website usability / How To Improve Usability Of A Website?

Reliance on the Internet, web, and mobile apps have become indispensable in our era, whether for individuals or businesses. Accordingly, companies realized the importance of building user-friendly websites by creating an attractive user interface (UI) that makes a great user experience (UX). So, what is the meaning of UI and UX? And how to improve website usability? 

 

What is usability? 

Usability is how to use something easily. When we talk about a product, its usability will indicate the quality of using an object. However, when it comes to digital, it means using websites or applications easily, including navigation, effectiveness, and efficiency to users.

 

We consider the usability of a website a part of user experience UX. For example, if you are looking for a piece of information or trying to buy something from an e-commerce website, can you navigate easily and find the items you want to purchase? 

 

User experience means, in brief, the level of user satisfaction, and that’s why most businesses try so hard to improve website usability.

 

What is UI and UX improvement in websites?

• UI indicates user interface which is a type of web design related to how the users interact with your website; in brief, it indicates the aesthetics.
• UX is the user experience that refers to how the user feels while navigating into your website’s pages.

 

What are the components of usability?

Web design and development Experts recommend answering the following questions to detect your website’s degree of usability:

• Can users find what they are looking for efficiently on the website?
• Do they perform what they want quickly?
• Do they remember how to use it after some time of nonuse?
• What are the errors that users find or do while using your website?
• What is the satisfaction of users in general from the website?

Why is good UI important?

You should have created a background about the importance of user interface UI. UI is significant to improve website usability and meet the expectations of your website’s users for better navigation. A good UI reflects the effective interaction between users and your website or application through visuals, ease of response, contrast, aesthetics, and accessibility.

 

It is better to improve website usability to gain the following benefits:

• Attracting new users and increasing the website’s traffic, therefore increasing conversions.
• You would preserve your customers retention.
• Your website will rank higher throughout search engines’ results pages by applying Search engine optimization (SEO) techniques.
• Usability decreases bounce rate; your visitors will stay longer surfing your website.
• Higher customer satisfaction.

 

Proven ways to improve website usability

 

Page loading time 

One of the essential pillars we use to improve website usability is page loading time. Users usually click on the “back” button on browsers if the website’s pages take much time to load. The loading speed shouldn’t exceed two seconds. Users spending more time within the loading process have more potential to leave the website, increasing your website’s bounce rate and harming its ranking and discoverability within search engines.

 

According to some stats, 40% of users abandon websites if the page loading speed takes more than 3 seconds to load. To overcome this problem, optimize images included in your pages by reducing their files’ size.

 

Improve the consistency 

Consistency indicates professionalism. It’s a crucial factor to consider while working on UI and improving the website’s usability. You have to use the exact layout for all website pages so that users become familiar with them. Consider using the same colors, fonts, and tone.

 

Consider responsiveness

Mobiles, tablets, and laptops are continuously developing. You must use responsive features while designing your website. A responsive website works on different appliances without losing any of its features.

 

Keep navigation simple

Users can navigate websites easily by using a familiar layout. They always prefer simple navigation layouts, so we recommend adding a simple navigation bar with links to the essential pages at the top of your website. Experts don’t recommend using unusual website structures, as they prevent users from completing their journeys.

 

Use high-quality, reliable Content-Format

Content is considered a vital part of any website, especially for those seeking to apply SEO techniques. It would help to consider using suitable headings, subheadings, and spaces between paragraphs. Those points would make your content look better and encourage users to read and engage with it.

 

Images

Eye-catchy images and graphics have a magical effect on users to stay on the website. But it would help if you didn’t overuse them as mentioned above because they may affect the page loading speed. Images and infographics add value to the content and may increase user engagement.

 

Highlight your important features

Highlighting your products/services’ key features is a quick method that helps users acquire the most relevant information they need.

 

Identify your target audience.

It may seem easy for some people to develop a website using ready-made templates. However, it would help to detect your audience before creating a website. Identifying the target audience comes on top while creating an integrated marketing plan for your business. 

 

For example, if you provide a luxurious product/service, you must consider elegant colors and elements, not joyful and youthful ones.

 

Predict your users 

Put yourself into users’ shoes. Use your website before launching to check for any missing buttons or content pieces and ensure it works perfectly.

 

How to choose the right company to improve website usability?

Here are several tips you should follow before making a deal with a web design and development company:

• Make sure of its reputation.
• Check the company’s clients’ reviews carefully and its portfolio.
• Ask the team about considerations they take to improve website usability; you should expect a response including the references mentioned in this article.

 

The bottom line

User interface and user experience are critical factors to consider to improve website usability and increase customer retention. 

 

Our experienced team at Be Group helps you build a unique website that attracts and retains your customers. Don’t waste your money choosing the wrong web design company!

Contact our digital marketing agency in Egypt for more information.