December 2016 - Zen Den Web Design - Creativity and Security in One Place

What Do You Know about Video?

It’s true: Adding videos to your existing website in order to get more traffic is imperative. However, it’s equally significant to ensure you add and use them properly. After all, you want to maintain a certain level of professional service, no doubt. You want potential customers or clients to take you seriously.

First things first, it’s time to get creative. If you want your product (and yourself) to really make a splash in an overcrowded market, then you need to do something that other companies and business aren’t doing.

“About” Videos

While most websites offer an “About” section, not many utilize videos to really let their personalities shine. You’re already introducing yourself with content, why not talk directly to your viewers through a video? This will really allow you to show your unique personality, as well as prove that you’re one of a kind. Don’t forget: Content is (and will most likely always) king. Therefore, still write about yourself, but also provide a video for visitors who prefer that option.

Vlogs

If you have a website, then you most likely already know how import blogging is, yes? If you don’t blog, how do you expect to A) Connect with fans, clients, customer, etc.? and B) Get Google to rank you? Yet, blogging is getting less popular, as vlogging (video blogging) is starting to take over! Now, don’t just write about it, but film it! Video blogging can be a great way to show more of your brand’s personality, as well as speak directly to those who are following you. Not to mention, if you’re offering tips or a “how to guide,” you can show visitors what to do, instead of just writing about it.

How To Videos

This next idea is perfect for those who have a product to offer . . . Show your product in use! Instead of just writing about it (which, let’s face facts, is basically just another form of written directions), show how to properly use it, and get the absolute most out of it. People will be more inclined to buy whatever it is you’re selling – no matter what it may be – if they can actually see how it works, and that it really does work.

How often do you currently update your site? Your viewers want to see new things, especially those who frequently visit your landing page. They don’t just want to read about it – they want to see it! While pictures and images are a great tool for this agenda, too, videos are even better! Use videos to talk about and address any sort of highlights or ventures that are happening with you and your product. Share as much as you can with visitors, but share with videos, and not just content.

Lastly, if you plan to add multiple videos to your site (which you should), then you need to have a proper location for them. Consider dedicating an entire tab on your website to just videos. Most visitors want a site that is clean and easy to view, not hard to navigate. By having the videos in one place, viewers may stay on your site longer, as they’ll easily be able to see that there are several videos to watch.

Use Videos on Your Website

If you want to be the best, then it’s important to use the best tactics for your business. Help your website (and following) grow by incorporating videos on to your landing page. While content is still important, times have changed. Visitors don’t want to just read about it – they want to see it, and even hear it! Give your fans, customers, clients, etc. a reason to visit your website, and then stay on your website for a long period of time. Get creative, have fun, and make the change! It will be well worth your while!

Are you searching for the best 2017 web design trends? If so, we’ve got quite a list for you! It’s true, in order to be the best, you’ve got to learn the best techniques. The New Year is right around the corner, meaning if you want you and/or your company to be successful, then it’s time to get to work! These trends will not only help you declare yourself as a cool, hip professional, but they’ll also help you standout from the competition. What do you say? Are you ready to start designing?

It’s All about Mobile

It shouldn’t be that hard of a concept to swallow: everything (and one) is mobile these days. From smartphones to iPads, if you want your business to grow, then you need to be mobile-friendly. It doesn’t matter what you’re selling or what type of service you’re offering, if you’re not searchable via some sort of mobile device, you’ll never get ahead. Therefore, when it comes to web design, make sure the content is designed to fit on mobile and smaller screen devices first, followed by larger screen devices.

Is Your Design Responsive?

Though responsive design isn’t necessarily a new tactic, it’s still one that needs to be delivered in 2017. It’s predicted that all brands in the New Year – both big and small – will have a bigger stake in responsive design tactics. Therefore, when considering those new designs, make sure to use CSS media queries and flexible grids/layouts to create a dynamic site that will easily adjust to content, no matter what type of device the content is displayed on. After all, if a viewer can’t properly read the site, they’re not going to stick around.

Check UI Patterns and Framework

More and more, UI and UX patterns are being seen across the web, allowing sites to look and function in a way that offers a better user experience. Simply put, the web is becoming more user-friendly each day, and your site should follow the same tactic. As you most likely already know, online competition is at an all-time high, and only continues to grow. You can’t afford to take big risks that could ultimately take users away from your site. Consider this idea: If a particular pattern or principle seems to be working for another site, then design your site to look and feel the same. When all else fails, just make your site as user-friendly as possible.

Be Original

This tip may seem to be a little hypocritical, considering the advice above told you to mock the competition, if it’s working. However, there’s a way to do both. Yes, if a specific design seems to be successful, then utilize it. However, where you can be original is your content. When designing or crafting your content, make it as original as possible. Believe it or not, content is still king – and will continue to be king throughout 2017. You don’t want to bore your viewers. Therefore, give them something new and fresh to read and learn.

Don’t Forget Graphics

Content may be king, but viewers still like to look at illustrations or graphics. One of the best 2017 web design trends is infographics. Keep in mind, infographics don’t have to be too elaborate, but viewers prefer to see data in a way that is easily digested and memorable. These tools are also a perfect way to diversify content, and give the viewer a break from reading. Though content is king, it can still be overwhelming at times and needs support from its cousin visual content.

Let Your Typography Shine

If you’re searching for another power visual medium, then consider your site’s typography. Specifically, it’s imperative for your typography to not only evoke emotion, but also be formatted in a way that is bold, sharp, easy to read, and provokes the user to act. For 2017, expect to see an increase in size, with type becoming much fuller, and even filling the screen.

Real Photography

We’ve already discussed the importance of images or graphics. When you use photography, it’s vital to use real or authentic photography. Stocks images fool no one, and viewers are sick and tired of seeing “fake” people, landscape, scenes, etc. Therefore, in the New Year, try to plan your images out ahead of time, which will allow you to capture real, vivid scenes that aren’t only more appealing, but will also entice the viewer to stick around on your site, versus finding a new one.

Ready for the New Year?

Before you know it, 2017 will be here. Therefore, you need to make sure you and your team are familiar with the 2017 web design trends. The key to success is being prepared, so give yourself time to not only learn these new tactics, but be comfortable executing them. After all, your site (i.e. your site’s design) says a lot about your company and business. What do you want yours to say about you?

How to Use Videos on Your Website