When it comes to web design, the layout of your website is a critical element that can significantly impact user experience (UX). A well-structured layout not only captures visitors' attention but also guides them seamlessly through your content, products, or services. In this article, we will delve into the art of creating a compelling website layout with a focus on key considerations such as the placement of social media icons, product recommendations, upsells, contact forms, testimonials, and color schemes that drive leads.
1. Social Media Icons Placement: Strategically positioning social media icons, typically on the top right or bottom of the page, encourages visitors to connect with your brand on various platforms. This can enhance user engagement and expand your online presence. Placing these icons prominently ensures they are easily accessible without overwhelming the design.
2. Showcasing Suggested Items and Upsells: For e-commerce websites, displaying suggested items or upsells can boost sales and customer satisfaction. Incorporate these recommendations within the product pages, shopping carts, or as related items during the checkout process. This encourages users to explore more products and potentially make additional purchases.
3. Contact Form Visibility for Service-Oriented Sites: If your website offers services, make sure the contact form is readily visible. Position it prominently on the homepage or a dedicated contact page. Users should be able to reach out easily for inquiries or bookings, enhancing the user experience and potentially converting leads into clients.
4. Testimonial Placement: Testimonials are powerful trust-building tools. To leverage their impact, consider placing them strategically on pages where they matter most. For instance, on product pages to reinforce product quality, or on the homepage to establish credibility. Well-placed testimonials can sway potential customers in your favor.
5. Color Schemes for Lead Generation: Color psychology plays a vital role in attracting and retaining users. Choose color schemes that resonate with your brand identity and evoke the desired emotions in your audience. For lead generation, warm and inviting colors like shades of blue and green can instill trust, while contrasting call-to-action buttons in vibrant colors can prompt action.
Examples of Effective Layouts:
To better understand the significance of these layout considerations, let's explore some examples of websites that excel in these areas:
1. Airbnb: Airbnb effectively places social media icons in the header and footer, allowing users to share their favorite listings or connect with the brand across various platforms easily.
2. Amazon: Amazon's product pages are a masterclass in showcasing suggested items and upsells. They strategically place related products, customer reviews, and upsell offers to encourage additional purchases.
3. HubSpot: HubSpot, a service-oriented platform, prominently displays its contact form on its homepage, making it effortless for potential clients to inquire about their services.
4. Slack: Slack incorporates testimonials from satisfied customers on its homepage, instilling confidence in its product's quality and reliability.
5. Dropbox: Dropbox employs a clean and inviting color scheme with a focus on simplicity and usability, inviting users to take action and sign up for their services.
Designing an effective website layout involves thoughtful placement of elements like social media icons, suggested items, upsells, contact forms, testimonials, and the use of appealing color schemes. These considerations can enhance the overall user experience and drive more leads to your website. By carefully crafting your layout with these principles in mind, you can create a visually appealing and user-friendly website that captivates visitors and maximizes your online success.
“When UX doesn’t consider ALL users, shouldn’t it be known as “SOME User Experience” or… SUX?”
Billy Gregory, Senior Accessibility Engineer