Top 5 Website Trends in 2023
By Andy Tretow - eGuide Content Marketing Manager
At the beginning of every year, trend forecasters for thousands of industries around the world give their insight to retailers and consumers about what is going to be the “next big thing”. The world of website design is no different. In the last few years, research and analytics of consumer expectations have given us a good look at what we will be seeing from website layout and functionality for this year and the foreseeable future. Here are the Top 5 Website Trends you can expect to see become the norm this year:
1. Be the hare, not the tortoise.
In a world where everything is available to us in the blink of an eye, we have some pretty high expectations regarding loading times on websites. A recent study said that over half of internet browsers expect a website to load in no more than two seconds after clicking a link. (Oh, how far we have come from the days of dial up.) If it takes any longer than that, visitors will abandon your site and likely won’t be back. That is a small warning to online retailers, as this may be a reason you are losing sales. It is always a good idea to do some routine checks of how your website is performing.
2. The Early 2000s are Back(street Boys)
It is no secret that nostalgia is a very powerful feeling for many, but it is especially powerful for millennials. It takes us back to a simpler time and creates a feeling of attachment. Little by little, those same feelings are now finding their way to websites. With the simple use of colors, designs, or minor functionality traits, your website can gain brand loyalty. Consumers be left with a lasting positive impression, and they are more likely to return and recommend you to others.
3. 3D Illustrations
A vast majority of websites have flat, one-dimensional designs that often go unnoticed. That is, until this latest trend started to turn everything on its head: 3D-designed layouts. Brands can immerse their consumers into a design by adding animations and a multi-layered full-page layout. These measures not only feel cutting edge, but they also keep traffic on your website longer, which can lead to more sales or inquiries.
4. Supplemental Video
If you have been on social media lately, then you probably have noticed a serious shift to video lead content. It doesn't matter if it is Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms such as YouTube, short-form videos have taken a firm grasp on how we consume information. As a website owner, you can jump onto that trend as well. With video recording at our fingertips, video content can be a cheap and effective way to get your clientele to understand better what your brand or product is all about. By adopting video into your website, you can bring your brand or products to life like you never have before.
5. “Thumb-Friendly” Browsing
In my last blog, I mentioned that not being mobile-friendly is a sign you might need a website refresh. This year will be no different, as the trend of “thumb-friendly” scrolling should continue to become more mainstream. We will continue to see websites move towards customizing their mobile sites to adapt to the way we hold our phones, with our thumbs doing most of the work. Buttons in mobile menus will continue to make their way to the center or right of the screens to make for an even easier user experience. This design will no longer be the exception but will continue to move towards becoming the rule.
Conclusion
It has become obvious over the last few years that websites can no longer be just a landing page. More and more customers are seeing them as window into the way you run your business and present your brand. These trends will allow you to keep your current clientele happy while also breaking out with a new demographic or interest group. If you are looking for a “new” nostalgic look, want to kick your website into high(speed) gear, or even capture the power of video, contact us, and we would love to talk to you about how we can help out.
Help Someone. Have Fun, Be You. Learn & Teach. Finish What You Start.
