Web Design Checklist: 15 Must-Have Elements

Brandon Groce
5 days ago
30 min read

Creating a high-performing website requires more than just good looks. This checklist covers 15 essential web design elements to ensure your site is functional, user-friendly, and optimized for success. From mobile responsiveness to legal compliance, these steps help you design a site that meets modern standards and exceeds user expectations.

Key Elements:

Mobile-Friendly Design: Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. Ensure your site is responsive, loads quickly, and adapts to various screen sizes.
Clear Navigation: Simplify menus, limit links, and prioritize usability to guide users effectively.
Visual Layout and Images: Use high-quality, optimized visuals that load fast and align with your brand.
Fast Loading Speed: Pages should load in under 3 seconds to prevent user drop-offs.
Accessibility Features: Follow WCAG standards to make your site usable for everyone, including those with disabilities.
Action Buttons and Links: Place clear, prominent CTAs to drive user actions.
Search Engine Basics: Optimize title tags, meta descriptions, and alt text to improve visibility.
Brand Consistency: Maintain uniform colors, typography, and design across all pages.
Security and Trust Elements: Use SSL, firewalls, and regular updates to protect user data and build trust.
Content Planning: Structure content with clear headings, concise paragraphs, and user-focused messaging.
Proper Spacing: Use white space effectively to improve readability and focus.
Contact Options: Provide multiple ways for users to reach you, including simple forms and visible contact links.
Site Maintenance: Regularly update and audit your site to ensure peak performance.
Performance Tracking: Monitor metrics like load time, bounce rate, and Core Web Vitals to identify and fix issues.
Legal Requirements: Comply with privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), include a privacy policy, and ensure proper licensing for assets.

By focusing on these elements, you can design a website that not only attracts visitors but also keeps them engaged and converts them into loyal customers.

Website Design Checklist - Tutorial

1. Mobile-Friendly Design

Did you know that mobile devices now account for over 60% of internet traffic? In fact, mobile visits are three times higher than those from desktops. With this massive shift, having a mobile-friendly website isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s a must. Google knows this too, which is why mobile-friendliness is a key factor in its SEO rankings. Websites optimized for mobile are more likely to appear higher in search results.

Creating a mobile-friendly site means ensuring smooth navigation and adapting layouts to fit a variety of screen sizes. And speed? That’s critical. A site that loads in just one second boasts a conversion rate three times higher than one that takes five seconds. On the flip side, nearly half of users will leave a mobile site if it doesn’t load within three seconds.

"Responsive design is no longer a luxury, but a necessity." - InVision

Tools like Wix Studio make this process easier. They offer responsive design features, including customizable breakpoints and AI-powered tools that automatically adjust layouts across different devices. These features ensure that your website looks great everywhere, and they simplify the process of checking its mobile performance.

Key features for mobile-friendly design include:

Simplified navigation, such as hamburger menus
Touch-friendly elements with larger buttons and input fields
Vertical layouts for better readability
Automatically scaling text that adjusts proportionally to screen size, with options to set minimum and maximum sizes

A great example of mobile-friendly design is e-bike retailer Cowboy. Their site stands out with fast loading speeds, easy-to-use menus, clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons, and text that’s easy to read.

When testing your site’s mobile responsiveness, it’s important to go beyond browser emulators. Use actual devices, test in both portrait and landscape modes, and try different browsers to ensure your site performs consistently.

Wix Studio makes testing even easier by allowing you to preview your design in real-time across different breakpoints. You can tweak margins, padding, and font sizes for specific devices, ensuring a seamless experience for all users. Nailing mobile-friendliness is a crucial first step in building a user-friendly and effective website.

Navigation is the backbone of your website's usability, guiding visitors to the information they need. A well-thought-out navigation system can improve KPIs by up to 83%, showing just how much it can impact your site's performance.

To keep things simple and user-friendly, limit your main menu to no more than seven links. Place your most important pages at the beginning and end of the menu, where they're more likely to catch attention. The main navigation should be in a predictable spot - usually at the top-right of the page - and ensure there's enough contrast between the text and background for easy readability. Adding visual elements like whitespace or dividing lines can help separate the navigation from the rest of the content, making it even easier to use.

For mobile users, the hamburger menu is a popular choice. Make sure touch targets are large enough - at least 48×48 pixels - to avoid frustration. A great example of this is Mented, whose mobile-friendly menu and prominent search bar have been shown to increase conversions.

Consistency is key. Uniform navigation across your site builds trust and allows users to focus on your content. Features like breadcrumbs can clarify where users are within your site, while sticky navigation keeps the menu visible as they scroll through longer pages. For example, the creative agency Mostly Serious uses a clever approach: their menu begins as a hamburger icon but transitions into a sticky horizontal bar after scrolling.

Accessibility should also be a priority, as around 15% of the population lives with disabilities. Add features like "skip-to-content" links, ensure compatibility with screen readers, and use high-contrast colors and scalable fonts. Interior goods retailer Claude Home, for instance, uses an AI-powered accessibility tool to make their site more usable for everyone.

Descriptive link labels are another way to enhance navigation. Instead of vague terms like "Services", use specific phrases like "Web Design Services" or "Marketing Consulting" to make it clear what users can expect. For websites with a lot of content, mega menus can be a great solution - just make sure to group related items logically and include directional cues to guide users. Avoid overly complex dropdowns that might confuse visitors.

Finally, test the finer details like hover states, keyboard navigation, and clear page indicators. These small elements may seem minor, but they play a big role in keeping users engaged and ensuring a smooth browsing experience.

3. Visual Layout and Images

Visuals play a huge role in shaping first impressions. Research shows that visitors form an opinion about your site in just 50 milliseconds. That’s not much time to make an impact, so the quality and arrangement of your visuals need to grab attention and keep visitors engaged.

Once your site’s navigation is clear, a striking visual layout ensures it leaves a lasting impression.

Striking the right balance between aesthetics and functionality is crucial. A gorgeous site that loads slowly risks losing 20% of its viewers if it takes more than four seconds to load. On the flip side, a fast-loading but visually dull site might not connect emotionally with users.

Image Quality and Optimization

High-resolution images are a must, but they need to be optimized for quick loading. Compressing images while maintaining quality ensures your site performs well without sacrificing visual appeal. Also, stick to visuals that align with your brand’s aesthetic and color scheme for a cohesive look. Authentic, natural-looking images often outperform overly polished or generic stock photos.

Strategic Visual Placement

Where you place visuals matters. In 2023, Dgtl Infra’s design team found that blog posts featuring images every 200–300 words saw 40% more shares compared to text-heavy articles. They aimed for a 60/40 text-to-image ratio, incorporating a mix of infographics, product photos, and relevant stock imagery.

Use elements like size, color, and contrast to guide attention to key areas. Make sure headings, buttons, and calls to action stand out, creating a smooth flow that naturally leads users through your site.

Typography and Visual Consistency

Typography can subtly reinforce trust and professionalism. Stick to a few complementary fonts to keep your design clean and focused. Pair this with consistent color schemes and layout patterns across your site to create a unified experience.

Seasonal and Updated Content

Refreshing your visuals regularly keeps your site feeling current. Rotate images seasonally to showcase relevant products or services. This approach not only keeps your site looking fresh but also helps customers picture themselves using your offerings in real-life situations.

Responsive Visual Design

Consistency isn’t just about style - it’s also about performance across devices. A layout that looks great on a desktop might not translate well to a phone or tablet. Test your visuals on various screen sizes to ensure they remain impactful and easy to navigate. Avoid clutter; every visual element should serve a purpose, whether it’s to support your message, guide users, or enhance the overall experience.

4. Fast Loading Speed

A fast-loading website is a game-changer for engagement and conversions. Research shows that 47% of users expect a webpage to load in 2 seconds or less, and about 40–53% abandon a site if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. Even a tiny delay - just 100 milliseconds - can lead to a 1% drop in sales.

But speed isn't just about keeping users happy. It's also a ranking factor in Google's search algorithm. In other words, slower sites risk being pushed lower in search results. One of the most effective ways to boost speed? Optimize your media assets.

"Page speed is probably the purest of SEO factors, because addressing loading times improves your rankings, your user experience and your conversion rate too." - Edge of the Web

Image Optimization for Speed

Images play a huge role in page load times, and optimizing them can make all the difference. The AVIF format is about 50% smaller than WebP, while WebP itself reduces file sizes by 25–35% compared to JPEG or PNG. Wix Studio simplifies this process by automatically converting images to AVIF.

To keep things running smoothly, compress any files over 25MB and aim for images under 1MB whenever possible. Use high-resolution images (at least 2560x1440 pixels) to ensure they look sharp across all devices, and let Wix handle the compression for you.

Smart Gallery and Video Management

How you manage your media files can also influence load times. Instead of scattering individual images across your page, use a single gallery with multiple items. Place galleries below the fold and add load buttons for larger collections of media.

For videos, rely on Wix Video instead of embedding external players like YouTube or Vimeo. Wix's built-in player is optimized for better performance. Keep the number of videos on a page to a minimum and avoid using video backgrounds to maintain speed.

Wix Studio's Performance Features

Wix Studio takes performance seriously, integrating tools that prioritize speed. It uses a global CDN and default lazy loading to ensure fast load times, no matter where your visitors are located.

Wix also monitors performance in real time, constantly improving website speed. Over the past year, this approach has boosted the percentage of Wix sites achieving good scores on all three Core Web Vitals by 25%.

"It's inspiring to see the improvements in user experience / CWV that the folks at Wix have managed for sites hosted on their platform." - John Mueller, Search Advocate at Google

Ongoing Speed Optimization

Speed optimization isn't a one-and-done task - it requires regular attention. Tools like Wix's Site Speed Dashboard or Google PageSpeed Insights can help you audit your site's performance. Even minor improvements, like shaving off 0.1 seconds from load times, can increase conversions by 8%.

For example, Belov Digital Agency improved a client's website by migrating to managed hosting, integrating Cloudflare CDN, and compressing large images. This reduced the average load time from 7 seconds to 2.5 seconds, cutting the bounce rate by 30% and driving more organic traffic in just three months.

Keep your design simple to avoid unnecessary slowdowns. Reduce homepage elements, use system fonts to speed things up, and remove anything nonessential that could drag down load times. Small changes can lead to big results.

5. Accessibility Features

Making the web accessible isn’t just about following rules - it’s about creating spaces where everyone can participate. With 1.5 billion people worldwide and 27% of American adults living with disabilities, designing inclusive websites not only broadens your audience but also ensures compliance with important legal standards.

Here’s a stark reality: the average web page has 56.8 accessibility errors. But here’s the good news - fixing these issues doesn’t just help people with disabilities. Accessibility improvements often enhance usability for everyone, blending seamlessly with the design principles we’ve already discussed.

Understanding Legal Requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that businesses and public organizations ensure their spaces - physical and digital - are accessible to all. While the ADA doesn’t outline specific technical guidelines, U.S. courts frequently refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as the standard for compliance.

Failing to meet these standards can lead to legal challenges, making accessibility a critical consideration for any website.

Key Accessibility Features to Implement

Building an accessible site means focusing on a few essential elements:

Alt text for images: Provide clear, descriptive text for all images so screen readers can convey their content to visually impaired users.
Color contrast and reliance: Ensure text and background colors have enough contrast, and avoid using color alone to communicate important information.
Keyboard navigation: Many users rely on keyboards instead of a mouse. Make sure all interactive elements - like buttons, links, and forms - are fully usable with keyboard commands (e.g., Tab, Enter, and arrow keys).
Font readability: Stick to simple, legible fonts and allow users to resize text up to 200% without breaking the layout. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can make reading difficult.

WCAG Compliance Levels

For most websites, WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended standard to aim for. It strikes a balance between accessibility and practicality, covering critical needs without being overly complex.

Keeping Accessibility Up to Date

Accessibility isn’t a one-and-done effort - it requires regular upkeep. Perform audits and test your site frequently. Use tools like screen readers, navigate with just a keyboard, and think about how users with various abilities will interact with your content. These practices ensure that your site remains usable as content and technology evolve.

6. Action Buttons and Links

Action buttons and links are the bridge between capturing user interest and driving meaningful engagement. They help transform curiosity into actions like subscribing, purchasing, or exploring more of your content. While buttons prompt users to take immediate action, such as submitting a form or completing a checkout, links are designed to guide users to additional content or other pages.

Strategic Placement That Converts

Where you place your action buttons can make or break conversions. Primary buttons should be positioned where users naturally complete tasks - for example, right after a contact form or at the end of product details. This creates a seamless flow, allowing users to take the next step without searching for it. Avoid floating or misplaced buttons that disrupt the user experience. A well-thought-out visual hierarchy ensures primary actions stand out, while secondary options remain accessible without causing distractions.

Visual Hierarchy That Guides Users

A strong visual hierarchy helps users navigate decisions without confusion. Limit each section or view to one primary button, styled to grab attention - whether through bold colors, size, or placement. Secondary actions should look distinct, using lighter colors, outlines, or neutral tones to indicate their supportive function. For example, on Gusto's homepage, the prominent "Create free account" button is the clear primary action, while the softer "How Gusto works" link offers additional information without competing for attention. This approach keeps your page clean and focused.

Avoiding the Overwhelm Trap

Too many calls-to-action on a single page can overwhelm users, leading to decision paralysis. Instead, identify the single most important action for each page and make that button the focal point. Use size, color, and placement to highlight it. Secondary CTAs can still be included but should remain understated to avoid overshadowing the primary goal.

Keeping Actions Close to Context

Buttons are most effective when they’re placed near related content. For example, if you’re offering a downloadable guide, position the button right next to its description. For newsletter signups, keep the CTA near content that showcases your expertise. By aligning actions with context, you create a natural flow that encourages users to take the next step effortlessly.

7. Search Engine Basics

Once your website's design and functionality are polished, the next step is making sure people can actually find it. While design draws users in, SEO ensures your site gets the visibility it deserves. Search engines rely on clear signals to understand your content and decide if your site should appear in search results. Three key elements - optimized title tags, engaging meta descriptions, and descriptive image alt text - form the backbone of effective SEO.

Title tags are the first thing users notice in search results. These clickable headlines are essential for grabbing attention and signaling relevance to search engines. To make the most of them, keep your titles under 50-60 characters to avoid truncation. Start with your primary keyword and ensure each title uniquely reflects the page's content.

"The title tag is your main and most important anchor." - Aleh Barysevich, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Link-Assistant.Com

A great example of this is Adam Heitzman from HigherVisibility. His article ranked first for "how to choose an SEO agency that aligns with your goals", thanks to a well-crafted title tag that matched user intent. It’s proof that strategic titles can significantly impact rankings.

Meta descriptions function as your site's elevator pitch. Displayed beneath the title in search results, these summaries give users a quick overview of your page. A compelling meta description can boost your click-through rate (CTR), which Google factors into its rankings.

"Google uses click-through rate (CTR) to determine whether you're a good result. If more people click on your result, Google considers you to be a good result and will, based on your position, move you up the rankings." - Yoast

To optimize meta descriptions, aim for 155 characters or fewer to avoid truncation. Write in active voice, include a clear call to action, and naturally incorporate your focus keyword. Each page should have a unique description that accurately reflects its content. If you’re short on time, prioritize optimizing the homepage and high-traffic pages first.

Image alt text serves multiple purposes: it improves accessibility, helps search engines understand your visuals, and can even drive traffic through image search. With nearly 19% of Google search results featuring images, well-optimized alt text is a must.

For example, the HubSpot Blog team saw a 779% increase in image traffic in under a year by focusing on alt text optimization. This strategy brought in 160,000 additional organic views. It’s a reminder that even small SEO tweaks can yield big results.

When crafting alt text, be specific and descriptive while keeping it under 125 characters. Highlight details relevant to your content and avoid generic phrases like "image of" or "picture of", as screen readers already provide that context. Naturally include keywords without overloading them. For purely decorative images, leave the alt tag empty ().

"Alternative text acts as a vital bridge between visual content and comprehension. It ensures visually impaired users can interpret images and allows search engines to accurately index visuals." - Casandra Visser, Author, accessibilitychecker.org

8. Brand Consistency

Once you've built a solid foundation for your site's technical and content aspects, keeping your branding consistent is the next step to reinforcing trust and creating a seamless user experience. From the moment someone lands on your homepage, your website should deliver a cohesive and memorable impression. This isn't just about looking polished - it's about building trust and ensuring your business sticks in people's minds.

Studies show that consistent brand messaging can increase revenue by 10–20% and boost brand recognition by up to 80%. On top of that, 90% of potential customers expect the same experience from a brand across all platforms. What does this mean for your site? Every single page needs to reflect your brand's identity.

The Power of Visual Consistency

Visual elements are the backbone of strong branding. By using the exact same color codes, typography, and design patterns across every page, you create a seamless experience. Think of it this way: when a visitor moves from your homepage to an About or Services page, they should immediately feel that they're still on the same site. This kind of uniformity isn't just about aesthetics - it strengthens your site's impact.

While maintaining visual consistency can get tricky as your site grows, modern tools make it easier. Take Wix Studio's Site Styles panel, for example. It centralizes control over typography, colors, page transitions, and layout widths, making it simple to keep your design consistent across your entire site. This approach not only saves time but also ensures your site always looks professional.

Colors, Typography, and Logo Placement

Your brand colors should be used consistently, from headers and buttons to background accents. Typography matters too - it’s not just about picking a font but also ensuring every heading, paragraph, and text element follows a clear hierarchy. Wix Studio's Typography tab lets you make site-wide updates quickly, so every page stays aligned with your brand.

Logo placement is another detail that shouldn't be overlooked. Your logo should always appear in the same spot and at the same size on every page. This small but crucial step reassures visitors that they’re still on your site, no matter where they navigate.

A Case Study in Consistency

Siteimprove's 2024 rebrand is a great example of how consistency can pay off. By applying a unified visual identity across all touchpoints, they saw impressive results: a 39.7% increase in search visibility, a 19.5% rise in organic traffic, and a 13.5% spike in conversion rates. It’s clear that consistent branding isn't just a design choice - it’s a business strategy.

Bridging the Gap Between Guidelines and Execution

Interestingly, while 85% of companies have brand guidelines, fewer than a third actually follow them. Why? Because as websites grow, manually maintaining consistency can become overwhelming. That’s why having detailed brand guidelines is essential. These should cover everything from logo usage and color schemes to fonts, imagery style, and even tone of voice. When followed, these guidelines ensure that every new page or update matches the original design's standards.

Why Consistency Goes Beyond Looks

Consistency isn’t just about making your site look good - it’s about usability. A consistent design helps visitors navigate your site more intuitively. When people can predict where to find information, they’re more likely to stay engaged and take action.

As your business evolves, your brand guidelines will need updates to stay relevant. Regularly reviewing and systematically applying changes across your site ensures you maintain the consistency your audience expects. After all, a consistent brand is one that people trust - and return to.

9. Security and Trust Elements

Once you've nailed down brand consistency, the next step is ensuring your site is secure and trustworthy. Just as design plays a key role in performance, strong security builds user confidence and keeps your site running smoothly. In today's digital world, security is more than a technical necessity - it’s a crucial part of the overall user experience. When visitors feel safe, they’re more likely to stick around, share their information, and complete purchases.

The numbers paint a stark picture. In 2023, 41% of small businesses fell victim to cyberattacks, and 60% of those businesses closed within six months. On top of that, 55% of customers are hesitant to do business with a brand that’s had a security breach. These stats make it clear: security isn’t optional - it’s a lifeline for your business.

Start by safeguarding your site with SSL encryption.

SSL Certificates: The First Layer of Protection

SSL/TLS certificates encrypt the data exchanged between a browser and your website. This encryption shields sensitive information - like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details - from hackers.

The widespread use of SSL certificates is no coincidence. Over 46 million websites globally use SSL certificates, and 95% of search engine results feature HTTPS-enabled sites. Implementing SSL is as critical as having a mobile-friendly design or fast-loading pages. Depending on your site’s needs, you can choose from different types of SSL certificates:

Domain Validated (DV): Ideal for blogs or smaller websites.
Organization Validated (OV): Best for company sites.
Extended Validation (EV): Perfect for e-commerce or financial sites handling sensitive transactions.

Building Strong Security Defenses

Encryption is just the start. Strengthen your site with firewalls, regular scans, and multi-factor authentication. Web application firewalls (WAF) act as a shield, blocking harmful traffic before it can reach your site. Regular security scans help identify weak spots, while secure hosting providers offer built-in firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) and enforcing strict password policies provides an extra layer of protection. These measures ensure that even if one layer is breached, others remain intact to safeguard your site and its users.

While these defenses are critical, staying ahead of evolving threats requires constant updates.

Why Regular Updates Are Non-Negotiable

One of the easiest ways to keep your website secure is by staying up to date. In 2024, over 30,000 websites were hacked daily because of outdated software. Old plugins, themes, and CMS versions are common entry points for hackers.

"Regular website updates are indispensable for maintaining a secure, high-performing site that resonates with both users and search engines." - Alex Belov, CEO, Belov Digital Agency

To avoid becoming a statistic, ensure your software, plugins, and CMS are always current. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans to catch potential issues before they escalate.

Building Trust Through Transparency

Privacy policies are another critical piece of the puzzle. They let users know how their data is collected, used, and protected, showing your commitment to safeguarding their information.

Staying Prepared: Monitoring and Response

Proactive monitoring can catch and stop problems before they spiral out of control. Having a clear incident response plan ensures you can act quickly and minimize damage during a security breach.

Secure backups are equally important. They allow you to restore your site quickly in case of an attack, turning what could be a disaster into a manageable issue.

"The need for a secure website has never been greater. Website security measures protect sensitive information, establish trust, and ensure peace of mind for website owners and visitors alike." - Ben Howard, Author, Name.com Blog

A 2020 study found that 47% of companies worldwide experienced online fraud, resulting in $42 billion in losses over two years. These figures highlight why investing in robust security measures isn’t just a good idea - it’s essential for staying in business.

10. Content Planning

Once your website is secure, the next step is to plan content that truly serves your visitors. Think of this process as crafting a roadmap that guides users seamlessly from curiosity to action. Well-structured content not only helps users find what they need but also creates a more engaging and effective experience.

The key to successful content planning is understanding what your audience wants. If visitors can’t locate the information they need to make decisions, your conversion rate could drop to zero. Every piece of content should have a clear purpose and provide meaningful value.

Writing for Your Audience

The way you write directly impacts how users experience your site - and whether they take action. In the U.S., the average reading level is around seventh to eighth grade. This means your content should be easy to read and accessible to a wide audience.

"Website readability is crucial for creating a positive user experience, increasing conversions, and improving SEO rankings." - wisernotify.com

To achieve this, use clear and direct language. Keep sentences concise and paragraphs short. Incorporate subheadings and bullet points to break up information and make it easier to digest. Stick to an active voice for clarity - for example, say "We fixed the design issues" instead of "Mistakes were made."

Structuring Content for Maximum Impact

How your content is structured can make or break its effectiveness. Start with a compelling introduction that sets expectations, then use headings and subheadings to organize your ideas. Group related concepts together to create a natural flow, guiding readers smoothly from one section to the next. Keep paragraphs brief - 2 to 4 sentences - so users can quickly scan and absorb the information.

Adding visual elements like whitespace can also make a big difference. Studies show that proper use of whitespace can improve readability by 20%. A clean, uncluttered layout helps users focus on your message without feeling overwhelmed.

Creating Content Hierarchy and Organization

A clear content hierarchy is essential for helping visitors navigate your site efficiently. Use headings, subheadings, and distinct sections to visually separate main ideas from supporting details. Bullet points are great for presenting key information in an easy-to-read format.

Make sure your sections are well-named and intuitive, especially if you’re using a content management system. For single-page sites, consider adding navigation links that allow users to jump directly to specific sections. Rearrange sections as needed to create a logical flow that aligns with your audience’s needs and your goals.

Testing and Refining Your Content

Content planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Regularly test and refine your content based on user feedback and analytics. Look at how visitors interact with your pages - where they spend time, where they drop off - and adjust accordingly. While readability scores can provide useful insights, truly understanding your audience is even more important.

When done right, content planning transforms your website from a collection of pages into a unified experience. It ensures your site not only communicates effectively but also aligns with a user-first approach, guiding visitors toward their goals - and yours.

11. Proper Spacing

Getting spacing right is a game-changer for web design. It enhances usability, improves readability, and gives your site a polished, professional look. White space - also called negative space - is the empty area around your content that allows your design to "breathe". When applied effectively, it can boost readability by up to 20% and help visitors gauge your site's value in just five seconds.

White space is more than just blank areas - it can include colors, patterns, or textures that create visual separation between elements. This separation helps clarify your design, making it easier for users to navigate.

Micro and macro spacing play distinct but complementary roles in creating a cohesive layout. Micro spacing focuses on the space between characters and words, while macro spacing deals with margins and gaps between sections. Together, they guide visitors smoothly through your content, creating a natural flow.

"White space is a real element in web design. The lack of content is as important as the presence of content on your website. Think of white space as Yin and Yang. You can't have one without the other."
Joseph Downs, In-house UX copy-slinger, foodie, and classic motoring enthusiast

When it comes to text spacing, it’s crucial to strike the right balance. Aim for line spacing that's 130-150% of your font size and use clear paragraph margins to separate blocks of text. This makes your content easier to read and more inviting to engage with.

Spacing also plays a big role in conversions. Generous white space around call-to-action buttons can boost conversion rates by over 200%. By isolating key elements like buttons, forms, or messages with ample negative space, you naturally draw attention to them.

Organizing content with spacing follows the law of proximity - group related elements together and separate unrelated ones. This technique helps visitors quickly understand how different pieces of information connect. A well-spaced layout can even guide the eye in a Z-shaped pattern, encouraging users to move seamlessly from one element to the next.

Modern design tools, such as grid systems, alignment guides, and docking margins, make it easier to achieve consistent and professional spacing.

There’s also a distinction between active and passive spacing. Passive white space occurs naturally between elements, while active white space is intentionally added to shape your design's flow. Striking the right balance is key - too little space creates clutter, while too much can make your design feel disjointed.

And don’t forget about responsiveness. What works on a desktop may feel cramped on a mobile device. Test your spacing on various screen sizes and use responsive design techniques to ensure your layout adapts while maintaining readability and appeal.

The goal isn’t to cram every inch of your webpage with content. Instead, use empty space strategically to improve focus, readability, and user engagement. Thoughtful spacing can transform a cluttered page into a clean, user-friendly design that aligns with the principles of modern web design.

12. Contact Options

When it comes to website design, getting your contact options right is just as important as any other element. Why? Because making it easy for people to reach you builds trust and turns visitors into customers. In fact, 67% of site visitors will abandon a form if it’s too complicated. That’s a huge missed opportunity if your contact methods aren’t up to par.

To make your site more accessible, offer a variety of contact methods: email, phone, physical address, social media links, and forms. This approach ensures you're catering to everyone, including older users who might prefer more traditional ways of communication.

Contact forms are a favorite option, but simplicity is key. Research shows that keeping forms to just four fields can boost conversion rates by 120%. Stick to a one-column layout, place labels above each field, and avoid unnecessary inputs.

"Without visible labels, form controls are not usable to any user, let alone a person with a disability."
Uday Shetty, Senior Accessibility Consultant at Deque Systems

For accessibility, use the HTML element and provide clear instructions. And don’t stop at forms - offer alternatives like direct email links or live chat. A great example: In February 2024, Search Engine Journal revamped their Contact Us page by adding simple button links that adjusted forms based on user interaction.

Mobile usability is another must. Test your contact options across different devices to ensure they’re easy to use. Features like checkboxes, dropdowns, and radio buttons can simplify inputs on smaller screens.

Visibility is equally important. A well-placed "Contact Us" or "Get in Touch" button in your main navigation ensures visitors can find you quickly. Don’t forget to include links to your social media profiles for additional ways to connect.

Finally, keep improving. Regularly test your forms, gather user feedback, and tweak based on completion rates. A thoughtfully designed contact page not only improves usability but also shows your commitment to making communication easy and accessible for everyone.

13. Site Maintenance

Think of website maintenance like taking care of your car - without regular check-ups, things can go wrong fast. Regular upkeep is essential to keep your site running smoothly and delivering a great user experience. Studies even show that broken links not only hurt SEO but also drive away 88% of consumers who might never return.

To make it less overwhelming, break maintenance tasks into smaller, manageable steps. By organizing them into weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual routines, you’ll stay on top of your site's health without feeling swamped.

Weekly Maintenance

Start with weekly tasks like monitoring your website traffic using tools like Google Analytics. Keep an eye out for any sudden dips or spikes - they could signal technical issues or unexpected trends that need attention.

Monthly Maintenance

Monthly tasks require a bit more effort but are equally important. These include:

Checking and updating security settings.
Backing up your site’s content.
Updating plugins and software to their latest versions.
Testing your site’s speed using tools like PageSpeed Insights.
Scanning for broken links with browser extensions like "Check My Links" or free tools such as Dead Link Checker.

Broken links, in particular, can frustrate users and hurt your rankings. Fix them by updating internal links, replacing outdated external ones, or setting up 301 redirects for content that’s been moved.

Quarterly Maintenance

Every few months, take a deeper dive into your site’s performance. This is the time to review your content strategy. Use SEO performance data, user behavior insights, engagement metrics, and sales reports to figure out what’s working and what isn’t. Identify pages that need updates, spot underperforming content, and focus on areas that can boost your site’s overall success.

Annual Maintenance

Once a year, step back for a broader review. This includes:

Checking renewal dates for your domain, hosting, and essential tools to avoid unexpected downtime.
Updating your website's header, footer, and legal policies to reflect changes in regulations or your business operations.

Comprehensive Checklist

On top of these routines, maintain a comprehensive checklist that includes:

Backing up content.
Reviewing performance metrics.
Fixing broken links.
Optimizing media files.
Testing contact forms.
Updating security settings.
Verifying mobile compatibility.
Monitoring SEO.
Ensuring cross-browser functionality.

While tools like Wix Studio offer automated updates that can handle many of these tasks and reduce downtime, don’t rely on them entirely. Manual checks are still crucial for catching content-related or user experience issues that automation might miss.

14. Performance Tracking

Once your site is up and running smoothly, the next step is keeping an eye on how it performs. Tracking performance gives you valuable insights into how users interact with your site and where improvements can be made. Without this data, you're essentially flying blind, unable to see what’s working and what needs fixing.

Performance is a big deal. Did you know that half of all visitors leave a site if it takes more than three seconds to load? And if loading time goes beyond just one second, bounce rates can more than double. These numbers make it clear: paying attention to performance metrics isn’t optional - it’s necessary to keep visitors engaged.

Essential Metrics to Monitor

To ensure a positive user experience, focus on tracking metrics that directly impact performance and engagement. For instance, page load time should be under three seconds, and server response time needs to stay below 200 milliseconds. When it comes to Core Web Vitals, aim for these benchmarks:

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Under 2.5 seconds
Interaction to Next Paint (INP): Under 200 milliseconds
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Below 0.1

Beyond technical stats, monitor user behavior metrics like unique visitors, bounce rate, conversion rate, and time spent on pages. These numbers reveal whether your site’s design is connecting with users and encouraging them to take action.

Metric	Target	Why It Matters
Page Load Time	Under 3 seconds	Prevents visitors from leaving too quickly
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint)	Under 2.5 seconds	Enhances perceived loading speed
INP (Interaction to Next Paint)	Under 200 milliseconds	Keeps interactions smooth and responsive
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift)	Below 0.1	Avoids frustrating layout shifts
Server Response Time	Less than 200 milliseconds	Ensures faster content delivery

Making Data-Driven Design Decisions

"If you have an idea, you can use data to check the concept. Is it likely to affect a lot of visitors? Just a few? And once you make the changes, you can use data to see how well it worked. Did it make an impact? Was there a measurable change?" - Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Orbit Media Studios, Inc.

Your analytics can tell you a lot about your audience. For example, you can see which pages hold visitors’ attention the longest, where they tend to leave your site, and which elements get the most clicks. This kind of data helps you focus on the design changes that will make the biggest difference in user experience.

When it comes to content, performance tracking can show you which blog posts or pages resonate most with your audience. Use this information to double down on successful topics and formats, while reworking or updating content that isn’t performing well. Performance data can also alert you to technical problems - sudden spikes in bounce rates or drops in traffic often point to issues that need immediate attention.

Tools and Implementation

There are plenty of tools to help you monitor performance. Free options like PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse not only measure your site’s performance but also give you actionable recommendations for improvement.

If you’re using Wix Studio, you’ll find built-in analytics tools that make tracking even easier. These tools consolidate all your performance data in one place, letting you monitor traffic trends, visitor origins, page dwell times, and user interactions without juggling multiple platforms. Plus, the system updates data within an hour, giving you near real-time insights into how your site is doing.

Don’t forget to track user actions like button clicks and form submissions. This data shows you which design elements are driving conversions, helping you refine your calls-to-action, navigation flows, and overall user experience strategy. With these tools, you can make ongoing adjustments as user behavior evolves.

Continuous Optimization

"I will always look at sessions, traffic sources, and conversion rates before anything else. When working to improve any of these metrics, many more engagement metrics become relevant and interesting, as they reveal where and how I can improve the customer experience." - Phil Vallender, Director at Blend Marketing and HubSpot Elite Partner

Regular performance reviews are essential for catching problems early and spotting opportunities for improvement. Set clear benchmarks for your key metrics and use alerts to flag any significant drops in performance. This proactive approach ensures you can address issues before they impact your users.

15. Legal Requirements

Once you've fine-tuned your site's technical and performance aspects, it's time to focus on its legal framework. A legally compliant website not only protects your business but also establishes trust with your audience. With data privacy laws becoming stricter worldwide, addressing these requirements from the start is critical.

The consequences of non-compliance can be severe. For example, under UK GDPR, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) can impose fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of a company's annual turnover. Even smaller violations under PECR can lead to fines of up to £500,000.

Privacy Policies and Data Protection

If your website collects personal data, a privacy policy is not optional - it's mandatory. As Sara Pegarella, Managing Legal Editor at TermsFeed, puts it:

"Privacy Policies are where you disclose your practices when it comes to your collection, use and handling of the personal data of your users. They provide information and transparency. Privacy Policies are Mandatory by Law."

Your privacy policy should be easy to find and clearly outline what data you collect, how it's used, how long it's stored, and whether it's shared with others. Transparency is key to building trust and encouraging users to return.

Keep in mind that different laws apply depending on where your visitors are located. For instance, GDPR governs businesses offering goods or services to individuals in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Meanwhile, U.S. laws like CCPA and CalOPPA apply to companies handling personal data from California residents.

Modern privacy laws require websites to give users control over cookies. For example, GDPR mandates opt-in consent, meaning users must actively agree to cookie usage. In contrast, CCPA typically uses an opt-out model.

Your cookie system should include a simple opt-out option, such as a "Do not sell/share my personal information" link, and allow users to update their preferences at any time. It's also essential to keep detailed records of user consent to demonstrate compliance during audits.

Third-Party Content and Asset Licensing

If your website uses third-party content - like images, fonts, or videos - proper licensing is non-negotiable. Ensure you verify copyright ownership, secure permissions, and document all licenses and usage agreements. Start by cataloging all copyrightable content on your site and identifying the relevant copyright holders or authorized agents. Keeping thorough records of each asset's origin, license type, and any restrictions can save you from potential copyright disputes.

Legal Requirement	Key Action	Why It Matters
Privacy Policy	Create a clear, accessible policy on data use	Required when collecting personal data
Cookie Consent	Use granular controls with geo-targeting	Ensures compliance with GDPR and CCPA
Asset Licensing	Document permissions for third-party content	Avoids copyright infringement claims
Accessibility	Test WCAG compliance with tools like Wave	Prevents discrimination against disabled users
Business Information	Display required details for UK businesses	Complies with Electronic Commerce Regulations 2002

Accessibility and Compliance Tools

Making your website accessible isn’t just a good practice - it’s a legal obligation. In the UK, websites must accommodate users with disabilities, including those with visual, motor, cognitive, or learning impairments. Globally, around 16% of the population lives with some form of disability.

You can use free tools like Wave to check your compliance with WCAG standards. Additionally, consider using automation tools to regularly scan your site for GDPR and other privacy law compliance. Other important steps include appointing a data protection officer (DPO), using HTTPS to secure data, and having a clear data breach response plan.

Staying Current with Legal Changes

Website regulations are constantly evolving. Update your privacy policy whenever laws or your data practices change, and stay informed about legal updates in all regions where your users are based. Taking a proactive approach can save you from costly fines and legal challenges while maintaining user trust.

Conclusion

A well-designed website strikes the perfect balance between functionality, user experience, and business goals. By following our 15-point checklist, you can create a site that not only draws visitors but also turns them into loyal customers.

Consider this: 75% of users judge a business's credibility based on its design, and 88% of users won't return after a poor experience. Plus, for every dollar spent on user experience, studies suggest you could see a return of $100. These numbers highlight just how impactful the elements we've discussed can be.

From ensuring your site is mobile-friendly to meeting legal requirements that protect your business, every detail matters. When all the pieces come together, the results can be transformative, delivering a seamless experience that drives engagement and boosts conversions.

Keeping your website updated is equally important. Fresh content and regular updates not only enhance visitor engagement but also strengthen your position in a competitive market.

For those looking to stay ahead of these evolving standards, NEWFORM's educational ecosystem is an invaluable resource. With live workshops, premium tutorials, and design challenges, this platform equips designers with the tools and knowledge to implement these principles effectively. It’s also a great way to connect with like-minded professionals who share your passion for excellence.

FAQs

How can I make my website accessible to people with disabilities?

Creating a website that everyone can use, including individuals with disabilities, is a crucial part of modern web design. To start, include descriptive alt text for images so screen readers can convey visual content to users. Make sure there's strong contrast between text and background colors to improve readability, and ensure that all interactive elements - like buttons and forms - are fully navigable using just a keyboard.

To guide your efforts, refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. These guidelines address accessibility needs across visual, auditory, and cognitive areas. By following them, you not only make your site more inclusive but also align with current accessibility standards, delivering a smoother experience for all visitors.

What key elements should a privacy policy include to comply with global data protection laws?

To meet global data protection laws, your privacy policy needs to spell out what personal data is collected, the reasons for collecting it, and the legal grounds for processing it - whether that's user consent or legitimate business interests. It should also explain users' rights, such as accessing, correcting, or deleting their data, and detail how the data is protected and managed during international transfers.

Your policy should also highlight how long data is retained and clarify the process for obtaining explicit consent when necessary. The key is clarity - keep the language straightforward and ensure your policy aligns with regulations like GDPR and other relevant laws around the world.

How often should I maintain my website to ensure it stays secure and performs well?

To ensure your website operates efficiently and remains secure, you should prioritize regular maintenance. Experts typically advise conducting monthly checks to update software, evaluate performance, and fix any security issues that could arise.

On top of that, make it a habit to handle weekly tasks like creating backups and running security scans. These steps are crucial for protecting your data and guarding against potential risks. Routine maintenance keeps your site running smoothly, easy to navigate, and in step with current web standards.