People always love to say “looks don’t matter” but we all know that there it matters more often than not. Even if we don’t like to admit it, the fact of the matter is that people fall in love with what meets their eyes first. Although they do decide at a much later time whether what they felt was right, still, the fact remains that the visual impact of something is what catches people’s attention first. This goes for almost anything – objects, brands, people, and yes, even websites.
When you come across a dopey-looking site, what comes to your mind first? Do you feel excited to explore the website? Does it make you feel curious? I really don’t think so. You can lie to yourself all you want but it doesn’t change the fact that a good fraction of users would be up and about as soon as they lay eyes on a run-down website. A dull, outdated, and boring-looking website hardly has any charisma. It shouldn’t come as a surprise why users would find them unappealing. Read more about this: https://www.inc.com/magazine/201711/sheila-marikar/website-design-marketing.html.
We judge with our eyes first. And because we do, it is important that we make everything we do visually appealing. This includes your business website. If you want more traffic directed to your domain, you first need to look the part of a “well-visited domain.” A website that looks like it has been salvaged from the late ’90s will not gather an impressive audience (unless the theme really is vintage or retro). If you want to make the right impression and have your website remembered by users, you first need to work on its appeal.
This is where web design comes into play.
What Is Website Design?
You’ve heard of interior design, industrial design, and architecture before, right? Well, web design isn’t much different. It basically refers to the visual aspect of your domain – the fonts, headings, color scheme, caricatures, and tab placement are all part of website designing. In shorter terms, it’s anything and everything that has to do with your website’s physical “look.”
We call the people who learn and practice the art of web designing as web designers. They are sometimes confused with graphic artists but you have to note that these two professions fulfill distinct and different roles. Graphic artists usually take on work that has to do with creating design layouts like logos and backdrops. Web designers are more into the science of building a website. They make the design come together by combining all the different elements and placing them correctly. They are responsible for coding and such.
Is It Necessary To Have A Web Designer?
Well, the answer to this question really depends on how badly you want your website to be noticed. I mean, you can forego hiring a designer and go into full DIY mode using instant design tools and templates that are ready-made online. But of course, the impact would be far less compared to having an expert take care of your layout needs. If you are using an unoriginal template, then you may want to consider redesigning soon (read more).
First of all, you will lose your shot at making a unique impression if you are to use a ready-made template. Many run-off-the-mill websites that can care less about aesthetics opt to use purchasable templates online. After all, buying a template is cheaper, easier, and faster. You just click the “Add to cart” button and your website design will be done in a jiffy. However, what you’re sacrificing in exchange for this convenience is uniqueness. You just can’t have an exceptional website when a dozen others look the same. If you are aiming to wow the crowd, then this is probably not a good option.
Also, using a ready-made template will make your domain lack personality. The “feel” of your website will be inadequate; it will not exude half the aura of a specially made website. If your line of business has something to do with fashion, art, music or other crafts that value originality, then choosing insta-templates may do your business more harm than good. Like, how can people even trust your artistic prowess when your website is far from looking original? It’s like selling a record label when you can’t even sing to save yourself.
What I’m trying to say is that although hiring a designer is optional, it is something you would want to do to benefit your business and brand image. Yes, your website will still be a website regardless of how it looks but a dull website is also as good as a non-existent one. You’ll just be wasting money on annual royalties for a domain that doesn’t get enough attention from the market.
Should You Hire A US-based Company?
My number one advice is that you hire an agency from your home country should there be a fitting prospect. This is because local agencies would know what the local audience want best. However, if you can’t seem to find a good fit for your website design needs, then I highly suggest that you get help from a US-based company like CityTech US.
Why is this so? Am I implying that everything is better when done the American way?
Well, that’s not exactly the point I’m implying. Thing is, most users online come from the US or have been most exposed to US-designed websites. So hiring from the US should help you get a design that will be well-received by the majority of online users, make sense? Many online trendsetters are US citizens so if you want to appeal to a large market online, hiring a US-based company might be a good call to make.
Not to mention, there are plenty of US-based web design agencies online. You will have zero trouble finding a place to cater to your design needs. All you need to do is key in a quick search on Google and voila! You are one step closer to achieving your dream website.
Well, best of luck to you
