What makes a great website?

On occasion I’ll get the question, “What Makes a Great Website?” and that question can only be answered with more questions. There is no one size fits all checklist for something that should be customized for you, or your viewers, exact needs. If you’re looking for something to compare it to, websites are similar to houses and cars. There might be an incredible downtown studio apartment, but you won’t be moving a family of six into it, and you probably won’t find a couple with a bus as their daily driver. Everybody has their own version of what makes something great. So what would make a great website for you?

What do you do?

Another question that goes with this is, What do you want to be found for? Designing a great website is highly dependent on what you are trying to provide or sell. If you’re looking to offer information, maybe just a schedule of upcoming events, then your website probably doesn’t need contact forms and easy payment methods. In fact, those elements would probably make your website less than stellar.

What do you want people to do?

Do you want your audience to read your blog? Then make the blog easily accessible or even put a snippet of your posts on the main page. If you want them to buy your product, it would be a good idea to offer product information and make the purchasing process as easy as possible. When designing a great website you always have to keep the end user in mind, and you can’t forget what your ultimate goal is as well.

What about the lists of what makes a website great?

I’ve read plenty of these lists. Recommendations on colors and sizes of logos are something to consider, but they won’t make your site great. Create a site your targeted audience wants to use and that has some common sense behind it. Greatness will come to those that make it easy!

There is no simple answer other than a question for when someone asks, “What makes a great website?” If you want feedback on your website, feel free to contact us. We aren’t afraid to share our feedback, and we are always here to help!