by Tim Parli

When Splattered Ink designs and develops websites for our customers, we have to think on a multi-faceted level. In order to achieve an effective website one must consider both the graphic design and navigation options involved.

It is important to consider the graphic design of a website in order to attain a positive initial reaction from visitors. Research has shown that first impressions are very important, not only when meeting new people, but also when visiting a person’s home, place of business or even their website. These tangible extensions of yourself indicate your type of personality and indirectly say a lot about you or your business.

Often-times, people associate the quality of graphic design with the quality of the product that is being sold. The credibility of your business or product depends, to an extent, on the level of quality graphic design that your website or other marketing materials offer. If your design looks thrown together, customers will believe this is true about your product and/or services.

Well executed graphic design contributes to enhanced usability of your website by directing visitors where to click so that they can easily find what they are looking. Simple, yet visually distinct, navigation buttons and links are the most universal way of directing your website’s visitors. Try to anticipate what your customers will be looking for and how they would like to get there in order to best serve them.

Once you are able to capture your visitor’s interest with your website, consider selling your product or service in a creative way that gives you an edge over your competitors. This may mean that you appeal to your visitor’s emotional interest and then offer a free trial or discount. The wording of any promotional offer, as well as the description of your product or services, is crucial so that you don’t lose credibility or seem obtrusive.

An effective website is crucial to creating and maintaining a positive presence on the web. Having cohesive elements of graphic design as well as navigation options will not only provide a website that looks good but works well too. This will enhance your credibility through the perception that your visitors will have of your business through your website.

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