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.

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.

Screenshot showing Divi Builder software, a visual editor for professional website design in Oxford

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?

the importance of good Web Design

see work

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.
A bespoke website design for a garden landscaping company, shown on various screens
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.

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.
iMac screen showing a custom website design for a wine writer, created by an Oxfordshire WordPress specialist
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?

Responsive WordPress web design shown on various screens and devices, showcasing a custom website design, not template

For an affordable, professionally designed and functional WordPress website, please get in touch

Websites features:

A bespoke design to suit your business or brand
Built using WordPress website platform
A versatile, expandable, editable design
Responsive Web Design (RWD)
SEO friendly

Further services:

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Website optimisation
Wordpress editing support
Web hosting & domain registration

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

Gerrish Design has worked with a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses throughout Oxfordshire, including Thame, Oxford, Henley, Bicester, Banbury, Wheatley, Chinnor, Chalgrove, Great Milton, Witney and Yarnton, as well as Kidlington, Abingdon, Wallingford and Watlington.

 

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