Whether it’s for promoting your business or sharing a personal blog, you will want an attractive website for your audience. If you have limited experience with creating and designing a website, consult a web design company. However, the following tips will help you teach yourself the basics.
1. Understand the Definition of Web Design
Web design typically refers to the practice of creating the visual content and graphics of a website. The designer also has to be able to arrange the elements in a way that effectively conveys the information to the reader. The focus on layout and presentation is key to a well-designed page.
2. Learn Some Basic Code
The term web design is often used interchangeably with web development. Although the two are related, the latter deals with the more technical side of things. Coding, making wireframes, and similar tasks can be intimidating and complicated for anyone new to creating a website.
As previously mentioned, web design is more focused on creating a visually appealing website. Regardless, it can be beneficial to learn the basics of code.
HTML is a language that acts as the skeleton of your website. CSS is a styling sheet language that allows you to get creative with styling, and JavaScript makes your website interactive. Understanding basic coding languages will help you when it comes to web design. As you get better at it, you will have even more control over how you want your website to look.
3. Get Started Right Away
Even if initially you aren’t confident with your design capabilities, just build a website. If you are a complete beginner, you can create one with free online website builders.
Even though this requires little technical skill, you can practice creating and styling content. You can improve on what you created as you become more advanced and eventually even build a website from scratch. It’s all about experimentation and honing your design skills.
4. Look at Other Websites
What kinds of colors, fonts, pictures, and graphics should your website have? Research styles that are most appealing to your audience.
If you do not know where to start looking for inspiration, check out sites that you enjoy! What about them makes you like and trust them? Also consider looking at sites that are related to the kind of site you want to build. What about their site does and does not appeal to their audience?
Perhaps most importantly, analyze some of the most popular sites on the web. What are they doing that is contributing to their success?
5. Take Advantage of Your Resources
There are many free resources out there that will be of great help in your web design journey. Online articles discuss the best ways to lay out a page and organize content. Blogs run by web designers offer a unique perspective on building a successful website. Forums give you the opportunity to ask questions and interact with other designers. Visit your local library for books on topics you want to learn more about.
Online courses centering on web design give users a great opportunity to learn for free. If you would rather learn in-person, there are likely classes in your area. The cost might be worth it if you want a more individualized program.
The best part about these kinds of resources is the fact that they cater to people of all skill levels. Whether you are completely new or just want to refresh your knowledge, there are resources out there for you.
6. Learn from Others
Ask tech-savvy coworkers or friends for advice. Maybe they are more advanced than you in web development and can offer insight. Getting an outsider’s perspective, even one who knows nothing about web design, can help you determine if your site is user-friendly.
