Things are changing in a good way and to keep your website looking fresh and up to date, take a look at some of these exciting design trends and incorporate them into your website and entire content marketing strategy. 

KISS: Keep It Simple

It's like a smooch but in a different kind of way. 2017 is all about the message with a clear, understandable delivery. Getting the message to your audience is a powerful tool. Readers have visited your website to get to know you and your products so make your message clear. Use The KiSS, "keep it simple, sweetie" acronym or the Less is More approach to offer straightforward information with fewer graphics and illustrations. This doesn't mean your design has to suffer. "Kiss" your message using larger type and a variety of colors and font styles. Let your headline do the work using call-to-action words. 

Colorful Color Trends

Color has always played a big part of design and marketing campaigns. Traditionally designers follow certain rules and color wheels so colors work and blend together. You just pull out the Pantone color guide and follow the rules. This isn't the case anymore. Many trend watchers are predicting that 2017 and 2018 will mark the beginning of going against the color wheel grain. There is no color clashing or color matching anymore. Color combinations will go against any spoken or unspoken rules and if the target audience is into the color explosion, so will the website design's color scheme.

Authentic, Real Life Photography

Social media and the cameras in our mobile devices have led the way for a new generation of authentic"professional photography." Today's consumer is looking for a real life, imperfect picture to connect with. Getting the kids ready for school, walking the dog, cleaning the kitchen, playing with the kids are all things we can connect with and want to see more of in ads and websites. Interesting pictures focusing in on the not normal creates a new normal of anything goes for photography. But, keep in mind only use this creative license if your customer base will relate to it in a positive way.

The Do It Yourself Hands On Images

Who doesn't love a rags-to-riches story, a hard-working small business owner who made an idea into a reality? Photos that show something being created; an artist painting a picture, a baker kneading the dough, a carpenter working with his tools are all ways to reach a customer who is tired of the big boxed store mentality, imported cookie cutter products, and million dollar bankers sitting around a conference table. Add photos on your website that show something being created by a hands-on, real person. 

Infographics

Infographics are a combination of graphic design, content, and data. The goal of an infographic is to tell a story. Infographics are "liked" and shared on social media three times more than other any other type of content.

Infographics can be used to generate leads to your website by publishing them on social media, emails to customers or in a blog post to name a few. Infographics are colorful and eye-catching and offer you a way to transform dry, complex information into a captivating "want to read" graphics. The goal of an infographic is to tell a story. Introduce your topic and gradually explain your idea bit by bit using relevant data and information. This is a subtle sales tool so remember to always include your logo and contact information.

Video Rules:  

Can you believe that four times as many consumers prefer to watch a video about a product than to read about it? It's true. Video is everywhere and it is a very important part of any content marketing campaign. It's part of social media, websites, branding and other internet applications. Social media giant, Facebook announced that video is their top priority so it only makes sense that everyone follow their lead. And in today's just as easy to take a video as it is to take a photo, why not give it a try. Research by Syndacast stated that by 2017 (and we are three months in) as much as 74 percent of all internet traffic will be video. Hopefully, you are part of the 74 percent by now, not the 36 percent who isn't using video. It doesn't have to be elaborate. Get out your mobile device and show your product at work, interview a customer who loves your products or services or simply tell a story.

These are just a few of the trends to watch to keep your website fresh and current. Contact Cott's Inc. to learn even more ways to get the most out of your web design.

Until next time,

Scott Williams
Director of Digital Marketing
Cotts, Inc.

 Cotts, Inc. is a digital marketing agency specializing in helping small businesses. We are located in the small city of Pottsville in Schuylkill County, PA 17901.

We build results-driven websites, expert social media content & strategies, custom interactive kiosk systems, digital signage systems and print campaigns so your business can compete in this digital world.

If your small business needs help with marketing in the digital world, reach out to us, our contact information is:
Website: https://cottsinc.com
Email: cs@cottsinc.com
Phone: 570.399.5662