New web Design Trends To Watch For In 2012, Does your current New web's design look stale and outdated? Have your rankings and sales dropped over the past year? Are you keeping up with the current New web design trends?
If your current New web has not been redesigned for several years it may no longer attract visitors and retain high search engine rankings because it hasn't kept pace with current New web design trends. For example one of my static HTML New webs hasn't been redesigned for a decade. Even though I still get new clients and retain good rankings for some New web pages I've noticed a drop in traffic over the past year.
7 New web Design Trends To Watch For In 2012
1. New web speed
Visitors lose patience if your New web doesn't load within a few seconds. Search engines also factor in New web speed as part of their ranking formula.
Action steps
Avoid placing large graphics, flash or video on your New web pages
Reduce the size of your graphics
Place all CSS and Javascript in an external file
Make sure your HTML validates correctly
Use CSS and XHTML instead of tables
2. HTML5 & CSS3 Standards
Over the past few years I've used XHTML and CSS to code New webs however there's been a push for HTML5 & CSS3 as more browsers begin to support it. Some of the benefits include creating drop shadows and rounded corners plus replacing flash which Apple products don't support.
Action step
Begin learning HTML5 & CSS3 by implementing elements of it in your current designs. Only include the elements which are supported by current browsers.
3. Mobile design
Smart Phone users will outnumber computer users for accessing the New web. For instance I recently bought an iPhone and use it more often than my computer to surf the New web because it's portable. Not only can I quickly search for information but also check my email and update my blog.
Action step
Make sure your New web and/or blog is mobile friendly. If you're already using WordPress either install a theme that is mobile friendly or use a plugin. Delaying this process means you'll be missing out on lots of visitors trying to access your New web from their smart phone.
4. QR Codes (Quick Response codes)
These bar code-like black squares work in a similar way to scanning food items at the grocery store. When the QR code is scanned by a cell phone it quickly provides all the details of a specific business.
Action step
Add the QR code to your business card and New web.
5. Static to Content Management System (CMS)
Static New webs usually are not updated regularly with new content. Visitors and search engines are attracted to New webs that constantly offer new content and integrate social media sites into their design. A CMS type site stores the content in a database, separates design from content and can easily be updated.
Action step
Convert your static New web to a Content Management System such as WordPress or Joomla so you can easily add new content from the backend administration panel.
6. New web Fonts and Typography
With CSS3 and the availability of New web font licenses, you can use free and subscription-based font libraries (such as Google Fonts and Typekit) to alter the topography of your New web.
Action step
Add some new New web fonts and styling to your New web to compliment the branding and styling of your New web copy.
7. Videos
One of the main ranking factors is how long visitors stay on your New web page. Adding video engages visitors because they can see and hear your voice as well as read your content. This helps people to know, like and trust you before purchasing your products and/or services.
Action step
Create videos that showcase your content and use YouTube to help market your products and services.
Keeping up with current New web design trends will help you stay ahead of your competitors who may remain stuck in the past. It will also help maintain search engine rankings and retain your visitors.