Design and Content. A match made in heaven
Oct26Written by:
2009/10/26 10:55 AM 
Many articles have been written about good design and great quality content when it comes to Blogs and websites. Often we stress one above the other. Probably because of the theme of a particular post or article. But practically speaking, both good quality content and exceptional design is what will make your website or blog.
When we give too much emphasis on one or the other our websites will surely suffer. One person said it this way: “Web design and content need to go hand in hand. They complement each other. Great content can still rule, provided you don't spoil it with a failing first impression of your website.”
Good Attractive Website Design.
For a business this is all important. A good website will become an integral part of your growth strategy and help you increase your customer base. You have to ensure that you work with your web designer (or website developer) to come up with a web design that will help you convert visitors to your website into customers.
As a blogger this is also important when you want to attract new readers as well as entice them to keep coming back, You do not want to scare them away by a horrible website.
Here are some points to consider:
- Usability
- Good navigation
- Website Load speed.
- Themes and Colour combinations
- Keep the website clean and simple.
Great Relevant and Quality Content.
Once you website and blog is attractive enough, is well designed and does not scare people away. Then you have to use the other important tool in this marriage. That is insuring that your blog and website has good relevant quality content. “Content is King” as they say in the classics.
People will soon get tired and bored with your great looking website if it does not offer anything useful of interesting. The human being’s attention span is very limited. You will have to then grab their attention and entice them to return via other means. That being great quality and relevant content.
Here are some things to consider:
- Write for people not search engines.
- Meet your audience’s needs
- Write in a language that people understand
- Build credibility and a good reputation
- Practice good SEO
- Have content of value.
- Make it relevant
Conclusion.
Although Content and Design are two different aspects of a good website, they are not mutually exclusive. They depend upon each other. If either leg falters or is crippled then the whole website is affected. Make sure that your website excels in both departments.
What are your thoughts on content and design? Which do you tend to focus on the most? let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below.
Related Reading:
7 Ways of getting fresh content for your blog.
The 3 most important things for a Successful Blog – or you’ll fail
5 Great tips to improve your website and blog.
5 Signs That Your Blog Sucks
Five essential aspects of web design.
Top 10 web design mistakes.
10 Easy Tips to Fix a Bad Site.
Choosing the right colours for your website
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10 comment(s) so far...
Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
Good overview Robert, I tend to concentrate more on content more than the visual aspects.. I need to learn to keep myself in check!
By Nick Duncan on
2009/10/26 11:15 AM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
grammar fail.
By Nick Duncan on
2009/10/26 11:17 AM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
Hey, I wouldn't worry too much on grammar, I'm dyslexic myself so I wouldn't even notice. Just hope my post meets with the standards set by our readers
By Robert Bravery on
2009/10/26 11:21 AM
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Design and Content. A match made in heaven
Many articles have been written about good design and great quality content when it comes to Blogs and websites. Often we stress one above the other. Probably because of the theme of a particular post or article. But practically speaking, both good quality content and exceptional design is what will make your website or blog.
# ZillionsB.com By TrackBack on
2009/10/26 11:41 AM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
It truly is a balancing act and both are equally important, as you've pointed out. It's also important to keep distractions to a minimum so that readers can focus on the actual content.
Bloggers, particularly newbies, should guard against spending too much time trying to make the site look perfect and concentrate more on producing some decent content. No matter how nice the site looks, what's the use if there is little to read when someone arrives?
By Jimi Jones on
2009/10/26 01:27 PM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
I feel they both complement each other.
Being from a design background, I am programmed to pay close attention to design and layout. Let's face it - this is what visitors see first.
Next, great valuable content is essential - without this, then what the point.
It's a bit like building a great mansion, with no occupants living there.
Good design and layout will keep them hanging around...
Great content will would keep them coming back
That said, I need to improve my blog Navigation and Loading times.
Cheers Robert
By Johnluffa on
2009/10/26 02:04 PM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
It truly is a balancing act and both are equally important, as you've pointed out. It's also important to keep distractions to a minimum so that readers can focus on the actual content.
Bloggers, particularly newbies, should guard against spending too much time trying to make the site look perfect and concentrate more on producing some decent content. No matter how nice the site looks, what's the use if there is little to read when someone arrives?
By Jimi Jones on
2009/10/26 03:01 PM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
I confess I am very much a Zen Minimalist on my blog and fall into the less is more camp. I am also tough on bad or unintuitive navigation on sites.
By Kevin Tea on
2009/10/26 06:13 PM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
Thanks Kevin,
I hope that my navigation meets your standards
By Robert Bravery on
2009/10/26 07:54 PM
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Re: Design and Content. A match made in heaven
I tend to focus more on content, but I think that's because I spend my time working with new and learning bloggers, who tend to get really bogged down on design even before they have some decent content up.
The other "leg" I'd add to this is "Usability".
By Mike CJ on
2009/10/27 11:43 AM
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