5 Website Trends in 2017
Pyxl Development
Pyxl Development
Your brand is only as strong as your digital position and presence – and that starts with your website. Websites are constantly evolving: whether it’s the latest in design, development or inbound strategy, there is always something that can be updated to make the site fresher, engaging and beneficial. To help keep you in-the-know, we’ve rounded up the top five website trends of 2017.
Shorter, more scannable content
The content of a website is arguably just as important as the overall look and feel of it. The copy is what educates and engages your visitor, and this should not be taken lightly. It’s what keeps them on your site! In today’s day and age, people’s attention spans online are getting shorter, so the site copy needs to get shorter as well.
Writing website content in smaller, more scannable doses can help the reader digest the information better. And using things like lists, bullets and subheads are beneficial in communicating the high points while reducing lines and lines of copy on the page. Make sure the most important parts are pulled out so if someone is scanning the page, the key points won’t be missed. Formatting your content in a clear, easy-to-read way will help keep your readers engaged. Make it easy for them to find what they need.
Custom Illustration
While illustration isn’t necessarily a new thing for websites, we are seeing a trend towards custom illustrations that inject personality into a site. Whether it’s the icons on your site or a large hero image, illustrations are meant to match and elevate the tone of a brand, and convey an organic feel.
For example, some of these illustrations have that imperfect, hand-drawn style to them, which makes them feel more unique and authentic.
These type of custom designs can take on a unique, loose or almost childish feel. This allows websites to feel more personable compared to the more standard, cut-and-dry looks we have been seen in the past.
Additionally, using this colorful, natural style of illustration can help your brand and your site connect with your audience – real people. When done right, illustrations add a fun element to a site, and they can help boost a brand’s connection.
Authentic storytelling
There is something about authentic storytelling that draws your audience in and makes you feel like a trusted source or friend rather than a faceless organization. In this digital world where we are all connected 24/7, those who are authentic and can tell a story are the ones who will make someone stop scrolling and want to learn more. Figure out what stories you want to tell and craft a plan on how to tell that narrative online.
Authentic, immersive storytelling on a website connects brands with their customers on a more personal and engaging level. Plus, this kind of storytelling can pair with various design elements such as high-quality images, videos and other components to create unique context and draw users in even further.
Animation
This year, we are seeing more animation that is subtle but effective. Think icons that are animated, hover effects or seamless animated transitions. These types of movement make sense to the user and don’t scream “I’M ANIMATED!” because they naturally blend in with your existing elements. You don’t want to go overboard with animation – again, subtlety is key.
We recently added animation throughout our website, using movement and color to bring our site to life.
Additionally, don’t incorporate animation into your site just to do it. It doesn’t work with the brand feel for some sites, and that’s ok. That’s when you stick to who you are and what you’re about, and find another way to convey it (like through short and scannable copy). Animation helps communicate your brand easier and more quickly than text and video can.
GIFs
GIFs are all over social media these days. They are fun, easy and tell a story in a unique way. While GIFs have been used mainly for this purpose, we are now seeing them becoming more sophisticated and placed on websites. They go hand-in-hand with other design elements like animation and cinematography. Plus, they inject life into your website and are easy to share on social media. It should go without saying, but as always, use GIFs sparingly on your site! They fewer, the better, as they will stand out.
Many companies are even using them on their ecommerce sites to promote variations of products. For example, Kate Spade uses this gif as a fun way to show customers the different styles and colors this purse comes in.
Incorporate some of these trends in your next website redesign, and discover how you can have a more successful and engaging website than ever before. Keep working toward the path of customization, personalization and unique user experiences and reach your end goal of connecting with your audience in ways you never have before. These five website trends of 2017 can help you do just that.
Updated: Apr 13, 2022