There are a number of metaphors we could use to compare what happens to a businesses website if it’s abandoned or left unchanged for long periods of time. Much like the fruit left to die on the vines after harvest if you built a website 20 years ago when the internet was first emerging and left it merely sitting there until now it’s likely not a very useful tool for your company.

While we don’t imagine most websites have been left stagnant for 20 years we still hope that these five web design tips will help provide useful tips in growing your online presence.

1.- Clients behave like Scanners
Like a scanner, a user will not read your website from top to bottom just as you are probably not reading everything in this post. Instead your eyes are looking for what most grabs your attention. In order ensure your website reader sees your call to action or understands the takeaway message of a given page you need to communicate it early on and in a way that will grab a readers’ attention.

Don’t make the classic mistakes that many beginners make by assuming that the denser the content they upload, the more interesting it will be for site visitors. That's a big mistake! If readers weren't interested in your idea at the start, they won't be interested in seeing your content until the end either.

2.- Less is More
At the beginning of the world wide web and for several years after there was a tendency for websites to be overly artistic, with loads of ornate features and overflowing with colors. Websites were cluttered with information and if we view many of those designs now our eyes start to hurt. As the internet grew in popularity and users refined their expectations, web design shifted to simplifying everything. The more concise we are with the information we want to convey, the better. Use white space, paragraph breaks, and make use of nice imagery to break up long content.

3.- Make Navigation Smooth and Easy
You have to achieve a consistent navigation structure that is coherent as users advance through your website. Don't make excessive use of hyperlinks. Before beginning any website project, be sure to outline where you want your audience to go and create the easiest route to get them there. Make use of the header bar, the menu and your footer.

4.- Make It Snappy
If your page takes more than 2 or 3 seconds to load ... prepare to say goodbye many times and this is a universal truth. If a website takes more than 2 seconds to load users are going to leave. In the world of technology users expect information and they expect it quickly. Don’t risk losing users with a slow website

5.- Have a virtual coffee with your audience. Let them talk.
There are multiple ways to get in touch with your audience these days from reviews to contact forms to mentions on social media. Online consumers today rely heavy on reviews and feedback related to business they intend to shop with. In addition, customers are less likely to trust businesses who don’t respond to negative reviews or contact from customers.

While you don’t have to make friends with everyone who visits your website you want to make them feel heard by giving them an opportunity to contact you and provide feedback.