS platforms like WordPress.org, Joomla, or Drupal allow you to design websites for free.
- While the software itself is free, you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name.
- Templates and plugins can be used to customize the site without learning coding languages.
- Free Design Tools
- Tools like Figma or Canva can help you design website mockups before you build your site.
- Use free resources like Unsplash or Font Awesome for graphics and icons.
Low-Cost Website Builders
It has been very popular in recent years to use a website builder to create an easy but attractive graphic design. They are easy to use and allow you to create a professional-looking page without any need for coding or design experience. The most popular builders are:
Weebly
Weebly is a popular builder that allows you to create a free website. It has a simple drag and drop interface that makes it easy to create a web page. It also has a wide range of templates and features that you can use to create a unique website.
WordPress
WordPress is a popular content management system that allows you to create a free web page. It has a wide range of themes and plugins that you can use to customize your website. It also has a powerful editor that makes it easy to create and edit content.
Wix
Another great builder that is easy to use and has a wide range of templates and features. If you seeking a basic and not overly complicated site, this could be a good place to start.
Shopify
If you have plans to build an eCommerce site, then Shopify could be a great option for you. It has everything you need to create a professional online store, including a payment gateway, shipping calculator and inventory management.
WooCommerce
This is a popular WordPress plugin that allows you to turn your regular WordPress website into an online store. It has a wide range of features and can be customized to suit your needs.
Basic Website Costs
Domain Names
The first step in creating your website is choosing a domain name—your website’s unique address (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com).
A good domain name should:
- Be short, memorable, and easy to spell.
- Reflect your brand or business.
Where to Buy a Domain Name
You can purchase domain names from registrars like:
- GoDaddy
- Namecheap
- Google Domains
Cost of a Domain Name
- Standard domains typically cost £8 - £15 per year, depending on the registrar and domain extension (e.g., .com, .co.uk, .org).
- Premium domains (shorter or highly desirable names) can cost significantly more.
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Web Hosting
Once you’ve secured a domain, you’ll need web hosting—a service that stores your website files and makes them accessible online.
Types of Web Hosting
- Shared Hosting
- Best for small websites or blogs.
- Cost: £3 - £10 per month.
- Examples: Bluehost, SiteGround, DreamHost.
- VPS Hosting
- Offers more resources and flexibility for medium-sized websites.
- Cost: £15 - £50 per month.
- Dedicated Hosting
- Ideal for large websites with high traffic.
- Cost: £75+ per month.
- Cloud Hosting
- Scalable and reliable, suitable for growing businesses.
- Cost: £10 - £80 per month.
Free Hosting Options
Website builders like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace offer free hosting, often bundled with:
- A free subdomain (e.g., yourbusiness.wix.com).
- SSL certificates for security.
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Additional Costs
Themes and Templates
- Free and premium themes allow you to customise your website’s appearance.
- Cost: £0 - £75 per theme.
Site Plugins
Plugins enhance your website's functionality, such as:
- SEO tools (e.g., Yoast for WordPress).
- Analytics integrations (e.g., Google Analytics).
- E-commerce tools.
- Cost: £0 - £100/year, depending on features.
E-commerce-Specific Costs
For online stores, additional expenses include:
- Transaction Fees: Payment processors like PayPal and Stripe charge around 2.9% - 3.5% per transaction.
- E-commerce Hosting Plans: Usually cost more due to added functionality like product catalogs and secure checkout.
Cost to Hire a Website Designer in the UK?
This will depend on the designer that you choose and the level of solution you require. Some designers charge by the hour, while others may charge a flat fee for designing and building a page. Generally, the cost of hiring a website designer will be between £2,000 - £5,000.
Freelance Website Designer
If you're on a budget, then you may want to consider hiring a freelance website designer. This can be a great option as it allows you to get a pro-looking web at a fraction of the cost.
The average hourly rate for a freelance web designer in the UK is £20-£35 per hour.
To find a freelance web designer, you can look up Upwork, Fiverr or PeoplePerHour.
Benefits of Freelancers
- You can get a professional-looking website at a fraction of the cost.
- You can often get the work done faster as they are not tied down to a 9-5 job.
- They are often more flexible and can work around your schedule.
Drawbacks of Freelancers
- They may not have the same level of experience as a larger design agency.
- They may not be available when you need them.
- There is always the risk that they may not deliver on their promises.
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Web Design Company
If you have a larger budget, then you may want to consider hiring an agency to design and build your website. This is a great option if you need a more complex website or if you need help with branding and marketing services. The average cost of hiring a web design company in the UK is £2,000-£10,000.
Benefits of Agencies
- They have a lot of experience and can often offer a higher level of service including software development, mobile app development, graphic design etc.
- They are reliable and able to help with any customer project.
- They often have a team of designers, developers and marketers that can help you to grow your business and ensure security.
Drawback of Agencies
- They can be more expensive than hiring a freelancer.
- Delivery time might be longer.
- Availability of the web agency.
How to Choose a Web Design Company?
When choosing a web design company, it's important to consider the following factors/details:
- Experience - Make sure the company has a lot of experience in designing and building websites or mobile apps. This will ensure that they have the skills, solutions and knowledge to create a new website that meets your industry needs.
- Portfolio - Take a look at the company's portfolio to see examples of their previous web design work. This will give you an idea of the quality of their work and what type of websites they are capable of creating.
- Price - The price for designing and building a website can vary significantly, so it's important to shop around and compare prices. Be sure to ask for web design quotes from multiple companies before making a decision.
- Reviews - Read reviews from past clients to get an idea of what it's like working with a web design company. These efforts will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not to hire them.
Everything about SEO
One of the most important aspects of website design is SEO. This is the process of optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). There are many things you can do to improve your S E O, such as adding keywords to your title tags and meta descriptions, optimizing your images, and blogging regularly.
Google also takes into account the user experience when ranking websites. So make sure that your website is easy to navigate and that all of your content is relevant and interesting to your audience. The two main categories in S E O are:
OnPage search engine optimization
Is the process of optimizing your website's individual pages for search engines. There are many things you can do to improve your OnPage SEO, such as adding keywords to your title tags and meta descriptions, optimizing your images, and blogging regularly. You can also use Google's Webmaster Tools to help you track and optimize your website for better visibility.
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OffPage search engine optimization
Is the process of optimizing your website for external factors, such as building links from other websites. This is done in order to improve your ranking. There are many things you can do to build links, such as guest blogging, directory submissions, and social bookmarking. You can also use Google's PageSpeed Insights tool to help you optimize your website for faster loading times.
7 SEO Tips for Ranking
- Research your keywords - Before you start optimizing your website, you need to know which keywords you want to target. Use Google's Keyword Planner tool to research the keywords that are relevant to your business.
- Title tags and meta descriptions - Adding keywords to your title tags and meta descriptions will help your new website to rank higher.
- Optimize your images - Adding keywords to your image file names and alt text will help your website to rank higher on results pages.
- Blog regularly - Blogging regularly will help you to attract new visitors to your website and keep your existing visitors engaged.
- Build links - Building links from other websites is a great way to get started to improve rankings and traffic.
- Social media - Promoting your website on SM will help you to attract new visitors and improve your website's rankings.
- Google webmaster tools - Using Google's Webmaster Tools will help you to track your website's rankings and optimize your website for better visibility.
SEO Costs
When it comes to web design and traffic, S E O is one of the most important aspects to consider. However, S E O can be expensive, and the cost of hiring an S E O company can vary significantly. So how do you know if you're getting a good deal?
- You should ask the company for a list of their previous clients. This will give you a better idea of the quality of their work. You should also ask for quotes from multiple companies before making a decision.
- Read reviews from past clients. This will give you a better idea of what it's like working with the company. Once you've narrowed down your options, you should ask the companies for case studies or examples of their previous work.
- Ask the company about their approach to S E O. This will help you to determine if they are a good fit for your business.
The following price list is from FIT DESIGN London:
- OnPage SEO: start from £99
- OffPage SEO: start from £199
- SEO packages: start from £399/month
What is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is the process of promoting products or services online. It includes the use of digital channels such as websites, social media, email, and text messaging to reach a target market. It can be used to achieve a variety of business goals, such as increasing brand awareness, generating leads, and driving sales.
What is Included in Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing includes a wide range of activities, all of which are designed to help you reach your target audience online. Some of the most common digital marketing activities include:
- Search engine optimisation:
This is the process of improving your website's ranking in search results, making it more visible to potential customers.
- Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising:
This is a form of advertising where you pay each time someone clicks on your advert. It's a great way to get your website seen by more people, but it can be expensive if you're not careful.
- Social media marketing:
This involves creating and sharing content on media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The aim is to build relationships with potential and existing customers and ultimately encourage them to buy your product or use your service.
- Content marketing:
This is all about creating informative and engaging content that will interest your target audience. It could be anything from blog posts and articles to videos and info graphics. FlexClip is useful if you want to create engaging videos for your target audience.
- Email marketing:
This involves sending newsletters, special offers, and other promotional material to people on your email list. It's a great way to keep customers informed about what you're up to, and it can also help generate sales.
How Does Web Design Affect Marketing?
Web design is one of the most important aspects of digital marketing. A well-designed website will help to attract new visitors and keep them engaged. It will also help to improve your website's rankings.
Difference Between Digital marketing VS Traditional Marketing
- Digital marketing is more focused on online channels, such as websites, SM, and email.
- Traditional marketing is more focused on offline channels, such as television, radio, and print.
Benefits of Digital Marketing
- Increased reach: With digital marketing, businesses can communicate with a wider audience more easily and at a lower cost.
- Greater engagement: Digital marketing techniques, such as email marketing and social media marketing, allow businesses to engage with their customers more effectively.
- More engaging content: It has made information more engaging and easier to consume. This has led to a higher demand for digital marketing content, such as blog posts and video tutorials.
- Increased conversion rates: Digital marketing can be more effective at driving sales than traditional marketing techniques.
- Lower costs: Digital marketing is often more cost effective than traditional marketing techniques.
Disadvantages of Digital Marketing
- Data overload: With so much information available online, it can be overwhelming for businesses to sift through all the data to find what they need.
- Reach limitations: Not everyone is online, and not all demographics can be reached through digital channels.
- Competition: With more businesses going online, the competition for attention is becoming more fierce.
Cost of Digital Marketing
The cost of digital marketing varies widely based on the services you need and the level of expertise required. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs to help you budget effectively:
Social Media and SEO Services
- Hiring a social media expert to optimize your SEO and grow your online presence typically costs £500-£1,000 per month.
- This includes tasks like creating content, running ads, and improving your website’s search engine rankings.
Comprehensive Digital Marketing Management
- If you want someone to manage your entire online presence—including your website, blog, social media accounts, and ad campaigns—expect to pay between £2,000-£5,000 per month.
- This package often includes strategy development, content creation, paid ads, analytics, and ongoing optimizations.
What Influences the Cost?
- Business Size: A small local business might spend less than a national or global brand.
- Scope of Services: Adding services like PPC ads, email marketing, or influencer campaigns will increase costs.
- Agency vs Freelancer: Agencies often charge more due to their team of experts, while freelancers may offer lower rates but with fewer resources.
Conclusion
Your website should be user-friendly, engaging, and designed with your audience in mind. Optimize it with SEO to boost visibility and leverage social media and email marketing to connect with customers personally.
Stay ahead by keeping up with digital trends. Need help with web design, SEO, or branding in the UK? Contact our Webflow agency for expert solutions tailored to your needs.
