Strategic Website Design Tips for Lasting Impact: Best in Class Insights from AUG Studios
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a well-crafted website is more than just a virtual shop front – it's a powerful tool for business growth, brand storytelling, and customer engagement.
In this Best in Class Insights article, Emily Clawson, Founder of AUG Studios, shares her strategic website design tips for lasting impact. Over to Emily…
I'm dedicated to helping visionary entrepreneurs and product-based businesses harness the full potential of their online presence and recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Charlotte from STUDIO.C to enhance several aspects of her website. This project merged the realms of strategy, art, and design, wrapping the studio's compelling narrative into an immersive brand experience that simply can’t be forgotten, which is exactly the type of lasting impact we’re here to create...
Working closely with Charlotte, I refreshed her existing Squarespace website, focusing on both desktop application and mobile optimisation. Our goal was to align the site with the elevated aesthetic of her business while improving overall content and user flow. We aimed to create a digital experience that captivates her audience, inviting them to return time and again.
We implemented intuitive layout features and interactive touch points that effectively showcase Charlotte's expertise. The result is a website that not only sparks conversation and engages her community but also stands the test of time and trends. This project reinforced the importance of creating a digital presence that's both visually appealing and strategically sound, which is why we wanted to share key insights that you can apply to enhance your business website, regardless of your budget or technical expertise.
MERGE STRATEGY & DESIGN
At AUG Studios, we believe in creating unique brand experiences that leave a lasting impression. This process always begins with establishing a strong brand foundation before diving into design. Conduct a thorough brand audit to identify what makes your business unique, and ensure these elements are prominently featured on your website. This strategic approach sets the stage for a cohesive and impactful online presence, and invites visitors to engage more deeply with your brand.
SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND
Your website should be a vivid embodiment of your brand identity. Craft a cohesive visual narrative using consistent colours, fonts, and imagery across all pages, ensuring your aesthetic choices and tone of voice align seamlessly throughout the site. This unified approach creates a memorable brand experience that will turn casual visitors into loyal followers.
PRIORITISE USER EXPERIENCE
While aesthetic appeal is important, user experience is paramount. Focus on creating intuitive layouts that guide visitors naturally through your content. Each page should tell a part of your story, seamlessly flowing into the next, with call-to-actions at the end of each. Consider drafting a wireframe first using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Canva. This allows you to visualise the user journey and overall flow, helping you identify and address any gaps in the experience.
OPTIMISE FOR SEARCH ENGINES
Visibility is crucial for online success. Ensure your site is primed for search engines by incorporating SEO best practices from the ground up. Research relevant keywords for your industry and naturally integrate them into your website's content, meta descriptions, titles, and image Alt text. This approach helps your target audience find you more easily in search results.
CREATE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Transform your website from a static looking PDF into an interactive experience. Incorporate elements that encourage visitors to engage with your brand, these features not only increase time spent on your site but also foster meaningful connections. By combining these interactive elements with intuitive layouts, you'll create an enjoyable digital space that keeps visitors coming back.
BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
Your website should be able to grow with your business. Choose a flexible platform that aligns with your products, services, and business needs (plus goals for the future). Make sure it's also one that you feel comfortable working with. This allows you to easily update and add features, ensuring your website remains relevant as your business evolves.
THE FINAL WORD
By blending storytelling with design, showcasing your brand, prioritising user experience, optimising your site, and creating engagement opportunities, you're laying the foundation for a website that truly represents your vision and resonates with your target market.
Whether you're refreshing an existing site or starting from scratch, remember that every element should work in harmony to create an unforgettable brand experience. So, please feel free to take these insights, apply them to your own digital space, and watch as your website transforms into a dynamic asset that propels your business forward. Your online success story begins now—are you ready to write it?
CONNECT WITH EMILY.
Emily Clawson is the Founder and Lead Brand Designer of AUG Studios, a multidisciplinary creative agency where restless dreamers build enduring brands – specialising in branding design, packaging, print and website development.