Spend a little time discussing your website with a web designer or content strategist and there’s a good chance you’ll hear them mention “UX.” When they do, listen up. Sure, the digital space is rife with acronyms (CSS, anyone?) that are apt to make us tune out, but this one plays a huge role in the success of your website.
So, what is UX website design, anyway, and why does it matter so much? More importantly, how can you tell if your website is delivering a great UX? In this article, we’ll dive into these questions and offer simple, actionable ways you can evaluate and elevate your website’s user experience.
What is UX?
UX website design stands for “user experience.” Specifically, it refers to the overall experience that a visitor has when engaging with your website. Factors include ease of navigation, accessibility, visual design, and the relevancy and quality of your content.
Why UX is important for websites
A great first impression As the old saying goes, first impressions are everything. This applies to websites, too. You’ve got only a few seconds to engage a visitor once they arrive at your website. If they can’t find the information they’re looking for quickly or don’t find content of value, they’re liable to leave and go on to a competitor’s website.
Enhanced user satisfaction Users are apt to remember a website that offered them a good experience and return to it at another time, read new content, and share it with others.
Better SEO Keywords can only go so far. If your website content checks all the boxes when it comes to high performing keywords, but traffic is falling flat, your UX may be the culprit. In fact, Google prioritizes websites that are mobile-friendly, offer ease of navigation and have a high page load speed. You could say that good UX website dedsign is good SEO.
Boosted conversion rates Most business owners would agree that the main objective of their website is to attract users and inspire them to act, whether it’s buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, filling out a contact form, or simply making a call. UX design plays a crucial role in guiding users towards these conversions.
How to evaluate your website’s UX
Today, there are plenty of tools to help you understand how effective your website’s user experience is. Many of these tools are easy to use and even free.
Talk to your customers One of the most comprehensive and thorough ways to understand your website’s UX website design effectiveness is to conduct interviews with your customers. Ask them to explore your website and offer suggestions on how to improve it. This is a great first step, especially when your website has not yet launched, or is new.
Heatmapping Heatmapping can show how users engage with your website, tracking user behavior to help you optimize your website’s design. There are many software options available including Hotjar and Sprig.
Make it mobile friendly Although website builders like Wix, Squarespace and WordPress create mobile responsive websites automatically, you should still check devices to make sure your website is truly easy to navigate, read, and interact with.
Check the speed If your webpages load slowly, users are apt to bounce. Regularly check your page load speed with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
Use clear navigation Make sure your key information is easy to locate and understand. Use clean design, clear and intuitive navigation and well-organized content.
Track your performance metrics We recommend using analytic tools like Google Analytics and Search Console, Moz or Ahrefs to check your website’s bounce rate, average session duration, and event and conversion rates at least once a month. Be proactive and address issues like high bounce rates quickly.
Incorporate accessibility Ensure your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Implementing accessibility best practices, such as providing alternative text for images and ensuring keyboard navigation, helps create a more inclusive experience.
UX is more than just a design trend; it’s a fundamental aspect of creating a successful and effective website. By understanding what UX is, recognizing its importance, and regularly evaluating your site’s performance, you can ensure that you provide a seamless and satisfying experience for your users.
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