As we start 2024, it is a good time to look back and examine what 2023 brought to website development. This article will review what happened in web development in 2023 and how they will still be important for 2024.
The Rise of Interactive Websites
In 2023, we’ve seen an increase in interactive websites. These websites implement a user-focused design that centers on helping the user solve a particular problem, engage with the brand or service, and offer an immersive experience. Interactive websites use animations, 3D graphics, and other engaging elements to create a unique user experience. These sites aren’t just eye-catching; they’re also more accessible to users with disabilities, improving overall website accessibility. Interactive websites are the future of web design, and we suggest small businesses explore this trend to enhance their users’ experience.
The Importance of Website Speed
Website speed was a massive factor in optimising your website in 2023. Users expect a web page to load in seconds, and if it doesn’t, they’re likely to leave and head to a competitor’s site. Google also prioritises website speed when ranking search results, so a slow website may negatively impact your SEO ranking. Small businesses need to optimise their websites for speed to stay ahead of their competitors.
Responsive Web Design
Responsive web design is now a necessity. With a growing number of mobile users, ensuring your website is optimised for mobile use is no longer optional. Google prioritises mobile-friendly websites in their search rankings, making responsive web design a crucial tool for optimising your website’s SEO. A responsive web design ensures that your website looks great on any device.
Website Security
Website security has become a more crucial consideration even for small businesses as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated. A security breach can be a significant blow to a company and its reputation. Small businesses must invest in website security to ensure their website is safe for their customers, especially those that take payment information.
Content
Ensure your written content is as succinct as possible, and the sentences are well structured. Both users and Google ‘scan’ a page to understand the topic before diving in. If a website user is faced with too much text they just move on. Sentences should be 20 words or fewer. There are no fixed rules on how long or short a sentence should be, but short sentences are generally better for readability. Not all the sentences have to be short as this would sound very unnatural, but the majority should be fewer than 20 words.
The Trend of Minimalism
Minimalistic design is a trend that has been around for several years, and was still popular in 2023. Minimalism focuses on stripping down designs to the essential elements, creating clean and straightforward layouts. This design trend lends itself to a more user-friendly website, as users are more likely to find what they’re looking for without getting lost in clutter. Minimalism also makes websites more accessible to users with disabilities, as it reduces the chances of sensory overload. Minimalism is a straightforward yet effective tool to enhance your website’s user experience.
If you want to make sure your website offers all of this then get in touch.
