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Incorporate Trust Signals

Author: Eleanor Hecks

What Does It Mean to Incorporate Trust Signals Into Your Site Design?

Your website visitors have no inherent reason to trust what you say. You must show them you are an expert in your field and offer highly accurate information that answers their question or solves their problem. Once you establish your authority on the topic and show transparent information, they’ll begin to rely on you as a source. 

Google also looks to trust signals like these when ranking your site in search engine results pages.

On-Topic Information

Google prefers pages that match user intent. Its rankings correlate with the depth of the appropriate topic and how well the article matches the intention behind the keywords. 

For example, someone who searches for “best restaurants near me” probably expects to find reviews and menus. If you write an article about a history of local eateries or dining trends without providing specific recommendations, the topic likely doesn’t match what the user wanted. 

Google Security Badges and Memberships

People shopping on e-commerce sites want to know their information will remain secure. Trust seals are a way to demonstrate your commitment to keeping customer details private. Badges from companies such as SSL, payment logos and business practice seals can ramp up the trust factor on your page. 

Remember to include your Better Business Bureau badge with rating, ScanVerify and TrustLock if you have them. You should also add third-party badges from trusted industry organizations you belong to.

Sustainability Information

People care about taking care of the planet for future generations. Adding details about what your company does to be more environmentally friendly can attract users who are also eco-conscious. Around 62% of C-suite leaders believe having a sustainability strategy keeps them competitive. 

Look for badges from sustainability partners you use in business processes and logistics to show your commitment to being greener.

Testimonials 

Adding testimonials to your site designs shows that you have satisfied customers who enjoyed their experience with your company enough to recommend you to others. One way to incorporate testimonials into your design is to add a scrolling bar in the footer featuring client statements about your product. You can also create a separate testimonials page.

When users see others are happy with your work, they’re more likely to take a chance on you. Even if they take company leaders’ statements with a grain of salt, a stranger’s comments may convince them.

Guarantees 

If you offer guarantees, add a badge or details about the offers to your website. Users are more likely to try your product if they know there’s a return policy that gives them their money back. Be specific about the terms of the guarantee, such as 100% money back within 30 days. List limitations in small print, so you don’t catch people off-guard with unexpected fees or other surprises.

About Page 

An about page is a glimpse of who you are and what your company’s philosophy is. Use your about page to share details of your history, values, goals and mission statement.

Around 63% of people who trust a brand are more likely to purchase from them. Your about page should include photos of leadership and a description of what each person brings to the table for customers. 

Make contact information like your phone number, email address and physical address prominent on every page — the footer is a standard location. People want to know they can talk to a real person if they have a problem. 

Client Logos 

Another thing you can do is add logos of well-known brands you’ve worked with. People are more likely to believe you know what you’re doing if they see companies they recognize. You’ve likely noticed this technique on other websites.

Typically, the logos appear under the testimonials or reviews section of your site. Before adding a company’s logo, double-check their brand standards. When in doubt, reach out directly to ensure you have permission to use their logo in this way. Adding a small trust signal isn’t worth damaging an ongoing relationship with a valued client.

User-Generated Content

Many millennial shoppers turn to user-generated content to make decisions about what to purchase. Around 80% of millennials in the United States said they find user-generated videos to be valuable when shopping for products. 

Interestingly, the same statistics show Gen Xers feel similar and come in a close second when considering UGC before buying. Allowing users to add content to your website can add to the trust factor. 

Invite them to upload images of your product, post comments to your blog or add unbiased reviews for a content-rich experience. Those additions will also keep your site fresh and could help boost organic traffic. 

What Are Some Other Trust Signals to Include on a Website?

Though badges, testimonials and other components are crucial, people also tend to trust a site more when it looks professional and functions properly. Pay attention to your design. Does it match industry standards?

You should also ensure:

  • The layout is intuitive and easy to navigate through image and typographic hierarchies.
  • Page load speeds are fast.
  • Links work and you quickly fix broken ones.
  • Each heading accurately explains what the page is about.
  • Your copy is concise, accurate and typo-free.
  • You use crisp, beautiful images that are relevant to the topic.

When your site follows good design standards, the look can serve as a trust signal to users. Add the elements people expect to see in a secure company that stands behind its products. Then, home in on the small details that separate you from your competition and give customers the nudge they need to buy from your brand. 

5 Proven Strategies to Effectively Market Your New Website

Author: Eleanor Hecks

You just finished the most beautiful site imaginable — it ticks off all the boxes for excellent user experience and engagement. You know you must drive traffic to it to maximize your efforts. However, you also must attract your target audience if you want your conversion rates to be impressive.

1. Create a Targeted Ad Campaign

Approximately 193,890,945 websites are active, with 252,000 new ones created daily — that’s about 10,500 new websites per hour. Figuring out how to stand out from all the noise of new digital data is challenging. To cut through, you could buy ads and drive traffic to your page by offering an incentive.

However, if people land on your site and immediately bounce away, you won’t gain any traction. Instead, create buyer personas for your intended users. Once you understand their biggest concerns and pain points, think of how to solve them.

Your ads should address the issue head-on and explain that you have the solution. Give people only enough information to get them to click through to your site. You want to drive traffic to your page, so entice them to go there for more.

When you advertise in newsletters, related websites, Google Ads and social media, you’ll reach a highly targeted audience. You can narrow your reach by age, location, gender and interests. The more you know about your typical customer, the easier it is to choose the right parameters.

2. Engage People on Social Media

Building relationships is a crucial part of increasing website traffic over time. More than 75% of consumers are loyal to brands they feel connected to. By creating a relationship with your target audience, you start an ongoing relationship you can cultivate.

How can you engage people on social media? Ask for user-generated content, which offers you free marketing material. Run a contest where they share a post or invite someone to like your page who might be interested in what you offer.

Respond to all comments and like replies. Look for ways to connect in groups without spamming the other participants. Many groups allow business pages to join, like and comment. Where can you add your expertise, help others and build your authority in your niche?

3. Partner With Other Businesses

Develop relationships with other businesses related to yours. One example might be a wedding planner working alongside a bakery and a dress shop to get the word out to potential clients. Ideally, you will send traffic to them and they back to you.

With this partnership, you can run cross-promotions. For instance, one theater in Indianapolis used to offer a discount on movie tickets for those who brought in a receipt from a pizza place. The pizza place also offered a discount to those who brought in movie stubs. The two would also occasionally run movie and dinner nights, offering a discount package to enjoy both. Since their clientele was similar, the cross-promotions worked perfectly.

4. Try Content Syndication

You spend a lot of time crafting expert content that drives results. Why not expand your reach even more by syndicating it and allowing other publications to share it? You can increase traffic dramatically if you select a topic your potential audience is interested in and wants to know more about when they finish the article.

You can also offer content on sites such as Taboola and niche markets in your industry. Pay attention to which platforms convert into leads and how many become buyers. Repeat your efforts with the most successful ones.

5. Offer Free Webinars

When your target audience realizes they need what you offer, they’re likely to turn to the internet for advice. Many are seeking expert advice that resonates with them. You can offer webinars on topics of interest to your users to drive them to your website and show them you can solve whatever issue they’re facing.

For example, if a heating and air conditioning company wants to attract new customers, they might narrow the topic to their community. What issue are people currently facing? Perhaps they worry their air conditioning will go out before they can replace the unit. You can take their concern and turn it into a workshop on how regular maintenance can extend the life of their heating and cooling systems. 

Tell Everyone About Your New Website

Tell everyone you meet and ask them to share the info to get the word out about your new website. Carry cards with your website address and leave them in places where your buyers spend time. If you sell real estate, scatter a few cards in the local laundry mat and doctors’ offices. If you offer web development, send flyers to local business owners.

The more personal your message, the better users will receive it. With a bit of determination and continued marketing, your website traffic will grow rapidly, and you’ll find success.

4 Unique Ways to Showcase Reviews and Testimonials on Your Website

Author: Eleanor Hecks

Potential customers who find your business online may have dozens of competing companies to consider. Plus, working with a business for the first time brings uncertainties. However, learning from other customers’ perspectives can give people the confidence to choose a specific company over others. The ability to see themselves in others’ experiences may inspire someone to work with you. 

Testimonials and reviews can persuade people to choose your products and services. Collecting feedback to display publicly is an excellent start, but you should also think of creative ways to show the content and catch people’s interest. 

The following are four creative ways to showcase customer reviews on your site, as well as some examples of businesses whose sites exemplify these strategies.

1. Display the Content in Multiple Formats

Some people prefer seeing testimonials and reviews in text format to quickly scroll through the material. However, embedding videos is another option. Hearing someone’s firsthand story about their experience while noticing changes in their emotions and tone of voice goes a long way toward convincing others they are making a wise choice by doing business with this company. 

If you have a service-based business, sharing customer perspectives in a video format also allows you to show the extent of change, such as by including before-and-after footage. 

Example: Water damage restoration company Rainbow Restoration takes a video testimonial approach alongside written comments. The video includes the customer sitting inside the building where work recently occurred, and it takes the viewer through the person’s response to several questions about the service they received. 

2. Show Satisfied Customers From Numerous Platforms

Another impactful possibility is to use your reviews and testimonials section to show that people from multiple websites have taken the time to review the business. That adds more credibility to the content and indicates customers were so satisfied with the overall experience that they wanted to share their feedback across widely used sites. 

Example: The arrangement used by About Ireland Taxi Tours features star ratings and a single phrase reflecting customers’ sentiments. However, it also shows the platform they used and their profile name there. Many customers leave highly personal comments, including the names of the drivers who assisted them and their respective positive characteristics. The specificity shows the staff made a lasting impression that shaped travelers’ vacation time. 

3. Pull the Reviews Directly From Google

You can save time by using a tool that automatically populates your website with the latest customer reviews rather than requiring you to manually gather the material. Besides keeping the information fresh and current, this strategy benefits from Google’s global name recognition. 

Google for Small Business research also shows these reviews are especially valuable for encouraging purchases. It indicates positive reviews cause two out of three people to buy from companies. 

Example: The website of office solutions company Doceo pulls reviews onto the homepage directly from Google, and it also integrates a Google review button directly into the feedback carousel. Other customers can provide their thoughts with a few clicks, keeping the feedback area continually populated.

4. Highlight a Pattern of Repeat Business

Getting your first sale from a new customer is an excellent achievement, and your next goal is to earn their loyalty. By showing that other similar customers are coming back to your business again and again, you can encourage others to do the same. This method demonstrates customer satisfaction through ongoing business relationships. 

Example: India-based design company Everything Design emphasizes customers’ trust with a header on its reviews page that declares “8 out of 10 clients who worked with us, go on to do multiple projects with us.” 

Scrolling down on the page lets visitors access a video library of customers explaining how this business helped them. However, if people don’t have the time to watch a video, the header design is a thoughtful alternative. Though the header text indicates most clients become repeat customers, the breakdown below shows the client name and number of completed projects, adding further authenticity to the claims. 

Get Inspired to Grab Attention With Customer Input

Customer opinions are arguably among the most valuable parts of your website because they give people genuine perspectives. Potential customers appreciate hearing about others’ experiences because those details can convince them to contact your business and learn more about what you do. 

Regardless of your business type or how long it has operated, these real-world examples can spark your creativity when deciding how to display reviews and testimonials that will catch your website visitors’ attention.

The 5 Best Website Color Combinations for 2025 With Examples

Author: Eleanor Hecks

Website color combinations can impact a user’s first impressions of your brand. The subtle differences in shades can set the mood for your site and even move site visitors through the sales funnel. 

The hues you choose should tie into the overall brand image, creating more recognition amongst the target audience. You should also consider elements like incorporating enough contrast to make the site accessible to those with visual impairments. At the same time, you want the aesthetics to be pleasing. 

We’ve pre-selected a few combinations for you to get you started. Under each color combination, you’ll find an example and the hex codes to use to repeat the look. While you should never outright copy another designer, you can start within these parameters and tweak them to your liking. 

1.  Green, Yellow, Red and Orange

Pops of bright colors draw users in and make them want to check out your website. Yellow and red set an upbeat tone, and green is tied to nature. By adding vivid colors to the design, you show you’re up on modern trends and ready to embrace the excitement of your industry.

Example: Westmoreland Pharmacy utilizes bright pops of color for their green, yellow, red and orange color palette. Instead of overwhelming the user with too many bold shades, they use a dark background and pops of color to set the tone. A red element moves the user down the page to read more about the company. The bright colors generate excitement for audiences.

These hues work best for companies trying to grow a personal relationship with a younger audience. Neutrals can help balance them to show a more serious tone. 

Hex Codes:

  • Black: #000000
  • Yellow: #ffbe01
  • Red: #cf2e2e
  • Orange: #ff6900
  • Green: #00d084

2. Charcoal and Purple

Gray and purple is an interesting color combination for 2025. Gray is often seen as somber and serious, but it can convey strength. A bright purple may be seen as youthful, energetic and creative. The combination of charcoal and vivid purple meshes the best of both moods, showing companies can be serious about their industry while still having fun and innovating. 

Example: Diversified Industries embraces gray and purple design for a serious-minded look that is crisp and precise, just like the headline. The company shows its strength with the darker hues and its ability to innovate with the pop of electric purple. The combination works well for manufacturing companies, education and banks. 

Hex Codes:

  • Charcoal: #1d232c
  • Gray: #e5e6e7
  • Electric Purple: #8047e5

3. Black and Gold

Black and gold brings up thoughts of royalty and elegance. Gold can be seen as a luxurious color. It’s a classic choice that lends itself to building trust with customers. You can also combine black and gold with numerous light background options, such as soft pink, pastel yellow or lighter blues and greens.

Example: Mia Belle Baby uses a classic black and gold color scheme with white thrown in as a neutral blank slate. They rely on their product images for pops of color that create warmth and make users think about the memories they could build in various outfits. Some types of businesses that would benefit from a black and gold theme include event planners, custom designs and fashion. 

Hex Codes:

  • Black: #272727
  • Gold: #604800
  • Off White: #ebebeb

4. Lime-Yellow, Black and Red 

The combination of spice-related colors makes the user think of hot sauce, making the color combination perfect for restaurants serving spicier foods, such as Mexican or Indian dishes. To balance the bright pops of red and yellow, the designer wove in some neutrals with black and white to soften the overall look without distracting from the design’s excitement. 

Example: Koffiracha taps into the boldness of their flavors by using spicy colors that people relate to hot things. The yellow is almost a lime green. Since the flavor lime is often used in spicy dishes, the user automatically thinks of hot sauce. The burst of red from the bottle of sauce laid on top of the typography adds another element of heat to the overall design. 

Hex Codes:

  • Red: #bd2426
  • Black: #272727
  • Lime-Yellow: #bada7a
  • White: #FFFFFF

5. Purple and Gold

Purple and gold give a traditional feel that some people equate with royalty. It works well for businesses such as unique hotels, event venues and wedding planners. When it comes to purple and gold, there’s an entire range of hues from which to choose. A softer purple comes across as more feminine and a deep purple as bold. You can even go with colors such as eggplant for a back-to-nature look. 

Example: Clontarf Castle Hotel offers an elegant look on its site by using a deep purple with a gold logo and headlines. The addition of white space for the text pulls the user in and keeps the purple from overwhelming the design. Note the accents in purple and gold on videos, the navigation bar and calls to action to tie everything together. 

Hex Codes:

  • Lilac: #e5def0
  • Royal Purple: #723080
  • Gold: #d3a96b
  • Eggplant: #502159

Popular Color Combinations in 2025

Numerous design and fashion experts point to popular colors for 2025 as being muted pink, green, yellow and other earthy tones. However, the best color combinations are the ones that work for your audience. If your users prefer something outside what is trendy, sticking with a more classic option may help them trust your judgement. Select what showcases your brand personality and makes you more recognizable throughout 2025 and beyond. 

Breaking Down the Average Costs of Each Stage in a Web Project

Author: Eleanor Hecks

Understanding web design and development costs upfront is crucial to staying on budget and avoiding surprises. Whether you’re a small business owner or freelancer, knowing what to expect helps you allocate your funds wisely and make informed decisions about your needed features.

When you’re clear on costs, you can prioritize the elements that deliver the most value — like responsive design or optimized user experience — without overspending on unnecessary extras. This clarity saves you money, ensures your website aligns with your goals and supports your business’s growth.

Discovery and Planning

In the discovery phase, you define your goals, target audience and overall project scope. During this stage, you’ll engage in consultations and competitor analysis and create a detailed project brief to guide the process.

With costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, keeping a close eye on your budget is essential to overspending. Investing in this phase ensures your website is strategically aligned with your business needs and built to engage your audience effectively. Starting strong here saves you time, money and headaches later.

Design Phase

During this stage, you’ll develop the site’s visual concept, starting with wireframes and mockups to map out the layout. Consulting on website design typically costs between $250 and $1,000 for basic projects, primarily if you use minimal customization with pre-made templates.

This phase involves heavily collaborating with peers, crafting designs using UX/UI software and gathering client feedback to fine-tune the look and feel. Prioritizing a clear, user-friendly layout and open communication ensures the final product aligns with your vision and delivers a seamless experience for your audience.

Development Phase

Building a website is where all the coding, database integration and functionality come to life. You’ll need to tackle front-end development — what users see and interact with — and back-end development, which handles everything behind the scenes, like databases and server operations.

Back-end development can range widely from $4,000 to $12,500 depending on your needs. So, working closely with your developer to ensure your project remains on budget is essential. Most people — 65%, according to one study — don’t adequately track their spending, which can lead to accruing unforeseen expenses, particularly during this phase in which the cost of service varies so greatly. Instead, conduct thorough research and work with your developer to decide what you want from this phase of your project.

Custom development gives you tailored solutions at a higher price, while template-based options are more budget-friendly but less flexible. Understanding your priorities and watching costs can build a functional and user-friendly site without breaking the bank.

Testing and Quality Assurance

The final step involves testing and refining your website to ensure it’s bug-free, responsive and user-friendly. Usability testing is crucial here, and for $12,000 to $18,000, you can perform a full usability study, including research design, interview sessions and a comprehensive written report.

This investment ensures your site delivers a seamless experience for your audience. You’ll also need to test browser compatibility and responsiveness across different devices. Tackling these critical elements helps you launch a polished, professional website that looks great and works flawlessly for every visitor.

Deployment and Launch

The final phase involves critical activities like domain registration, setting up web hosting and migrating your site to its live environment. Small business owners typically spend between $5 and $150 monthly on web hosting, depending on the provider and hosting plan.

This stage often requires coordination with your hosting provider to ensure a smooth transition but be prepared for potential hiccups, like DNS delays or unexpected errors during launch. Double-checking all configurations and addressing issues quickly ensures your site goes live seamlessly and is ready to serve your audience.

Post-Launch and Maintenance

Once your website is live, the work doesn’t stop — ongoing maintenance is crucial to keep it secure and functional. You’ll need to handle updates, security patches, backups and SEO tweaks to ensure everything runs smoothly and ranks well on search engines.

Skipping maintenance can lead to costly problems, like downtime, security breaches or expensive repairs later. Depending on your website’s type and needs, maintenance costs can range from $5 to over $5,000 a month. Staying proactive saves you headaches, protects your investment and ensures your site continues to deliver value to your audience.

Quality Investments and Expert Guidance Matter

Investing in quality at every stage of your website project ensures better results and saves you money by avoiding costly fixes later. To maximize your budget, consult a professional for an accurate cost estimate tailored to your needs and goals.

5 Elements of Industry-Specific Logo Design, With Examples

Author: Eleanor Hecks

A brand’s logo sets the tone for its public image. How well customers remember it can depend on how well the emblem fits the sector and sends a clear message about what the business has to offer. Industry-specific logo design includes elements that stand out from more generic creations.

One key way to learn about tapping into the power of targeted design is by studying logos from a few industries. Here is how to tap into specific categories while still showcasing what makes a particular company unique, along with some examples of small businesses doing it right.

1. Choose the Right Color Palette

Selecting colors that send a message to users can elevate your logo design to the next level. Start with a bit of color psychology. Most people love the color blue and respond well to it. You’ve likely noticed a lot of financial institutions use blue in their color palettes. People tend to see the hue as trustworthy and reliable.

If the company has a youthful personality, bold colors such as electric blue or fuschia can set the tone for the brand image. Consider what shades are most likely associated with the industry and select those.

The orchard school logo

The Orchard School’s logo uses a tree to signify growth and ambition. The color green reflects the same values. Also, note how the bold word in the middle draws your eye and points you toward the tree stretching up to the sky.

2. Ramp up Your Typography

Typography has a major influence on your design. A sans serif font can signify a trendy company, while a serif font is more traditional and could be better suited for a church or a wedding planning business.

Consider the tone of the typeface when selecting the right one for your logo design. The personality of the font must match the brand’s attitudes and reputation.

Gods and Monsters logo

Gods & Monsters is a toys and collectibles store in Orlando, Florida. Its logo typography uses a mix of a script, decorative font and serif ampersand to set the tone. The ligatures on the word “Gods” create the feeling of motion in the logo. You can almost imagine a monster on the move. On the other hand, the font used for the word “Monsters” is reminiscent of late-night horror movies and B-movie reels.

The serif ampersand flows nicely with the two more complex fonts, tying them together without drawing attention to itself.

3. Evoke Emotion

innovative family medicine logo

Innovative Family Medicine uses a symbol of a family with a baby in the parents’ arms. It tweaked the design to make it more abstract, but it still gives the overall feel of a couple holding their new child. Medical office themes can sometimes all look alike, but this one stands out with the abstract graphic that manages to evoke the emotions that an image of a new parent smiling down at their child can elicit.

4. Find the Right Symbols

Choosing the right icons for your logo can showcase exactly what a business does. Nearly every industry has at least a few images associated with it. For example, if you see a steaming cup of coffee, you think of a coffee shop. A graduation cap can indicate education. Consider what symbols people most frequently associate with the business.

portal warehousing logo

Portal Warehousing is one such company whose logo is reminiscent of the product or service being offered. The boxy design not only looks vaguely like a portal and makes up the letter P, but the logo is also made up of boxes — the perfect fit for a company who specializes in renting out warehouse space.

5. Add a Unique Twist

Although there are some specific elements tied to each industry, don’t be afraid to color outside the lines. One way to help your client stand out from the competition is with strong designs that pull in current trends while still giving a nod to tradition.

Sunrise Publishing stands out from other book publishers that might use more stoic-looking color palettes and icons. One thing that stands out about this logo is how trendy the sunshine bursting from the pages is. The rays are varied, giving it a fireworks appearance that is more powerful than it otherwise would be.

sunrise publishing logo

The teal color palette is bright and grabs user attention from the first minute they land on the website. Placing the wordmark next to the icon hits the traditional notes of a publisher logo. However, the symbol is a bit larger than expected, tapping into current design trends and showcasing a modern design.

Make Your Logos Stand Out

Staying within certain design parameters ensures your logo meets the needs and expectations of your target audience. However, knowing the rules means you can sometimes break them. Who knows, you just might come up with the next logo everyone’s talking about and that customers will remember for years to come.

5 Best Practices for Crafting User-Friendly Login Screens

Author: Eleanor Hecks

Login screens may be the most underappreciated part of a website, but they are vital in making life easier for your users. Clunky interfaces and unnecessary fields create a dissatisfying experience.

A seamless experience removes those headaches, making the process feel effortless. Follow the best practices most designers implement to craft a user-friendly sign-in.

What a User-Friendly Login Means

A user-friendly login page gives users the first impression of your platform. It sets the tone for your brand and can make or break their decision to stay. When done right, a login screen is intuitive, secure and quick to navigate, ensuring people can access what they need without unnecessary hassle.

However, many login screens fall short of meeting these expectations. A survey revealed that 54% of consumers worldwide have left an account or digital service due to login frustrations. So, what does it take to craft a login screen users enjoy? It means removing barriers, anticipating needs and providing guidance throughout. With a user-friendly login, you can make the process easy.

Tips for Creating Well-Designed Login Screens

Designing a user-friendly login requires balancing simplicity, functionality and security to create a seamless experience. The following best practices provide the steps to build login screens that fulfill these requirements.

1. Highlight Password Requirements

A typical frustration users face during sign-in or account creation is guessing what qualifies as a “strong password.” Displaying password requirements from the start saves users time and reduces errors.

For password creation best practices, users should include at least 12 characters with a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. Display these requirements so people know what to expect when creating secure credentials.

2. Provide Social or Third-Party Login Options

Offering multiple ways to sign in streamlines the process by eliminating the need to create and remember yet another password. Many online services provide these convenient alternatives for a smooth, continuous UX.

It’s up to you what third-party login options you choose. However, Google accounts for more than 73% of social logins. Consider including this in addition to Facebook and Apple to enable users to access your app or website.

3. Use Intuitive Labels

When users encounter simple field names, the login experience offers a clean-cut direction. A sign-in should have straightforward labels. For instance, using “Email Address” or “Username” makes it immediately obvious what information they need to input.

Still, refrain from using labels as placeholder text. These often disappear when users begin typing and can create accessibility issues for those using assistive technology. Place labels outside the fields so people can log in without headaches.

4. Offer Password Recovery Options

Another way to simplify your login screen is to provide a “Forgot Password” link, enabling users to quickly regain account access. This measure is vital for e-commerce platforms, as 55% of customers have forgotten their passwords while trying to make a purchase, often leading to cart abandonment and lost sales.

Unfortunately, 43% of users report having to wait for long periods to resolve this matter. Create an efficient password recovery to maintain a positive perception of your business. For example, email or SMS verification can minimize wait times and streamline the user experience. A simple, secure recovery option retains customers, especially during critical moments like making a purchase.

5. Minimize Required Fields

Less is more for login screens. Having fewer fields can reduce friction, leading to lower abandonment rates. Focus on collecting only the essential information, such as an email address and password.

Limiting required fields simplifies the process while respecting users’ time and reducing frustration. If you need additional details, consider using progressive profiling to gather those afterward. Keeping things simple encourages users to complete their login without hesitation, leading to more satisfied customers.

Making Login Screens Users Love

A user-friendly login screen is a critical touchpoint that shapes people’s impressions of your website. Implement best practices to create a seamless and secure login that meets user expectations. Use the tips provided here to enhance the experience and retain more customers. As you refine the sign-in process, keep the user at the center of every decision to ensure they enjoy logging in.

What Does Career Advancement Look Like in a Web Design Role?

Author: Sean H.

As the digital world expands, almost every business has a website presence, skyrocketing the demand for skilled web designers. The design field is diverse and versatile, providing an exponential trajectory for anyone looking for career progression.

Whether you’re a freelancer or working full-time, web designers often follow a natural progression path guaranteed to create growth and new opportunities based on experience and expertise.

Internship Programs

As an undergraduate or new graduate, you may choose to undergo internship programs with reputable companies. These positions, which could last weeks to months, can help you gain valuable experience on the job and in the working environment. They can also contribute to building lasting connections that could be useful later in your career. In addition, you can create a more extensive portfolio using design materials.

In today’s corporate world, many companies also offer work-from-home internships. Most internship programs are paid, though not as high as a full-time job, but the benefits can greatly outweigh the pay. However, decide early how much work you’re willing to give for free or low pay. 

Fresh Grad Web Designer Roles

Entry-level positions are often part- or full-time paid jobs for new graduates. In your early career, you may be hired as a web designer, assistant web designer or junior designer, depending on the company. 

In an agency, entry-level positions could mean designing collateral for clients or the agency itself. You would be part of a creative team and might work on more minor web design aspects. Either way, you would likely have less creative control over the work, as the briefs and specifications would come from seniors. Your job would entail following the brief for your designs.

You can also find this role as a freelance position, provided you have the resources. However, keep in mind that freelancers usually do not have access to the healthcare and supplemental benefits that they would enjoy with a company — and, as more than three quarters of Americans participate in employer-sponsored healthcare, this benefit is a necessity for many workers. Further, nearly one quarter of companies prioritize internal hires when providing promotions and career advancement opportunities, making an in-house role more beneficial for those looking to climb the corporate ladder.

Mid-Level or Specialized Web Designer Roles

Once you have gained a few years of experience and are building your expertise in web designing, you may qualify for mid-level positions. Your job may include some creative control over tasks. You also may be required to lead and manage projects and guide entry-level designers through creative briefs. Naturally, mid-level positions are higher paying and are a step further on the path to senior positions.

At this point, some designers choose to specialize in various subfields within web design. Examples include user experience design, digital interface design and front-end development. Some branch out to gaming design and development. Designers who specialize solely in their niche of choice usually do not do mainstream web designing. 

Senior or Lead Web Designer Roles

Senior web designers are those with extensive experience and expertise in the role. You will be in charge of converting client input and comments into comprehensive briefs for mid- and entry-level designers to work on. 

You will also work closely with the team throughout the project’s life cycle and make changes to the brief if needed. Your team may comprise web, graphic and other specialized designers.

Chief Creative Officers

Some senior web designers choose to take the management path as directors or chief creative officers (CCOs). This higher management role would put you in charge of the company’s creative direction. You would design, implement and monitor the company’s creative vision and ensure all design staff adhere to the project specs. Many chief officers have the flexibility to work from anywhere. 

You would be the highest touchpoint for the organization’s design department to consult and report to. In some companies, CCOs also attend client meetings to provide input on design matters. 

Enjoy Solid Career Progression as a Web Designer

As a web designer, you have a straightforward career progression path laid in front of you. These positions pay well and provide valuable expertise to their team and clients. At the same time, the job also supports your preferences to deviate from the path and specialize in your chosen niche. 

How to Break Free From Design Ruts: 5 Creative Strategies for Web Designers

Author: Eleanor Hecks

Even the most innovative designers can hit a wall — churning out similar layouts, color schemes or typography until everything starts to feel repetitive. Falling into a design rut is more common than you might think. The good news? There are simple strategies to shake up your creativity and rekindle your unique design spark.

Here are five fresh, actionable strategies to break free from that design rut.

  1. Step Outside of the Screen

Sometimes, getting up and physically stepping away from the screen is all it takes! The problem with designing in one spot — at the same desk, with the same view — is that it locks your brain into the same visual framework. Try moving to a different setting — go for a walk, visit a museum or sit in a cafe for an hour.

Absorb your new surroundings. These small changes can help you reset, offering fresh visuals and perspectives that translate into new, more inventive design ideas. Plus, a little exercise and fresh air can help increase cognitive flexibility, which is key to creative thinking and problem-solving.

  1. Set Boundaries to Break Free

Constraints might sound counterintuitive when trying to break free from a rut, but they can be surprisingly liberating. Limit yourself to only two colors or one font style, or challenge yourself to design without using images for a project. These limitations force you to think differently and push your creativity beyond the “walls” you’ve built and been comfortable in.

You’ll be amazed at how the act of restriction can lead to fresh, uncharted design choices. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Sometimes, a small constraint is exactly the push you need to innovate.

  1. Play Some Tunes to Shake up Your Thought Process

Music has a fascinating way of rewiring the mind, especially when you’re stuck in a creative rut. Listening to music is shown to open up new pathways in the brain, broadening your scope of thinking. Music also encourages the brain to explore beyond its usual routine, which is perfect for breaking out of a narrow design thought process.

If you’re stuck on a particular design element or theme, try creating a playlist different from your usual background music. For instance, classical pieces can bring elegance to your work, while upbeat jazz or funky electronic music may just give you that much-needed energy and creativity boost. Switching up your soundtrack can loosen that creative block and inspire your mind to take new directions.

  1. Collaborate or Seek Feedback

It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’re too close to or familiar with a design. One simple way to overcome this? Bring in someone else’s perspective. You don’t necessarily have to co-design — even just a quick feedback session can work wonders!

Show your work to a fellow designer, a marketer, or a client and get their thoughts. You might be surprised by the insights an “outsider” can bring. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes is all you need to see possibilities you might have missed. Collaboration opens your mind and allows you to talk through your ideas out loud, which can help you realize what’s missing or what can be improved.

Without other people’s input, you may also just miss out on fantastic ideas that could elevate your design. Developing the habit of seeking and being open to feedback is essential, as it sharpens your skills and makes you a more adaptable and better-rounded designer.

  1. Play With Unfamiliar Tools and Techniques

Using new tools or experimenting with fresh design techniques is like adding a new color to your palette — it’s instantly refreshing and motivating.

Spend time on a platform you’ve never used before, like experimenting with 3D design software or using an artificial intelligence (AI) design assistant to mix things up. This will stretch your technical skills and open the door to new design approaches.

Don’t be afraid to explore these tools and see where they lead. Even if they don’t directly apply to your current project, they could offer inspiration or perspective for something down the line.

Break Out of the Box

A design rut can sometimes feel like an immovable block, but it’s often a sign that your creativity simply needs a jump-start. By trying these strategies, you can break free and find new sources of information in no time!

The next time you feel stuck, think of it as a chance to try something completely different. The best designers don’t avoid or dread creative ruts — they recognize these are simply part of the creative ride and master techniques for breaking out of them.

Privacy by Design: Integrating Secure Data Storage Practices Into the Web Design Life Cycle

Author: Eleanor Hecks

In an era where data breaches and privacy concerns dominate headlines, integrating secure storage and privacy practices into the web design process is necessary. Users are more aware than ever of how companies handle their information and expect greater transparency and control over their personal information. For a small business, this means adopting approaches that embed privacy at the core of website development.

Understanding Privacy by Design

Privacy by design (PbD) is an approach that embeds privacy into the core of web design. Instead of waiting for concerns to surface after a product launch, PbD integrates safety measures from the start.

The idea behind this strategy is simple — protect user information by:

  • Minimizing data collection.
  • Enhancing data security.
  • Providing transparency regarding data use.

When privacy is the foundation of a website, organizations build trust with their users and shield themselves from the potential consequences of breaching data regulations. Privacy by design may be crucial to keeping user information safe, but it also sets a precedent for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Noncompliance with these regulations can lead to severe financial penalties, and researchers found that GDPR violations primarily stem from failure to comply with general data processing principles. These problems have amounted to 2.4 billion euros in fines this year. Organizations that avoid prioritizing privacy risks face significant legal consequences.

Stage 1: Planning and Strategy

Privacy and security must be a top consideration from the beginning. It is crucial to identify what data is truly necessary to collect and prioritize in the planning and strategy phase. Businesses should also align their overall goals with privacy objectives, ensuring user consent is central to the data collection process. This means planning how to securely store and protect information, whether through encryption or other safeguards.

Additionally, compliance with data protection laws should be a key part of the strategy. Establishing a framework for meeting these requirements early on prevents costly legal repercussions down the line. The best way to go about this is to consult with legal experts about embedding privacy measures. They can ensure you meet regulatory obligations before development begins.

Stage 2: Design and Prototyping

It is important to be transparent about data collection in the design and prototyping phase. Your interfaces must clearly define what information you collect, why and how users can control their privacy settings. Prioritizing user consent ensures individuals can make informed decisions about their information.

As more professionals use tools and services like generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms in the design phase, it becomes increasingly essential to protect user privacy even this early on in a site’s lifecycle. Designers can protect user data by anonymizing data given in things like AI prompts, substituting real names with pseudonyms or generalizing sensitive details to remove personally identifiable information.

Stage 3: Development and Implementation

During this phase, privacy considerations must translate into actionable security measures. This stage focuses on integrating technical practices to safeguard user data throughout the website’s functionality. Secure coding practices are essential here, with adherence to industry standards such as Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) guidelines. These standards prevent common vulnerabilities by embedding security into the code.

Another critical piece is implementing strong authentication mechanisms. For instance, two-factor authentication secures logins and prevents hackers from gaining access to sensitive areas of your site.

Data storage is another key aspect of development. Small businesses should choose between on-premises or cloud-based solutions, considering the security features each offers. Regardless of the options, data encryption is non-negotiable. These protocols help you prevent unauthorized access or leaks.

Stage 4: Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing and quality assurance are key in verifying the privacy and security measures you put into place on a website. At this stage, thorough security testing is essential to discover susceptibilities before launch day. Techniques such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning can expose weak points in the system where data breaches could occur. Regular code reviews are also important to ensure your coding practices are consistent throughout development.

Stage 5: Launch and Post-Launch Monitoring

A website launch is just the beginning when maintaining privacy and data security. After going live, continuous monitoring is necessary to detect threats. This phase involves using monitoring tools and systems to track potential weaknesses or suspicious activities. They can provide live alerts and incident response protocols to ensure you address potential breaches in time.

Building Trust Through Privacy-First Web Design

Privacy by design ensures user data remains safe. As privacy concerns continue to grow, taking steps to protect personal information will ensure your business remains trustworthy and responsible. The ultimate goal is to create a digital experience where people feel confident in their privacy protection. Making it a core part of your web design process sets you up for a future where privacy and trust are key to lasting customer relationships.