Whether one has a business, a blog, or even an e-commerce store, having a webpage is paramount. Visitors should find it easy to use the site to experience the content provided. When the website is optimised for users, it’s possible to locate the needed information more quickly, and users tend to spend more time on the site and return to it in the future.
In this article, we will examine the essential features of an easy-to-use website. These features relate to the site’s usability and attractiveness, even for people without technical expertise.
1. Mobile Responsiveness
Perhaps the greatest attribute of a user-centered website is mobile responsiveness. With an increasing number of people accessing the internet from their mobile phones, the website must be optimised for mobile purposes. Mobile responsive design entails a website that will modify its structure and orientation depending on the size of the gadget, be it a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC.
A responsive design ensures your website is easy to read and navigate, regardless of the device. This improves user experience and helps keep visitors on your site longer, as they won’t have to struggle with zooming in or scrolling sideways to view your content.
2. Simple and Intuitive Navigation
Navigation is the backbone of a well-designed website. If visitors spend time searching for what they want, they most likely will not stay. A rationally organised navigation system allows users to move around the website as effortlessly as possible. As a result, users should be able to find the needed pages or information without much effort.
The best websites have an easy-to-read menu, usually positioned at the top or side of the page. Try grouping similar information to help with this, and do not bombard users with so many choices that they are left confused. Also, an effective way to enable site visitors to access certain information within such content is to provide a search box.
3. Fast Loading Times
No one enjoys waiting for a website to open. Studies show that if a website takes longer than a few seconds to load, users will likely leave and not return. Fast loading times are crucial for offering a good user experience, keeping visitors, and even benefiting the site in rankings on search engines like Google.
To ensure your website loads quickly, optimise images, reduce the number of large files, and use a reliable hosting provider. Also, regularly test your website’s speed to identify and fix any potential issues slowing it down.
4. Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
A Call-to-Action (CTA) is an invitation that motivates users to perform a specific action, such as subscribing to a newsletter, buying a product, or requesting more details. CTAs are very important in redirecting visitors to the objectives that you want them to achieve on your site.
For a website to be user-friendly, the CTAs should be easy to find and clearly worded. Use action-oriented language like “Buy Now,” “Subscribe Today,” or “Learn More.” Make sure CTAs stand out visually, using contrasting colours and strategically placing them where visitors can easily see them without having to scroll too much.
5. Readable and Engaging Content
It is advisable to keep the content on your site simple. Please do not write in long paragraphs and use unnecessary terminology that will likely confuse the users instead of helping them. Consider subdividing your article into smaller portions under different subtopics, bulleted or numbered lists, or diagrams for better comprehension.
Moreover, check that the font size used in the article is appropriate for readers on desktop and mobile screens. A size of 16px and above for body text is on the safer side. Make sure your language is plain and to the point, and use other materials such as pictures, videos, or infographics to add interest and variety to your content.
6. Accessible Design for All Users
An easy-to-use site is available to all, including those with disabilities. As such, web accessibility addresses more than just the design of the web page but also the purpose behind the design, especially when it comes to visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disorders. This helps to enhance the overall satisfaction of users utilising the site while at the same time making it available to more users.
It includes factors such as using alternative text (also called alt data) for images, placing and designing buttons and links so that even a finger can touch them, and allowing navigation of the website through a keyboard, among other things. It is also necessary to employ colours with a good contrast ratio and larger and clearer fonts to enable users with poor eyesight to read the text easily.
7. Consistent Design and Branding
Maintaining a uniform design engages users and enhances the overall image of one’s brand. This involves implementing similar fonts, colours, and styles on all site pages. A consistent site arrangement makes it easier for users to arrange essential items, such as navigation menus or contact details; thus, they know this holds CTAs.
Viewers appreciate a site with a cohesive design. However, making a website is not only about appearance; it also considers building the trust of its viewers. Concentrating colours and designs on a single page or using similar contrasts for every other page of the site is very likely to make it difficult for users to navigate and carry out their activities, which damages the brand’s image.
8. Contact Information and Support
A business-oriented website cannot do without easily accessible contact information, which should be part of the overall design. A visitor should be able to find, for example, your phone number, email, or contact form with minimal effort. Most sites also provide a separate ‘Contact Us’ page, accumulating all possible traffic routes for users to reach the site owners.
Apart from providing basic contact information, you can also enhance your service by adding live chat or immediate customer support options for users who cannot wait. Publishing contact details makes visitors feel safe while browsing your site and facilitates correspondence with you whenever they have an inquiry or a problem.
9. User-Friendly Forms
Web forms are an essential feature of most websites, whether for subscribing to a mailing list, buying a product, or asking questions. Nevertheless, if your forms are excessive in length or complexity, users will probably abandon them before they complete the process.
It is advisable to restrict their use to the minimum possible to enhance the usability of forms. Request only what is strictly needed, and where there are lengthy forms, break the form into steps instead. Ensure each field is appropriately marked, and consider putting attention-grabbing messages to avoid cases where required fields are left unattended. An appropriately crafted and operational form increases conversions and improves the user experience.
10. Social Media Integration
Social media is an effective communication medium that enables one to reach the target audience. Moreover, the addition of social media buttons or feeds on the website increases the level of user engagement. People who appreciate your work can easily repost it on their social media channels, thus enabling you to reach a more diverse audience.
Enable social sharing buttons on blog posts, product pages, or other strategic locations on your site. This will motivate the audience to share your content while providing an activity element on your site.
11. Security Features
Website security is essential to providing a user-friendly experience, especially for e-commerce sites that handle sensitive information like credit card details. If users feel your website isn’t secure, they may hesitate to purchase or share personal information.
To build trust, ensure your website has security measures, such as SSL certificates, which create an encrypted connection between your website and the user’s browser. Displaying trust signals like security badges or customer reviews can also help reassure visitors that their data is safe on your site.
12. Search Functionality
The search bar is often considered a built-in component of a website, but its presence is imperative, especially for content-driven websites. Quite often, visitors can be discouraged from finding what they seek by scrolling through each page or section. This means the site will incorporate a search option that will aid users in finding information or products quickly.
Please ensure the search bar is easy to find, usually at the top of the page, and delivers relevant results. A good search function enhances usability, saves time, and keeps visitors on your site longer by helping them find exactly what they need.
Conclusion
A user-friendly website format does not need to be highly complex or technical. The key is to keep the interface very simple, where everything is within reach, and the visitor doesn’t have to search for what they need.
