Are you in the process of creating a new website for your business? Perhaps you’re looking for ways to improve the design and optimisation of an existing site?

We share 9 tips to create a site your visitors and Google will love in this infographic.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Make it fast
• Make it responsive
• Make it stylish
• Make it legible
• Make it easy on the eyes
• Make it easy to navigate
• Make it clear
• Make it focused
• Make it valuable

Check out the infographic for more detail.

 

In the race to create the perfect website, many businesses overlook some of the most critical factors that impact both user experience and search engine rankings. It’s not just about pretty visuals or clever copy—it’s about function, clarity, and performance.

When you fine-tune these lesser-discussed elements, you create a space that visitors enjoy and Google rewards. Let’s dive into the nine often-overlooked website strategies that make a real difference.

Make It Fast

Speed isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Users expect websites to load almost instantly, and Google has made site speed a ranking factor in its algorithm. A sluggish site leads to high bounce rates and lost opportunities. The faster your site, the happier both your users and search engines will be.

• Compress images and files to reduce load times without compromising quality.
• Use a content delivery network (CDN) to serve your site faster to users across the globe.
• Limit the number of plugins or scripts running in the background, especially on WordPress.
• Enable caching and minify your code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to streamline loading performance.

Make It Responsive

Mobile usage has overtaken desktop browsing, so a responsive design is no longer optional. Your website should look great and function flawlessly on screens of all sizes. Responsive sites keep users engaged and reduce bounce rates, which helps your SEO too. It’s one of the smartest ways to increase reach and conversion.

• Use a mobile-first design approach to prioritise small-screen usability from the start.
• Test your site across multiple devices and screen sizes regularly to catch layout issues.
• Avoid fixed-width elements that break responsiveness and frustrate users on mobile.
• Ensure all clickable elements (menus, buttons, forms) are easily tappable with fingers.

Make It Stylish

Your website’s design sets the tone for how people perceive your brand. A stylish, cohesive look builds trust, keeps visitors around longer, and can even boost conversions. But stylish doesn’t mean flashy—clarity and consistency are more important than decoration. Make design choices that support, not distract from, your content.

• Choose a well-balanced colour palette that reflects your brand personality and appeals to your audience.
• Stick to 2–3 main fonts and consistent text styling to keep things tidy and professional.
• Use high-quality images and icons to enhance your content without overwhelming it.
• Create visual hierarchy using contrast, whitespace, and size to guide user attention.

Make It Legible

No matter how informative your content is, it won’t make an impact if it’s difficult to read. Poor font choices, small sizes, and cramped spacing can frustrate users and make them leave. Clear, legible typography ensures your message is delivered effectively. It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful UX improvements you can make.

• Use a font size of at least 16px for body text to ensure readability across all devices.
• Choose web-safe fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Georgia for fast rendering and reliability.
• Maintain generous line spacing (around 1.5) to avoid a cramped appearance.
• Limit paragraph length to 2–4 lines to keep reading light and accessible.

Make It Easy on the Eyes

A cluttered or overly busy site can overwhelm users and discourage interaction. Simplicity, space, and smart layout choices all play a role in making your site visually comfortable. Design with the user’s eyes in mind—not just your brand’s ego. The goal is to guide attention, not scatter it.

• Use plenty of white space around content blocks, headings, and images.
• Stick to a clean, consistent layout that feels familiar and intuitive.
• Avoid flashing elements or auto-play media that disrupt the browsing experience.
• Keep colour contrasts high (e.g., dark text on light backgrounds) to support readability.

Make It Easy to Navigate

Your visitors shouldn’t have to think twice about where to click next. Good navigation keeps them on your site longer, reduces frustration, and helps search engines understand your site structure. Intuitive menus and logical paths lead to better engagement and more conversions. It’s one of the most vital usability factors you can optimise.

• Limit your main menu to 5–7 top-level items to avoid overwhelming choices.
• Include clear labels like “Services” or “Pricing” instead of clever but vague alternatives.
• Use breadcrumbs on deeper pages to help users find their way back easily.
• Ensure all navigation elements are easy to find and use on both desktop and mobile.

Make It Clear

Clarity builds confidence. When someone visits your site for the first time, they should immediately understand who you are, what you offer, and how to take the next step. Vague messaging or cluttered layouts confuse users and turn them away. Clear websites convert better—every time.

• Put your value proposition front and centre on your homepage and landing pages.
• Use concise, jargon-free language that your audience will easily understand.
• Guide visitors with bold CTAs that clearly state what will happen when clicked.
• Avoid overloading the homepage—stick to one main goal and keep it focused.

Make It Focused

Trying to appeal to everyone often means connecting with no one. A focused website speaks directly to your ideal audience and delivers exactly what they’re looking for. Whether it’s your service offering or your blog topics, specificity builds authority and trust. Focus strengthens both UX and SEO.

• Define your target audience clearly and tailor your messaging to their needs and problems.
• Avoid covering unrelated topics just to chase trends or traffic.
• Group content into clear categories to keep your site structured and easy to navigate.
• Create individual landing pages for different services or customer types.

Make It Valuable

Value is what brings people back. Whether it’s useful content, free tools, or clear advice, your website should be packed with things that help your audience. This doesn’t just improve loyalty—it boosts your SEO too, as Google prioritises helpful, high-quality sites. Give generously, and your site will grow.

• Create in-depth blog posts, guides, or FAQs that solve real problems for your audience.
• Offer free downloads, calculators, or resources that users can benefit from right away.
• Regularly update your content to keep it accurate, relevant, and fresh.
• Write with your user in mind—prioritise clarity, utility, and experience over self-promotion.

Final Thoughts

Making your website a place that both visitors and Google love doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. It’s about mastering the basics—often the overlooked ones—that have a direct impact on how your site performs and how it feels to use.

Focus on speed, clarity, usability, and value, and you’ll build a website that works harder for your business every single day.