The importance of good web design

Research shows that we judge websites harshly and quickly.

Website design is the number one factor in making a good first impression. In a study of user behaviour, 94% of the factors for rejecting a website were design related, leaving only 6% because of content. Whilst quality content is vital in bringing visitors to your site, if your content isn’t embedded in good design you will have lost your visitor before they even begin to read.
Good web design is the single most effective method of preventing users leaving your site, based on a snap judgement.

The right website for your business needs to provide relevant content within a beautiful layout, with a fresh and modern design. When finding a website that appears dated or cluttered, a potential customer receives a poor impression about your company. Alternatively, a clean and professional web design builds credibility and trust for your brand.

Man holding mobile phone showing responsive website for an Oxford tech company, designed by Oxfordshire web designer
>> take a look at the website portfolio…
>> website costs…
A beautifully designed web page, showing the impact of professional website design in Oxford

Don’t settle for a template that doesn’t represent your brand.

Don’t try to fit a square peg in a round hole. Template websites will be similar, if not identical, to tens of thousands of others, and their design is based on common contexts. When using a template, you have to make your brand and your content fit into the design. What you should be doing is communicating your message with design.
A custom website design is based on your unique brand. With a bespoke web build you can express your individuality, and stand out from the crowd. Gerrish Design creates custom websites, not website designs that fit into a template.

Is a ‘Web Designer’ really a designer?

The title ‘Web Designer’ is not always accurate: often, it’s applied to a person who simply knows their way around a computer. They may have sufficient IT skills to take care of the technical aspects of getting a website up and running, but more often than not they lack the right skills to deliver a quality design. Unlike a trained graphic designer – a creative professional with a solid understanding of design principles, typography, branding and marketing knowledge. Who is also a good communicator.

Many so-called web designers use a templated ‘theme’. Gerrish Design uses a website ‘builder’ theme. The key difference between the two types of themes is that website builders allow designers to do exactly what they do best — design. Instead of pre-designed assets and layouts, builder themes give designers the tools to create good-looking websites – based on your needs, your content and your brand.

If website design is the number one factor in making a good first impression, why put this in the hands of anyone but a professional designer?

Screenshot showing Divi Builder software, a visual editor for professional website design in Oxford
Someone looking at a mobile phone which shows a beautiful website design for an Oxford business. A good first impression is vital

The importance of good web design

Research shows that we judge websites harshly and quickly.

Website design is the number one factor in making a good first impression. In a study of user behaviour, 94% of the factors for rejecting a website were design related, leaving only 6% because of content. Whilst quality content is vital in bringing visitors to your site, if your content isn’t embedded in good design you will have lost your visitor before they even begin to read.
Good web design is the single most effective method of preventing users leaving your site, based on a snap judgement.

The right website for your business needs to provide relevant content within a beautiful layout, with a fresh and modern design. When finding a website that appears dated or cluttered, a potential customer receives a poor impression about your company. Alternatively, a clean and professional web design builds credibility and trust for your brand.

>> what does a website cost?
>> take a look at the web portfolio…
Laptop with home page showing professional website design by Oxford web designer

Don’t settle for a template that doesn’t represent your brand.

Don’t try to fit a square peg in a round hole. Template websites will be similar, if not identical, to tens of thousands of others, and their design is based on common contexts. When using a template, you have to make your brand and your content fit into the design. What you should be doing is communicating your message with design.
A custom website design is based on your unique brand. With a bespoke web build you can express your individuality, and stand out from the crowd. Gerrish Design creates custom websites, not website designs that fit into a template.
Screenshot of Divi website builder software, showing how custom web designs are created, not template designs

Is a ‘Web Designer’ really a designer?

The title ‘Web Designer’ is not always accurate: often, it’s applied to a person who simply knows their way around a computer. They may have sufficient IT skills to take care of the technical aspects of getting a website up and running, but more often than not they lack the right skills to deliver a quality design. Unlike a trained graphic designer – a creative professional with a solid understanding of design principles, typography, branding and marketing knowledge. Who is also a good communicator.
Many so-called web designers use a templated ‘theme’. Gerrish Design uses a website ‘builder’ theme. The key difference between the two types of themes is that website builders allow designers to do exactly what they do best — design. Instead of pre-designed assets and layouts, builder themes give designers the tools to create good-looking websites – based on your needs, your content and your brand.

If website design is the number one factor in making a good first impression, why put this in the hands of anyone but a professional designer?

For a custom designed website that’s adaptable, functional and looks good, please contact Gerrish Design.

get in touch
Modus Bathrooms website by experienced Oxford web designer

Modus Bathrooms website by experienced Oxford web designer

March 17, 2023
Website design for The Whole Tree Company, based near Port Meadow and Wolvercote, Oxford

Website design for The Whole Tree Company, based near Port Meadow and Wolvercote, Oxford

March 17, 2023
Professional web design for Alina Barrowcliff by an Abingdon WordPress specialist

Professional web design for Alina Barrowcliff by an Abingdon WordPress specialist

March 17, 2023
Wine Talk, content writer. Affordable website design in Banbury

Wine Talk, content writer. Affordable website design in Banbury

March 17, 2023
Bicester web design for Tego Roofing, based in Oxfordshire

Bicester web design for Tego Roofing, based in Oxfordshire

March 17, 2023
Didcot website design and development

Didcot website design and development

March 17, 2023
J Priest and Son, security and property solutions – custom web design in Witney

J Priest and Son, security and property solutions – custom web design in Witney

March 17, 2023
Alex Hammersley Art – web design for an Oxfordshire art consultant

Alex Hammersley Art – web design for an Oxfordshire art consultant

March 17, 2023

Recent Oxford website design projects

Oxford tree surveyor website design

thewholetreecompany.co.uk

Stunning home page design for a luxury bathroom design company

modus-bathrooms.co.uk

Contact

For more information or to discuss your next project, please contact Peter Gerrish

contact
take a look at the WEB DESIGN PORTFOLIO

Gerrish Design has provided web design and website support to a range of businesses throughout Oxford: Wolvercote and Summertown in North Oxford, as well as Marston, Headington and Cowley, Botley and Iffley.