5 TIPS TO ENHANCE WEBSITE UX
User experience [UX] design is so hot right now.
But really, UX is crucial for keeping visitors engaged and driving conversions. An intuitive, seamless experience can make or break a website. Luckily, there are simple tweaks you can make to enhance the user experience without overhauling the entire design of your website. Here are five places to start:
Simplify your navigation.
Navigation is the backbone of any website. If users can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave. Simplicity is key. Instead of overwhelming visitors with endless options, streamline the navigation menu to focus on the most important sections. Prioritize the most sought-after pages, such as About, Services, or Blog, and use dropdowns or side menus sparingly. This keeps the site clean and prevents the user from feeling lost in a sea of choices.
Set links to open in new tabs.
It’s always a good idea to set external links, particularly social media links, to open in new tabs. When users click on an external link (like your Instagram or BlueSky handle), you want them to still have easy access to your website without losing their place. Some browsers open links in new tabs automatically, but don’t count on that. Make sure you manually set social media and third-party links to open this way.
Use a lightbox for photos.
Large images are essential for visual appeal, but when users click on them, they often don’t want to be redirected to another page to view a larger version. Using a lightbox feature allows users to click on an image to view it in full-screen mode without leaving the page. This enhances the visual experience and keeps users engaged without interrupting their browsing flow. It's a small detail that can make a big difference in how users interact with your content and how long they stay on your site.
Place your call-to-action in multiple places.
Don’t bury your CTA under layers of content. Whether it's a newsletter signup or a contact form, make it easy for users to take action.
It can also be a good idea to place your CTA in multiple locations across your site. For example, you can put it in the header, within the body of the site, and at the end of pages. But be thoughtful about it! You don’t need to bombard your visitors with CTAs on every single page. Instead, ensure they’re strategically placed where users are most likely to engage.
Make your contact information clickable for mobile users.
It’s incredibly frustrating for mobile users when they have to manually type in a phone number or email address to contact you. Make your contact information interactive! Ensure that phone numbers are clickable and open the dialer on mobile devices, while email addresses open the default email client. This simple tweak saves time and frustration for users, and it shows you’re thinking about their experience.
Incorporating these small but impactful UX enhancements into your website design will not only improve the overall experience for visitors but can also help boost engagement, conversions, and user satisfaction. By simplifying navigation, making CTAs easy to find, and ensuring mobile users can interact effortlessly, you're setting your website up for success. As always, keep the user at the forefront of your design process, and they’ll keep coming back for more.
