Usability principles: making your website easy to use
Usability - measures how easily people can use your website. It influences whether visitors stay or move to competitors. Here are the principles to apply when website development or website layout implementation, to create a genuinely usable website.
Core usability principles
- Intuitive use: People should navigate naturally, with clear menus and a logical structure.
- Simplicity: Avoid jargon, long copy and excessive animation. Keep the experience clear.
- Speed: Fast loading and navigation matter. Slow performance drives people away.
- Consistency: Align website style and functions to create coherence and trust.
- Accessibility: Make the website accessible, including for people with disabilities.
- Mistakes: Anticipate errors and explain them clearly.
Applying usability principles
- Simple navigation: Keep menus concise with understandable section names.
- Clear, concise copy: Avoid jargon and long sentences. Be concise and clear.
- Quality images: Optimise image sizes and support clear communication.
- Fast loading: Optimise code, caching and image compression.
- Adaptability: The website should display correctly on computers, tablets and smartphones.
Does usability really matter?
Yes. Strong usability contributes to:
- Higher conversion: Users are more likely to purchase, enquire or complete another target action.
- Strengthening user loyalty: A convenient website creates positive impressions and repeat visits.
- Better SEO: Search engines consider website usability when ranking.
Conclusion
A useful, functional website requires professional work. ProMarketing has years of experience creating websites. We help build an attractive website that is also easy to use.
Want better usability? Request free marketing analysis from our specialist with 10 years of experience.
A quality website is a business investment.
