6 Essential Web Design Tips for Creating a Professional and Engaging Website

Website Design

Published: Nov 26, 2014

Updated on: Sep 03, 2025

It is amazing how different professional web designers work and achieve so much despite the magnitude of their projects compared to the less experienced ones. They seem to have some secrets, some hidden hacks and probably some hidden insider information well-kept from the public eye. This is allowing their many years of experience. So, how do these leading web design experts speed up their workflow and save time? Let us expose the secrets so that you can apply them too.

Table of Contents

Web Design Tips to Increase Quality and Efficacy

1. Apply Global CSS Rules for Consistency

If you want to speed things up at the early stages of your web design process, then you need to apply the use of the wildcard CSS rule. This simply means that you use the asterisk as the selector so the changes you define apply across the entire page. However, use this rule sparingly, as it is not ideal to leave it in your live code.

2. Limit Characters for Readability

Avoid having very many or too few characters per line in your content. An average of 45 – 75 characters is ideal and allows for easy and comfortable reading. Sticking to these limits also helps with your responsive design.

3. Optimize Video Embedding for Modern Browsers

The days of Flash Player are quickly coming to an end. HTML5 has taken over, simplifying video embedding on a webpage. However, it’s essential to ensure that your embedded videos resize responsively across different screen sizes. A quick solution for this is the FitVids jQuery plugin, which adjusts video size for responsive sites.

4. Optimize Image Formats and Sizes

It is advisable that if you want to export a non-transparent image from Photoshop to PNG, that you should import it as an 8 bit PNG. This ensures that the quality of the image is not lost but there is a significant reduction in the size of the image. Such an image loads fast on your website. Employing the services of a professional graphic designer will help you with this hurdle.

5. Map OutUser Flow Before Designing

Before diving into the design process, start by carefully planning the steps and content you want users to follow. By mapping out the user journey, you can create intuitive navigation paths and strategically place calls-to-action, making it easy for users to find what they need.

6. Work with Professionals

Partner with design experts for your web design/CSS/graphic design projects. Doing so saves you time and money and ensures that you end up with a highly effective website that performs well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Web Design

There are a few mistakes to avoid in web design;

1. Neglecting Mobile Optimization

With a growing majority of users browsing on mobile devices, optimizing for mobile is essential for a positive user experience. Sites that aren’t mobile-friendly often have formatting issues, misaligned elements, or unreadable text on smaller screens. This can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates as they leave to find a more accessible site. Implementing responsive design ensures that your website adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes, improving user retention and engagement.

2. Slow Loading Times

Google favours page speed. Sites that take longer than a few seconds to load can lose users quickly. Factors like large images, unoptimized media files, and excessive design elements can all contribute to slow loading times. A sluggish website not only frustrates users but also negatively impacts search engine rankings.

3. Inconsistent Design Elements

Consistency in web design helps users navigate your site with ease and establishes brand recognition. When elements like colors, fonts, button styles, and layout vary across pages, it can create a disjointed experience that confuses visitors. A cohesive visual style strengthens trust, as users can easily recognize familiar design elements and feel more at ease navigating your site. Maintaining a design guide for colors, typography, and layout ensures consistency across all web pages.

4. Poor Navigation

If the navigation menu is cluttered, confusing, or too complex, users may struggle to find the information they’re looking for. This can lead to frustration, causing visitors to abandon the site. Effective navigation should be intuitive, with a clear hierarchy and concise labels that guide users to important pages. Keeping navigation simple and user-focused ensures a better experience and improves the likelihood of users exploring your site.

Conclusion: Build a Professional, User-Friendly Website

Creating a professional, user-friendly website demands strategic design, consistency, and client involvement. By applying efficient web design practices, you can enhance user engagement and establish a credible online presence that reflects your brand effectively.

Neha Bawa

Director of Brand Marketing

Neha Bawa is the Director of Brand Marketing at Techmagnate. She has worked in Digital Marketing since 2012 and has specialised in content creation. She has earned a Master’s degree in Interactive Communications from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, U.S.A. Her interests lie in creating great content, docs, and working towards sustainability through biodiversity.