Website trends for 2020: mobile first, speed, simplicity and content

As a medium, the website is now almost thirty years old, but it has not stopped developing. The 'ideal' website is constantly changing and in 2020 there will also be new trends that make up the service. You will find the five most important in this blog.

1. Mobile first

It was a long time mobile ready that the clock struck, but now we are ample in it mobile firstera. That means that in 2020 a who new website designing should be based on its use on a mobile device; desktop use comes in second place. Nowadays, websites are visited more from mobile devices than from desktops, naturally inspired by the wide availability of fast mobile internet worldwide. So your website must not only be responsive, but must also be based on the mobile user and how he is presented with the information. Google's Mobile Friendly test gives you an instant score and tools to improve your site and make it more mobile friendly. Important? Yes, because when Google has to choose between two similar websites, Google will always put that site that is more user-friendly at the top.

2. Rather fast and practical than slow and overdesigned

The collective aversion of internet users towards slow and / or unclear websites is increasing. Your website must load quickly and users must be able to quickly find the information they are looking for. Exactly as you drive on the highway. Well-functioning search functionality already does a lot, but a well-arranged navigation menu is also a must. Homepages full of high-res videos and illustrations that take a long time to load (again: remember that most visitors come in via a mobile device) are definitely on their way. Google also has a super handy tool for this: Google Page Speed Insights, provides super fast (word joke) points for improvement and in-depth explanation.

Oh, and do you sell products through your website or do you offer paid services? Then make sure that your visitors can get an idea of the rates you charge within a few seconds. The time of 'contact us without obligation for a tailor-made offer' is over. They come to your site to discover (among other things) what you cost. Because say for yourself: don't you take the time for that? Take into account the questions and information needs of your target group. By answering them quickly, you quickly give them a push to the next step in them customer journey.

3. Simplicity = value

Building on clear navigation: websites with a minimalist design are gaining popularity and will probably become the service in 2020. A title, a telling background illustration and a menu tree, more does not have to contain a good homepage in 2020. No welcome plea, no text blocks and no forest of social links, but just a simple, atmospheric welcome; that is what will ensure a pleasant website visit in 2020.

4. Clear fonts and powerful texts

The simple but clear fonts are on the rise. Bold is completely hip, on the condition that you bring concise, powerful texts across the stage. The following also applies here: in most cases it is purchased via a mobile device, so a complicated layout often does not come out of the paint and a long page on which you have to scroll for minutes is certainly not appreciated. Less = more, so provide a short text that contains all the information you want to transfer. Small print is out of the question. Communicate clearly and clearly and choose a font that fits.

5. Original content

An ethically responsible group of so-called account managers who browse through an empty file with a toothpaste smile? That is precisely the photography with which the average website visitor in 2020 is completely done. The motto: provide original content from your own company. People want to see who is behind the name of your company, not which stock photo service you have subscribed to. Tip: a professional photographer for one day is cheaper than such a subscription. And what you gain from the confidence and authenticity that you will radiate with it on your website is priceless. This is also a trend in content marketing: go for quality content.

Websites that are able to follow these five trends are completely up to date and ready for 2020. For those who have not yet got their website up to date: don't worry, because nowadays it is not at all strange to continuously update your website. Once every three years a new design is old-fashioned. Get started quickly and get in shape!

Want to see more trends about web design in 2020? View the top 10 Web Design Trends that every web designer should know: