Dos and Donts of Great Web Design

Great web design is not decoration, it is direction. The job is to guide the right visitor to the next right step, then measure what happens so you can improve. Below is a strategy-first checklist you can use to plan, design, and launch a site that looks great and performs even better. We also reviewed the common “dos and don’ts” lists in the SERP to make sure this goes beyond generic advice.

Start with website strategy

Define who the site is for, the problems they are trying to solve, and the actions you want them to take.
Map the journey from first touch to first purchase. Give every key page one job, one headline promise, and one primary call to action.
Choose a content model that can scale. Plan governance, owners, and a simple publishing workflow.

Design principles for creative web design that converts

Prioritize clarity over clever. Use plain, specific language in headlines, subheads, and buttons.
Make pages scannable. Tight paragraphs, meaningful subheads, and short lists help visitors move with intent.
Use visuals with a job. Images and video should explain, prove, or demonstrate.
Keep performance fast. Optimize images, fonts, and scripts. Test mobile first.

Accessibility and trust

Follow accessibility best practices so everyone can use the site with ease.
Use consistent navigation, color, and type to reduce cognitive load.
Pair every key claim with proof. Add a stat, quote, mini case, or before and after.

SEO that supports people first

Build information architecture around search intent and on-site journeys.
Use semantic headings, internal links, and descriptive alt text.
Plan page titles and meta descriptions that match queries and promises.

Analytics and iteration

Configure analytics and event tracking before launch so you see what matters.
Set up heat maps and simple polls to catch friction.
Review data regularly and improve pages with the biggest leverage.

The Do list

Do start with goals: tie every design choice to a measurable outcome.
Do write first, then design: lock the message before pixels.
Do simplify paths: fewer choices, clearer actions.
Do plan mobile first: test with thumbs and small screens.
Do keep voice consistent: the same promise and tone across pages and channels.
Do prepare handoff and training: document components, patterns, and how to update content.

The Don’t list

Do not chase trends that do not serve your audience or goals.
Do not bury CTAs or scatter them without a clear primary action.
Do not ship heavy pages that slow people down.
Do not mix voices across pages, ads, and emails. Consistency builds recall and trust.
Do not launch without baselines or a plan to measure, learn, and iterate.
Do not treat accessibility as optional. Usability is a growth lever.

Homepage blueprint you can copy

Hero section: one-sentence promise, one primary CTA, one secondary CTA.
Proof row: a short stat, recognizable logos, or a one-line testimonial.
Problem and plan: what hurts now, how you guide, what the first step looks like.
Product or service highlights: three to five scannable blocks with “learn more” links.
Social proof: quote with name and role, or a mini case snapshot.
Final CTA band: restate promise and invite the next step.

How to know it is working

More brand search impressions and clicks after campaigns.
Higher time on the core decision pages and lower bounce on those pages.
More people who begin on paid or social return and convert through owned channels.
Fewer support and sales questions like “what do you actually do.”

Put this plan to work

Ready for creative web design anchored in real website strategy. Explore our work, review results, or contact Bullseye Media to schedule a website strategy workshop and a focused design sprint.