Updated Tue April 25, 2023
Published Under: Digital Marketing Healthcare Websites Website Accessibility Website Compliance
Websites remain essential for a business’s sales and marketing strategy, acting as a central hub for both traditional and digital activities. To optimize valuable online real estate, it’s important to create intriguing, scannable messaging that stands out to visitors who are unlikely to read all information about your business and products.
With most consumers starting their decision making or shopping journey online, having a well-designed and user-friendly website is crucial for success. In today’s blog, we’ll explore 10 trends driving web success in 2023 and provide ways for your website to measure up to these standards.
Ten Trends for Web and User Experience (UX) Design in 2023
- Mobile Optimization
Are you tired of navigating company websites on your mobile device that require you to zoom, scroll and twist your screen to access the information you need? With more than half of all internet traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s time for businesses to optimize their websites for mobile use. This means having:- Responsive design
- Optimal load times
- Easy navigation on small screens
- Speed and Load Times
All website visitors expect speedy load times and a smooth browsing experience. A slow website can lead to high bounce rates and lower conversion rates, which will ultimately cost your business. To improve speed and load times on your website, you should:- Optimize images
- Use a content delivery network
- Reduce the number of plugins and scripts that are running
- Clear Navigation
Ensure that your website navigation is simple and guides users to the information they need to do business with you. To help users navigate your site quickly and easily, make sure you:- Utilize clear and concise navigation menus
- Organize your website logically
- Create a site map to facilitate easy access to content
When creating a site map or wireframe, ensure that your team or web design partner maps out user journeys to make the experience as simple as possible.
- Accessibility
Accessibility is crucial to ensuring that all visitors have a great experience with your website. Not only is this important for user experience, but it’s also a legal requirement, as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to websites. Failing to prioritize accessibility could lead to potential lawsuits and damage to your brand reputation.
Shockingly, a study by WebAIM found that over 97% of websites tested had at least one WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) failure. Additionally, a survey by Nomensa revealed that over 71% of users with disabilities left a website that was difficult to use. To make sure your website is accessible to everyone, consider implementing these measures:- Use alt text for images and title text for links
- Provide closed captions for videos
- Make sure the website can be navigated using a keyboard
- Cross-Device UX
Cross-device UX refers to the practice of designing and developing websites and applications that work well across different devices, screen sizes, and platforms. It involves creating a unified user experience that adapts to the user's context and device, providing a consistent experience and reducing the need for the user to relearn how to use the website or app on different devices. A seamless cross-device user experience can:- Increase user engagement
- Improve conversions
- Reduce bounce rates
In fact, a study by Google found that sites with a good cross-device experience had a 67% higher conversion rate than those with a poor experience.
- Voice
Voice technology, such as smart speakers and voice-to-text, is becoming a part of our daily lives and has the potential to revolutionize website interaction. According to Adobe, 91% of mobile device users prefer using voice commands over typing, and a PwC study found that voice technology can boost website engagement by up to 60%. Incorporating voice technology on your website can be achieved through:- Selecting the right voice assistant
- Creating a VUI (Voice User Interface)
- Adding voice-enabled search
- Incorporating voice navigation
- Optimizing the user experience
This also improves website accessibility for people with disabilities, who can use voice commands to navigate the website.
- Micro-Interactions and Animation
Micro-interactions are small but powerful design elements that can enhance the user experience on a website. According to a study by Google, users are 30% more likely to engage with a website that includes micro-interactions. You can create a more engaging and intuitive experience for your users by incorporating:- Animated icons
- Progress bars
- Hover animations
- Feedback messages
- Loaders and spinners
These small design elements can help to increase user engagement, provide feedback, and create a more enjoyable and interactive experience.
- Personalization
In today’s world, people expect a personalized online experience that displays tailored messages to the most appropriate audience, resulting in increased conversions and sales. Employing data to customize the journey for individual visitors or similar groups enables the personalization of experiences on your website. Personalization trends include:- Targeted messaging
- Personalized recommendations
- Custom landing pages based on the visitor's past behavior
- Security
Web security remains a very top priority. Visitors want to know that their personal information is protected when they browse and make purchases online. Here are some important ways to enhance the security of your website:- Ensure your hosting solution has geo-redundant storage
- Segregate and secure your data
- Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) for any logins
- Use HTTPs
- Update software regularly
- Implement a secure payment gateway
- High-Quality, Valuable Content
High-quality content is crucial for websites to gain visitor’s trust, establish credibility, and drive conversions. Providing something of value in return for visitors’ information, like their email address, is essential. Valuable information and resources are expected by website visitors, such as the following examples:- Informative blog posts
- High-quality images and videos
- Educational resources
How Many Trends Did You Check Off Your List?
In 2023, websites need to be updated to incorporate modern trends, which include everything from mobile optimization and fast load times to clear navigation and web security. So, if you can check off all ten on this list, consider your website on par right now!
Keep in mind that the shelf life of a website is only three to five years, so if your website doesn’t meet these standards, it might cost you lost business, security/compliance risks, or even damage your reputation. By following these best practices, you can engage visitors with the right messages, drive conversions and sales, and enhance your brand image!
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your website and stay ahead of the curve. Fill out the form now and let our team of experts help you check off all the trends on your list, and ensure your website is primed for success!
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