Website design for beginners: Let’s get started!
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Key takeaways
- Responsive designs: It is important for a website to work on all devices, especially with the rise of mobile browsing. A responsive design, regrettably often treated haphazardly, should adapt to different screen sizes, so that viewing of a website is easy.
- Accessibility: Websites need to be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Using tools like ARIA and following accessibility best practices can help users navigate and interact with the site. It is also according to the law and website owners will not be at risk of expensive lawsuits.
- CMS, page builders, and themes: Using a CMS or page builder makes it easier to work with website designs. Creators can manage content without needing coding skills. Pre-designed themes are a quick way to get a professional-looking site up and running.
- Pre-made designs: Page templates, patterns, and blocks can save time and help with maintaining consistency across a website. Pre-made elements mean a website can be designed more quickly.
- Marketing and SEO: Integrating SEO, search engine optimisation, into the design and content of a website is important in particular if there is no budget available for ad spend. Combining SEO into a marketing strategy can be an effective way to increase relevant traffic to a website.
1. Website design pre-production and wireframes
2. Responsive design: What it is and why it’s essential in today’s mobile-first world.
3. Accessibility. Welcoming all
4. CMS, Page Builders, and Themes
5. Pre-Made Designs: Page Templates, Patterns, and Blocks
6. Full Site Editing and Drag-and-Drop Features
7. Working with Video and Images for a Website
8. Marketing and SEO
9. Domain Name Purchase and Hosting
10. Final thoughts
Introduction to website design 101 – a beginner’s guide
Website designs may seem complicated at first, but it’s really about creating an easy-to-use and well designed place on the internet where people can find information, products or services or be entertained. Understanding the basics of how websites are put together is a good starting point. From deciding on the content such as text and photos to choosing colours and fonts, all these elements work together to make a website look good and function well. Website design involves both how a site looks and how it works behind the scenes, making sure it’s simple for users to navigate.
In this beginner’s guide, the aim is to provide a very general overview of what website design is about. Learn a little about the point of preplanning, the importance of responsive design, accessibility, SEO and more. Not to forget the more technical side of website design such as choosing a CMS, a page builder or theme. And then there is hosting and a domain name purchase. Whether considering setting up a personal blog or starting a small business website, knowing these basics will provide some understanding of what is involved in creating a website.
1. Website design pre-production and wireframes
The importance of pre-production planning
Pre-production planning is an important part of the website design process because it lays the groundwork for a successful project. This phase involves deciding on the website’s immediate purpose and understanding what the website needs to achieve in future. These goals may obviously change depending on trends and visitor preferences but it’s nevertheless important to have a kick off point. More careful planning in advance, as tedious as it might seem, will save much headache later on. Of course it’s more exciting to imagine designs and get creative. But without a plan for what the website needs to deliver on, the design work could be totally off target and at the worst case sentence the website to the internet graveyard of unloved and unused websites. There are millions of those.
Planning during the pre-production phase also helps to identify potential challenges. For instance if the website might need to have a shop added in future it could be a good idea to explore services that make commercial activities such as accepting payment easier to add. WordPress for instance is a great Content Management System that is open source which means free to use. WordPress makes it easy to grow a website as the business grows. There are close to 60 000 free plugins available in the WordPress repository that can be installed to help with anything from a membership site to a fully functioning online shop.
For people considering opening a website design agency at some future date the inclusion of a pre-planning phase when dealing with client work is especially important. A detailed project flow chart and written proposal not only identifies the work involved by both the client and the website designer but also pegs expectations and makes it easier for the designer to control feature kreep which is the curse of all web designers. Overall the design process becomes far more efficient if the pre-production planning is handled well. And it usually guarantees much better results.
Creating wireframes
Creating a wireframe fits into the project planning stage. A wirefame can be in the form of a sketch, probably not a good idea to use a paper serviette, on paper or reMarkable a new digital notebook. If the website needs to serve a larger enterprise a software tool such as Balsamiq could be more useful. A basic wireframe should show the homepage and a link to all internal pages with cross links to all pages that need to be found easily by users. Because only menu items are visible to show where pages are, the navigation of the website is very important and it’s a good idea to plan this beforehand. More sophisticated websites will need highly specialised wireframes where UI/UX development specialists could be included in the process.
Wireframes are important to website designs by providing a basic blueprint of the site’s structure and layout. These basic sketches should outline the positioning of elements on each page, helping designers and clients to be able to imagine the website’s flow and how it could work before any designs are created. Wireframes need to focus on the site’s navigation so that the user is led through the site in such a way as to serve it’s purpose. . By mapping out the website’s skeleton, designers can address any structural issues early on, saving time and resources in the later stages of development.
2. Responsive design: What it is and why it’s essential in today’s mobile-first world
Understanding responsive design
Responsive design means that a website adapts to different screen sizes and devices. That means providing a consistent experience no matter what gadget the visitor is using. Whether on a smartphone, tablet, desktop or 4k TV screen the site should adjust its layout and elements to fit the screen. Images have to resize automatically, text remains readable, and buttons or menus are easy to use on touchscreens. It’s not just about making the site look good; it’s also about visitors being able to navigate and interact with the site easily, no matter where they’re accessing it from. With people now browsing on a variety of devices while at home or office or on the move, having a responsive website has become a necessity rather than an option.
In a mobile-first world, where people expect fast, easy access to information from their phones, failing to have a responsive design can cost a website its visitors. If users have to pinch and zoom to read text, or if buttons are too small to tap, they’re likely to leave in frustration and never return. This can also affect how search engines rank a site, as Google and others now prioritise mobile-friendly websites. A well-designed responsive site not only improves the user experience but also boosts visibility and performance. It’s about creating a site that can keep up with how people are using the internet today.
Mobile-first approach
The mobile-first approach is a process that focuses on designing for smaller screens first, particularly smartphones, before adapting the design to larger devices. With so many people now using their phones to access the internet, it makes sense to start by thinking about how the website will function on a mobile device. This approach forces designers to prioritise what’s most important, avoiding clutter and focusing on the core content and features. By starting with mobile-first, designers also address potential limitations early on, such as the smaller screen space and slower load times, making sure the site still looks good and works well in those conditions.
Once the mobile version is solid, the design can then be expanded and enhanced for larger screens like desktops and tablets. This is far easier than trying to condense a complex desktop layout into something that works on a phone. Not only does the mobile-first approach make for a better experience on smaller devices, but it also aligns with search engines that prioritise mobile-friendly sites in their rankings. In short, designing with mobile users in mind from the start helps create a website that is more streamlined, faster, and ready for smartphone users..
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3. Accessibility – welcoming all
Making a website accessible means designing it in a way that everyone can use, including people with disabilities. It’s about giving all users the chance to enjoy and interact with the content, whether they’re navigating by touch, voice, or keyboard. For example, someone with visual impairments might use a screen reader, while others might rely on keyboard shortcuts. If a website isn’t built with these needs in mind, it can exclude a large group of possible users, which is unfair and limits the website’s reach.
Accessibility also plays a role in how easily people can find and interact with information, regardless of their abilities. This includes using proper text sizes, clear contrasts between colours, and making sure images have text descriptions for those who can’t see them. It’s not just good practice—it can also help with search engine rankings and legal requirements in some countries. Ultimately, an accessible website makes it easier for everyone to use, creating a better experience for all visitors.
Using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications):
ARIA, which stands for Accessible Rich Internet Applications, is a set of tools that helps make websites easier to use for people with disabilities. It works by adding extra information to parts of a website that might otherwise be tricky for assistive technologies, like screen readers, to understand. For example, ARIA can label buttons, menus, or other interactive elements so that someone using a screen reader knows exactly what they do. Without ARIA, many of these elements might be hard to identify, making it difficult for users to navigate the site.
By using ARIA, website designers can ensure that all visitors, no matter their abilities, have a smoother and more complete experience. It’s especially useful for making more complex websites, with lots of interactive content, easier to manage for those who might otherwise struggle. However, it’s important to use ARIA correctly; adding too much or using it in the wrong places can actually cause confusion. When used well, ARIA can bridge the gap between modern website features and accessibility, making the internet more inclusive for everyone.
Best practices for accessibility
Designing an accessible website starts with making choices that ensure everyone can easily read and navigate the site. Font choices are important; picking clear, legible fonts and ensuring the text is large enough to read without zooming is a simple but effective way to improve accessibility. Another key factor is contrast. Using strong contrast between the text and background makes content easier to see, especially for people with visual impairments. For instance, dark text on a light background, or vice versa, is much easier to read than colours that are too similar.
Keyboard navigation is another crucial aspect of accessibility. Many users with disabilities rely on keyboards rather than a mouse to move through a website. This means the site should be set up so that all interactive elements, like links and buttons, can be easily accessed by using the keyboard alone. Simple things like adding focus indicators, which highlight where the user is on the page, can make a big difference. By focusing on these areas—fonts, contrast, and keyboard navigation—designers can create websites that work well for everyone, regardless of their abilities.
4. CMS, page builders, and themes making life easier for web developers
Choosing the right Content Management System (CMS) is one of the first big decisions when setting up a website. A CMS is the platform that organises and manages everything on a site, from text and photos to pages and posts. WordPress is by far the most popular CMS, and for good reason. It is user-friendly, flexible, and offers numerous plugins and themes that make customising a site easier, even without coding knowledge. Whether building a simple blog or a full-scale online store, WordPress is often the go-to choice for both beginners and experienced developers alike.
However, WordPress is not the only option. For more advanced needs or larger projects, Drupal or Joomla might be worth considering. When selecting a CMS, it is important to consider how much control is required, how easy the system is to use, and whether any special features like e-commerce or blogging tools are needed. The right choice will depend on the website’s goals and the technical know-how of the web designers and developers.
Using page builders
Using page builders that have the drag-and-drop feature has made the process of designing websites much simpler and more accessible. These tools offer users the ability to create pages by simply dragging elements like text boxes, images, and buttons into place, without needing to write any code. This means even those without technical skills can put together a professional-looking site in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. By offering pre-designed sections and templates, page builders help speed up the process, making it easier to visualise and build a website from scratch.
Page builders also offer flexibility and customisation, allowing users to tweak designs to match their preferences. Elements can be moved around easily, fonts and colours can be changed, and layouts can be adjusted to fit the site’s look and feel. This gives users more control over the final look without needing to hire a developer. Tools like MaxiBlocks page builder and WordPress Gutenberg’s block editor are popular for this reason, as they cater to beginners as well as more experienced users who want to experiment with design. Ultimately, drag-and-drop builders simplify the entire website creation process, turning what was once a technical task into something more creative.
Customising themes
Customising pre-designed themes is an easy way to use website designs when building a website. Pre-made themes provide a strong foundation with professionally designed layouts, colours, and fonts, but can reworked to suit a specific brand’s look and feel. This might involve swapping in a custom logo, adjusting the colour scheme to match brand guidelines, or choosing fonts that represent the brand’s personality. Even with a ready-made structure, themes can be customised enough to give the website a unique feel while keeping a polished, professional appearance.
The flexibility of customising themes means that changes can be made as needed without disrupting the core design. Most themes come with options for rearranging elements, adding new features, or integrating additional functionality like e-commerce or social media links. This allows the site to grow or shift as the brand evolves, without the need for a complete redesign. By using pre-designed themes, businesses can save time and money while still having the creative freedom to make the site their own, ensuring it remains aligned with the brand’s goals and aesthetic.
5. Pre-made designs: page templates, patterns, and blocks for speedy website build
Benefits of using page templates
Using page templates can significantly speed up the website design process by providing a ready-made structure for the site’s layout. Rather than starting from scratch, designers can select a template that suits the overall purpose of the website and then fill in the content, such as text and images. This saves time because the basic design elements, like where the headers, footers, and navigation go, are already in place. Templates also help streamline the design phase, allowing designers to focus more on content and less on the technical aspects of layout creation.
Page templates also ensure consistency across the website, which is important for creating a professional look across the site. By using the same template for different pages, a website design can maintain the same layout and style throughout, making it easier for users to navigate. This uniformity not only improves the overall user experience but also strengthens the brand’s image by keeping the design elements, like colours and fonts, consistent from page to page. In this way, page templates make the design process faster and more efficient, while helping to keep a cleaner, more organised site.
Incorporating design patterns
Incorporating design patterns into a website is an effective way to improve user experience by following familiar layouts and structures. Design patterns are tried-and-tested solutions that help guide users through a website in a way that feels intuitive. These patterns include things like placing the navigation bar at the top, using a search bar in a prominent location, or placing the call-to-action buttons in spots where users naturally look. By using these common design elements, users won’t have to spend time figuring out how to navigate the site, as they will already be familiar with the way things are organised.
Another advantage of using design patterns is that they can reduce the chances of confusion or frustration, which can occur when a site is overly complex or unconventional. When websites follow recognisable patterns, users are more likely to stay engaged and find what they are looking for quickly. This not only improves the overall experience but also encourages users to spend more time on the site. Incorporating design patterns allows for a balance between creativity and practicality, making the website both user-friendly and visually appealing without reinventing the wheel.
Utilising blocks in content management
Using blocks in to manage content is an effective way to organise and structure a website’s layout, making it easier to work with different types of content. Blocks allow website designers to break the site into manageable sections, such as text, images, videos, and buttons, which can be easily moved, adjusted, or edited without affecting the overall design. This modular approach not only simplifies the process of adding new content but also helps to make everything fit neatly into the layout. It’s a straightforward way to keep the website looking organised and professional while being flexible in how the content is displayed.
Another benefit of using blocks is that it helps maintain consistency across the website. By working within pre-defined block structures, designers can ensure that similar content follows the same format from page to page, creating a uniform experience for users. Blocks can also be customised to match the brand’s style, ensuring that even though the structure is consistent, the design remains unique and adapted to the website design. Overall, blocks provide a simple way to manage and structure content, keeping the site working well and looking good.
6. Full Site Editing (FSE) and drag-and-drop features for super quick editing
Full-site-editing (FSE)
Full Site Editing (FSE) takes website customisation to the next level by giving web designers complete control over the entire layout of their site, not just individual pages. With FSE, designers can edit headers, footers, sidebars, and more without needing to touch any code. This is a level of flexibility that allows for truly personalised websites, where every part of the site can be adjusted to match the brand’s vision. It’s particularly useful for those looking to break away from the limitations of standard themes while still using an easy-to-navigate interface. FSE opens up more design possibilities, allowing for a cohesive look and feel across the entire site, tailored to specific needs.
Full-Site Editing (FSE) is a feature that allows web designers to have complete control over the entire design and layout of their website, beyond just individual pages. With FSE, every part of the website, from headers and footers to sidebars and content areas, can be edited without needing any coding skills. This gives users the freedom to fully customise their site’s structure and appearance, making it possible to create a design that follows throughout the website. Changes are made immediately making adjusting design work quick and easy.
One of the major benefits of FSE is the flexibility it provides. Rather than being locked into a specific theme or layout, web designers can make global changes across the entire site, ensuring consistency in design while also being able to tweak individual sections as needed. For example, a change to the header or footer can be applied site-wide, saving time and maintaining uniformity. FSE is especially useful for those who want more control over their website’s look and feel.
Drag-and-drop editing
Drag-and-drop editing makes customising a website far easier by allowing web designers to create and adjust their site without needing to know any coding. Instead of dealing with complex lines of code, designers can simply move elements like text, images, and buttons into place by dragging them with the mouse. This process is easy to perform and accessible to anyone, regardless of technical skills. It turns website design into a more visual and hands-on experience, where changes can be made instantly and seen in real time.
One of the main benefits of drag-and-drop editing is the flexibility it offers. Users can rearrange sections, add new elements, or remove features as needed, all with a few simple clicks. This approach not only speeds up the design process but also allows experimentation without fear of making mistakes that can’t be undone. Platforms like WordPress that have large selections of free page builders plugins in their Repo have made this feature popular, giving users the freedom to shape their websites without having to rely on developers. It simplifies the entire website design process, allowing for creative control without the technical hassle.
Integrating design and content
Integrating design and content is essential for creating a website and full site editing tools make this process much simpler. These tools allow website builders to combine the design elements, such as colours, fonts, and layouts, directly with the content like text, images, and videos, all within the same editing platform. This integration helps maintain a consistent look and feel across the entire website, as developers can adjust both the design and content in real time. There’s no need to switch between different tools or platforms, making it easier to see how everything fits together.
The main benefit of full site editing is the control it gives over the entire site, allowing changes to be made holistically rather than focusing on individual sections in isolation. It also avoids the possibility of missing sections of a website that are in the end not edited to fit in with the rest of the site. This means that content can be adjusted to fit the design, and vice versa, without disrupting the flow of the site. For instance, text can be resized or rearranged to suit the overall layout, ensuring that everything looks balanced and professional. Full site editing tools also encourage a more fluid design process, where content and design can evolve together, resulting in a cohesive and well-structured website.
7. Working with images and video video for website that appeal
Optimising images for web
Optimising images for the web is all about making sure they look great without slowing down the website. Large, high-quality images can take a long time to load, which can frustrate visitors and cause them to leave the site. To avoid this, it’s important to compress images so they take up less space while still maintaining good quality. There are simple tools like TinyPNG or online image compressors that can reduce the file size without a noticeable drop in image clarity. This helps keep the website running smoothly while still showcasing sharp, eye-catching visuals.
Another useful technique is choosing the right image format for the job. For example, JPEGs are great for photos because they compress well, while PNGs work better for images with transparency or simple graphics like logos. Additionally, modern formats like WebP offer even better compression rates and are becoming more widely supported across browsers. By compressing and selecting the right format, it’s possible to strike a balance between fast load times and good image quality, keeping the website looking good and working well.
Embedding and hosting videos
Embedding and hosting videos on a website is a great way to make content more engaging and interactive. When it comes to embedding videos, platforms like YouTube and Vimeo offer easy options that allow users to add videos directly to their site without taking up too much storage or bandwidth. Embedding is simple – users just copy a link or code from the video platform and paste it into the website’s editor. This method is perfect for keeping the site running smoothly, as the video is hosted elsewhere, meaning faster load times and less strain on the site.
On the other hand, hosting videos directly on a website can give more control over the content but comes with a few challenges. Videos tend to be large files, which can slow down the site if not handled properly. It’s important to compress videos and choose the right format, like MP4, to ensure they load quickly without compromising quality. Hosting also requires more server space and bandwidth, which may increase hosting costs. For most websites, embedding videos is the easier and more efficient option, but hosting can be a good choice for those who need full control over their video content.
Designing around visual content
Designing around visual content, like images and videos, is all about creating layouts that highlight these elements without overwhelming the user. One effective strategy is to give visuals plenty of space to breathe, using clean, simple layouts that allow the images or videos to stand out. Large, high-quality visuals can grab attention, but they need to be balanced with enough white space to keep the page from feeling cluttered. Placing key visuals at the top of the page, or in sections where they naturally draw the eye, helps guide users through the content while keeping them engaged.
Another approach is to make sure that the visuals are well-integrated into the overall design. For instance, images can be paired with short, descriptive text to add context, while videos might be featured in a prominent spot where they can be easily accessed without disrupting the flow of the page. It’s also important to consider how the layout will work on different devices—visual-heavy designs need to be responsive, so they look just as good on mobile as they do on desktop. By focusing on both aesthetics and usability, the design can make the most of images and videos, creating a visually appealing and user-friendly experience.
8. Marketing and SEO to get the visitors to come
On-page SEO best practices
On-page SEO best practices are essential for helping a website rank higher in search engine results and making it easier for visitors to find relevant content. One of the key elements is using the right keywords. These should be naturally included in headings, meta descriptions, and throughout the page’s text to signal to search engines what the page is about. It’s also important to ensure that each page has a unique title tag and meta description, as these are often the first things people see when a website appears in search results. Properly structured headings (H1, H2, etc.) also help both users and search engines understand the flow and importance of the content.
Another crucial part of on-page SEO is improving the overall user experience. This means making sure that the site loads quickly, is mobile-friendly, and is easy to navigate. Search engines prioritise websites that are fast and accessible on all devices. Internal linking is also useful, as it helps guide users to other relevant parts of the site while encouraging search engines to crawl more of the pages. Alt text for images, proper URL structures, and well-placed calls to action all contribute to effective on-page SEO, ensuring that both search engines and visitors can easily navigate and understand the site’s content.
Content marketing integration
Content marketing integration involves using a website as the central point for connecting various marketing efforts like blogs, newsletters, and social media. By having all content housed on the website, it becomes easier to manage and track, while also giving visitors a consistent place to engage with the brand. A blog can serve as a valuable resource for sharing insights, news, and updates, while newsletters help keep audiences informed and connected. Socail media can be placed throughout the site, encouraging visitors to follow and engage across different platforms, creating a cohesive marketing strategy.
One of the main benefits of using the website as the hub is that it drives traffic back to a central location. For example, social media posts can link to blog articles or special offers, encouraging visitors to explore the site further. Similarly, newsletters can direct subscribers to new content on the website, increasing engagement. This approach not only keeps all content organised and easy to find but also strengthens the brand’s online presence by keeping all marketing efforts interconnected. It turns the website into a powerful tool for managing and growing the audience across multiple channels.
Tracking and analytics
Tracking and analytics are essential for understanding how a website is performing and whether marketing efforts are hitting the mark. By setting up tools like Google Analytics, it becomes easy to monitor traffic, see which pages are popular, and track where visitors are coming from. This data helps identify what’s working well and what might need a bit of improvement. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about gaining insights into user behaviour so that decisions about content, design, and marketing can be based on real information.
Using analytics can also give a clear picture of how marketing efforts are paying off. For example, tracking the impact of social media campaigns or newsletter clicks can show how effective those channels are in driving traffic back to the website. Over time, the data collected will help fine-tune strategies, focusing on what brings the best results. With the right tracking tools in place, it’s much easier to keep the website and its marketing efforts on the right track and make adjustments where needed.
9. Domain name purchase and hosting the final touch
The right domain name
Choosing a domain name is an important step in setting up a website, as it’s the first thing people notice. A good domain name should be easy to remember, relevant to the site’s purpose, and simple to type. It’s a good idea to keep it short and avoid complicated spellings, as this reduces the chance of visitors getting it wrong when searching. Including keywords related to the business or content of the site can also be helpful, as it makes the domain more relevant and easier for people to understand what the site is about at a glance.
Another tip is to choose a domain extension that fits the site’s purpose, such as .com, .org, or .co.uk. While .com is the most popular and widely recognised, other extensions might work better for certain industries or locations. It’s also worth checking if the domain name is available on social media platforms to keep branding consistent across the web. Choosing the right domain name takes some thought, but with some creativity and possibly the help of AI, it’s possible to find something memorable, relevant, and perfect for building an online presence.
Understanding hosting options
Hosting is one of the most competitive services available on the internet. Finding the right one is key to ensuring a website runs smoothly and is accessible to visitors. Web hosting is essentially where the website’s files and data are stored, and different hosting options offer varying levels of performance and control. Shared hosting, for example, is a budget-friendly option where multiple websites share the same server. This works well for small sites but might not offer the speed or flexibility needed for larger projects. On the other end, dedicated hosting gives one website full use of a server, offering more power and control but at a higher cost. This is of course more expensive and might not be as budget friendly as sharing a server.
For those looking for something in between, VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting provides a middle ground, offering more resources than shared hosting without the full cost of a dedicated server. There’s also cloud hosting, which scales easily based on traffic and demand, making it a good option for growing websites. Choosing the right hosting option depends on the size and needs of the website, the expected traffic, and how much control is needed over server management. It’s important to pick the hosting that best suits the technical abilities of the webmaster as well as fits the website’s requirements to keep it running efficiently.
Setting up domain and hosting
This process is an essential step in getting a website online. Once a domain name has been chosen, it needs to be registered through a domain registrar. This process reserves the domain for a set period, usually a year or more, and makes sure no one else can use the same name. After the domain is secured, the next step is choosing a hosting provider to store the website’s files and data. The domain and hosting are then linked so that when someone types the domain name into their browser, they’re directed to the correct website.
Connecting the domain to the hosting account is usually a simple process. Most hosting providers offer easy-to-follow instructions for setting up a domain, and many even include domain registration as part of their hosting package. Once connected, the website can go live and be accessed by anyone on the internet. It’s also important to regularly renew the domain registration and hosting service to keep the site active. Setting up domain and hosting may seem technical at first, but most providers offer clear guidance, making it a smooth and straightforward process.
Final thoughts
Website design is all about creating a space that’s both easy to use and eye-catching, where visitors can easily find the information, products, or services they’re looking for. Whether it’s choosing the right colours, fonts, or layout, every decision plays a part in making the website user-friendly and enjoyable to navigate. With the right tools, such as CMS platforms, page builders, and full-site editing, designing a website has become much more accessible, even for those without technical expertise.
Ultimately, good website design balances creativity with practicality, ensuring that a site not only looks great but also performs well. From responsive design to SEO, each element works together to build a site that meets the needs of its audience. By taking the time to plan and customise each aspect, a website can grow into an engaging and valuable resource that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
FAQs about website designs
What is the first step in website design for beginners?
The first step in website design for beginners is planning the structure and layout. You should consider your goals, target audience, and the message you want to convey. Creating a sitemap or wireframe can help outline how the pages will connect and what content will go on each page.
What tools do I need for website design for beginners?
For website design for beginners, you’ll need a text editor for coding, such as Visual Studio Code, or a website builder if you don’t want to code, like WordPress or Wix. Additionally, graphic design tools like Adobe XD or Figma are useful for designing layouts and images.
Do I need to know coding for website design for beginners?
For website design for beginners, coding is not always necessary. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace allow you to create websites using drag-and-drop builders without needing to code. However, learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can give you more control over your design.
How do I choose a good colour scheme in website design for beginners?
In website design for beginners, choosing a good colour scheme involves reflecting your brand or purpose while being visually appealing to your audience. It’s important to use colours that complement each other and provide enough contrast to make text readable. Tools like Adobe Colour can help you find harmonious colour palettes.
What makes a website mobile-friendly in website design for beginners?
In website design for beginners, a mobile-friendly website adapts to different screen sizes and devices. This is achieved through responsive design, which uses flexible grids and layouts. Testing your website on multiple devices ensures it looks and works well on mobiles and tablets.
What is the difference between UX and UI in website design for beginners?
In website design for beginners, UX (user experience) design focuses on how a website works and how users interact with it, aiming for a seamless and enjoyable experience. UI (user interface) design, on the other hand, deals with the visual elements of the website, such as buttons, typography, and colours, to create an attractive and intuitive interface.
How important is website speed in website design for beginners?
In website design for beginners, speed is crucial because it affects both user experience and search engine rankings. A slow website can lead to users leaving before the page even loads. Optimising images, using efficient code, and utilising caching techniques are ways to improve speed.
What is a domain name in website design for beginners and why is it important?
In website design for beginners, a domain name is your website’s address on the internet, such as “example.com”. It’s important because it’s how people find your website. A good domain name is short, memorable, and relevant to your business or brand.
How do I optimise for search engines in website design for beginners?
In website design for beginners, search engine optimisation (SEO) makes your website more visible to search engines like Google. This involves using relevant keywords, creating quality content, optimising meta tags, and improving website speed and usability. Regularly updating content and gaining backlinks from reputable sites also boost SEO.
How can I ensure security in website design for beginners?
In website design for beginners, security is ensured by using strong passwords, keeping software updated, and installing an SSL certificate to encrypt data. Security plugins or services that monitor your site for malware and vulnerabilities are also helpful.
WordPress itself
Official Website
wordpress.org – This is the official website for WordPress, where you can download the software, find documentation, and learn more about using it.
WordPress Codex
codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page – This is a comprehensive documentation resource for WordPress, covering everything from installation and configuration to specific functionality and troubleshooting.
WordPress Theme Directory
wordpress.org/themes – The official WordPress theme directory is a great place to find free and premium WordPress themes. You can browse themes by category, feature, and popularity.
maxiblocks.com/go/help-desk
maxiblocks.com/pro-library
www.youtube.com/@maxiblocks
twitter.com/maxiblocks
linkedin.com/company/maxi-blocks
github.com/orgs/maxi-blocks
wordpress.org/plugins/maxi-blocks
Kyra Pieterse
Author
Kyra is the co-founder and creative lead of MaxiBlocks, an open-source page builder for WordPress Gutenberg.
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