How web design changes in different industries

There are certainly ways that web design tactics change over time. This often just has to do with technology. Modern web design for mobile devices often has pages optimized for scrolling, for example, focusing on how the layout works on a smaller screen. The use of white space is also more common today than it was in the past. Web design has to be done in a modern way that will appeal to the target audience. Styles that would have worked even just a decade ago tend to look very dated today.

That being said, web design is also different across various industries. So when considering how the design should work for your site, one thing to consider is what industry that site operates in and what the target audience expects. The approach can be quite different from one industry to the next.

Web design for professional industries

For instance, in highly professional industries, like finance or healthcare, things like trust, credibility, and privacy are very important. The reader wants to feel like they can implicitly trust the company and that it will put their best interests first. They also want more of a professional and simple design. If someone visits the website for a doctor’s office and it has a design that stands out from the norm, that can actually push clients away.

But in other industries, like entertainment, visual elements that stand out can be very important. People expect the design to be a bit more fun, visually stunning, and engaging. Bright banners, large photos, and engaging or energetic text may work. But the same style on the aforementioned doctor’s website would look highly unprofessional, and people would not feel like they could trust that doctor’s office with their healthcare needs.

Your target audience

The key, then, is to consider what your target audience expects and the impression that the web design has on them from the first moment they land on your site. It only takes a few seconds to make a first impression.

In fact, if you have a high bounce rate on your landing pages, you may want to consider if this is part of the reason why. Is your audience expecting a clean, corporate design, but they are instead getting something that feels a bit more chaotic and imaginative? Your intent may have been to have fun with the design and make it feel comfortable and welcoming, but that does not necessarily mean that is how your audience feels about it. They may feel far more comfortable with a professional design that inspires trust and confidence.

You can keep many of these same issues in mind when considering your web content itself. The type of content you write and the way you write it depends on what your target audience wants to read and what resonates with them. But even beyond the content, you need to consider the design elements on the page. These details — font choices, layouts, media elements, etc — are often communicating a lot of these same things quickly and effectively to the reader, which can determine how much they trust your company and whether or not they are going to stay on your website and continue looking for relevant information.

Addressing your web design needs this year

At Content Customs, we understand that every client has unique needs and a specific target audience. We will work closely with you when it comes to web design, keyword research, content creation, and much more. We can help you create a site that resonates with your audience this year. Just contact us to learn more about our services. We look forward to working with you.