Let’s get real for a second. Websites, at their core, are tools. Sure, they can be beautiful, shiny, and showcase all the latest trends in web design (we see you Apple), but if they don’t work for the people using them, then what’s the point? It’s like having a gorgeous hiking trail map that’s completely unreadable—cool to look at, but useless when you’re lost in the woods. So, let’s dive into the details..
What is UX Anyway?
Let’s break it down: User Experience (UX) is how people feel when they interact with your website. Is it easy to find the information they need? Does it load fast enough that they don’t abandon ship? Does the design make sense, or does it feel like trying to navigate a corn maze in the dark?
UX is what turns “just another website” into the website people recommend, trust, and come back to. It’s all about making your site easy, intuitive, and yes, even enjoyable to use.
Why UX Matters
First Impressions Are Everything
Imagine walking into a store where the lights flicker, the shelves are in disarray, and there’s no clear sign telling you where the checkout is. Would you stick around? Your website is no different.
In fact, it’s worse—online, people give you about 0.05 seconds to make an impression. That’s faster than it takes to sneeze. A good UX ensures your visitors stick around long enough to actually find out what you’re about.
It Drives Conversions
The ultimate goal of any website is to get people to do something—buy a product, book a service, or maybe just fall in love with your brand. Poor UX is like putting roadblocks in front of those goals.
Confusing navigation? Bye.
Broken buttons? Nope.
Unclear calls-to-action? Not happening.
Google Cares About UX
Let’s talk SEO for a minute. Google’s algorithms don’t just look at keywords and backlinks; they look at how users interact with your site. High bounce rates, slow load times, and poor mobile responsiveness? All signs that your UX might be in trouble.
On the flip side, a site that keeps users engaged and happy is more likely to rank higher. Translation: Good UX doesn’t just please your visitors; it pleases Google too.
Common UX Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Let’s call these out because, honestly, they’re everywhere:
Slow Load Times
People have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel these days. If your site takes more than three seconds to load, you’re losing visitors. Compress your images, optimize your code, and for the love of all things digital, don’t skimp on hosting.
Confusing Navigation
“Where am I supposed to click?” If your visitors are asking this question, you’ve already lost them. Keep your menus clear, simple, and easy to follow. Bonus points if they work well on mobile.
Ignoring Mobile Users
It’s 2024 people, if your site doesn’t look good on a smartphone, you’re basically telling half of your audience to take a hike.
Overloading with Pop-ups
Pop-ups are like wasps—they have their place, but too many of them will send people running. Use sparingly and only when they add value.
Neglecting Accessibility
Websites should work for everyone, including people with disabilities. Alt text for images, proper color contrast, and keyboard-friendly navigation aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re must-haves.
How I Prioritize UX at Sandstone Creative
When I design a website, I start with the user in mind. Here’s how I make sure UX is front and center:
Research, Research, Research (did I mention research?)
I dive into your target audience. What are they looking for? What frustrates them? What makes them click that “buy now” button? This helps me create a design that resonates with your people.
Wireframes and Prototypes
Before we get into the pretty stuff, I map out the structure of your site. Think of it like sketching the trail before paving it—functional first, flashy later.
User Testing
Once the site is live, I don’t just hand it over and say, “Good luck!” I test, tweak, and refine based on real-world use. Because a website isn’t truly finished until the users say it works.
At the end of the day, a website isn’t just a collection of pages. It’s your brand’s digital home, handshake, and salesperson all rolled into one. And like any home, it should be inviting, functional, and designed with the people who visit it in mind.
So, whether you’re starting from scratch or reimagining an existing site, don’t underestimate the power of good UX. Trust me, your visitors (and Google) will thank you.