For people that use the internet frequently it is easy to identify valuable websites from the rest. When you see a website for the first time you make an instant judgement on its quality and relevance. This first impression is then carried over to other parts of the website, like content and professionalism.
When you break it down, web design is simply the manipulation of content and images on a website to appeal to the perceptions of a target audience. The psychology community has conducted studies since the early days of the internet. Take a look at the Barack Obama website – for me, the attraction was instant! And I can’t see that website looking as good if it were in any other colour.
All humans have a psychological need to feel secure, and on the internet that need is multiplied considerably. Taking this into account, websites must incite a feeling of security within a visitor before they will take any action on your website. There are many ways to accomplish this – disclaimers, privacy policies, brand-name security logos, etc – but the best way is to simply be upfront about all aspects of your website, product or business.
Pay attention in the first few seconds of visiting a new website and take note of why you like it and what they have done that is effective. After a while you will begin to pick up smaller details which is really what online marketing and web design is all about.
