In my post The First Step in Building Your Platform I laid out a number of recommendations for a website, as the foundation for a book-promoting platform. The first three were to make our sites responsive to mobile devices, remove the clutter, and delete slow plugins. In short, embrace the concept that less is more.
Minimalist designs are in; including every possible item on one page is out.
As more and more people access websites from smartphones, we want to make it easy for them to find what they want, access it quickly, and not introduce needless delays. By showing them less, we give them more.
A few years ago, I hired a website designer to provide a fresh and up-to-date look for my main website. Although pleased with the results, even from the beginning it felt a bit cluttered. Last month, I unveiled a new look for the site, embracing the less is more mantra. As a bonus, I retained all key information and simplified the navigation. Although I’ll never proclaim it as finished, I like what I see.
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Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.
5 replies on “Less is More in Website Design”
Peter, I saw your blog as a whole for the first time. I learned quite a few things. Not sure how to implement them. I have been reading the blog series but I am so tech limitted that I have no idea were to begin. To pay someone for services in not possible. Thinking of signing up for some help from BlueHost and see where it gets me.
Thank you for all your help!
My approach is to do things one step at a time, instead of going for a grand new look all at once (which can be overwhelming).
That way I can figure out how to add one element and focus on it until I like it. Then I go to the next item. This approach is more manageable and less stressful.
I wish you the best on your site!
Thanks Peter!
I am beginning with my “about me” page. I found a great post with specific details about that. Wish me luck! Thank you for everything!!!!!!
Great! Let me know when you have it online.
OK!!!