Page load time, search engine optimization, easy navigation, rich content, and easy site management are just a few of the considerations you have to make when creating a website for your business. However, one of the most crucial elements for a website, which is design, is often the most ignored.

Studies have shown, 94% of users mention poor design as the primary reason they do not trust certain websites

We’ve all experienced landing on a site that’s visually a mess, so much so that we quickly click the red “X” on our browser. Good website design is the complete opposite.

Good web design discourages website bouncing, encourages further clicking, and supports all of those considerations we listed above in addition to being truly reflective of your business.

So how do you know what makes for good web design?

When tackling your website, you’re going to hit a crossroads of two design options: template designs and custom design. Each avenue has it’s pros and cons, but you’ll find that one option may suit your needs better at this particular point in your business venture. Let’s dive in.

Website templates are pre-built designs that are either free or sold online at minimal cost. Some  templates allow minor customizations such as choosing your own colors and images, but many aspects of the template can’t be changed.

No doubt there are some appealing templates out there, but the majority of them are restrictive in their ability to be tailored to your needs. Going with a template is a good choice if you currently don’t have a website and you’re looking to get a website up fast, and/or you don’t much of a budget to work with. By cutting out a designer, you will have to invest more time in to creating and maintaining your site, but most templates are user-friendly and don’t require extensive design know-how.

However, if you’re looking to have a website that visually communicates your business’ story and vibe, captures the full scope of actions that you want available for your website visitors and can grow with your business, we suggest shying away from a template.

First, let’s define “custom” when it comes to website design. Custom refers to a made-from-scratch website that was built with your business in mind. Yes, there are common website framework principles that are followed for many websites, which is why we instinctively know how to navigate many websites we land on.

However, a custom design is when the framework, navigation, back-end interface, and every other aspect of that website is flexible and can be changed.

When working with a design team that can blend their knowledge of optimally-performing and visually-appealing design with the goals you have for your business, the result is a unique and strategic web presence.

Since a template would mean taking everything into your own hands, this checklist is for those who choose to go the route of working with a web designer.

After reviewing this information and contemplating how you would like to position your business’ web presence, there’s probably one choice that is more of a front-runner for you at this point in time.

No matter what avenue you end up taking, as any good business owner knows, it’s your unique story, your customer’s experience and the quality of your product and/or service that truly makes for a successful business. Good website design just helps to make those things shine and bring them to a wider audience than before.

With ThePixel’s designers and developers extensive experience in custom web design combined with our web marketing services, we can bring you a better ranking, wider audience and a cutting-edge lead in the market with a polished look and feel that will best reflect your business.