Have you ever been stuck in digital traffic? You’re watching cat videos one second, and then you find yourself on an old-fashioned website that’s been resurrected from the early days of the Internet. Don’t even get me started with pop-ups. We’ll look at what makes a site not only good but irresistible – visit us if you’re looking for creative web design.

Think of your site as the coolest house in town. Everyone will stop to take a closer look. Your site should have a good curb appeal. Clean design is the first step. It’s better to have a clean design than a pile of socks in the living room. Boxy layouts? No thanks to boxy layouts. Let your content breath!

Imagine trying to read War and Peace using your smartphone. Tough, right? Websites must be mobile-friendly, fitting the smartphone screens like a glove. This is the equivalent of well-fitted denim in today’s digital age. No one wants to pinch-and-zoom, which is the equivalent digitally of squinting in the sun.

Have you ever noticed how certain sites seem to load as if dial-up Internet is out for revenge on the site? On the internet, patience is a virtue. If high-resolution images are slowing your website down, you need to cut the fat. Image optimization and compressed file types are the topics of discussion. Faster load time equals happier visitors.

This is a great nugget to add to your arsenal of digital tools: get inside the mind of your audience. Not literally. Understanding what drives them is key. Imagine building a house for 10 year olds. You wouldn’t put in grandma’s collection of antiques. The same goes for this. Your content should be tailored (wink-wink) to your audience. Speak in their language.

Have you ever visited a website that is all flash with no substance at all? Sure, style is like the frosting on a cupcake, but no one will return to plain sugar. The sponge is the content. Content that is relevant and engaging will capture the hearts of your audience, not a design with a beautiful appearance. You can be real, insightful and funny at the right time. The people remember the laughter as a honey-hiding bear does.

You shouldn’t feel as if you are Indiana Jones, trying to locate the Ark. Simple is best. There’s nothing worse than a menu that is ambiguous. Keep your categories logical. When someone is looking for the latest post on your blog, they should not need to use a compass or a map.

Have you heard the phrase ‘call-to-action’ before? It’s probably something you have heard of, but the secret is in how it works. The cheeky “Hey! Don’t stand still, click me!” button is essential. button is essential. Here’s the secret: Don’t go overboard. You’ll look like a digital used-car salesman if you use too many CTAs. Balance is key, just like the tightrope walker over Niagara Falls. Take one step at a given time.

Fonts! Have you ever underestimated the power of choosing a great font? Keep them readable. It’s the same as wearing stilettos while hiking–it looks cool, but is not practical. Choose fonts that are in line with your company’s image, without looking like they were lifted from an old scroll.

Don’t forget the sticky footer. Place your contact information there so that it is easy to find. It’s gratifying to know that you don’t have to jump through hoops in order for someone else or yourself, just drop them a note. Like a friend waving on the porch, it’s an open invitation for a chat.

A website that is a hit requires a combination of engaging content and visuals, as well as an understanding of the audience. Remember that in these pixels-filled times: form and function are the key. Let your web design sparkle brighter than diamonds caught in the sunlight.