Good design isn’t about decoration — it’s about communication. A clear website design helps visitors understand what you offer, where to look, and what to do next.
This page expands on Step 6 of the Essential Steps to Build a Website. If you already planned your pages and navigation, you’re ready to make design decisions that support that structure.
Clarity beats cleverness. A simple layout that guides people is almost always more effective than a complex design that tries to impress.
Table of Contents
What “Clarity” Means in Website Design
Clarity means a visitor can answer these questions within a few seconds:
- What is this website about?
- Who is it for?
- What should I do next?
If your design makes those answers obvious, you’re already ahead of most websites.
Start With Visual Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy is how your design tells people what matters most. It’s created through:
- Size: bigger elements feel more important
- Placement: top and center get attention first
- Contrast: high contrast pulls the eye
- Whitespace: space makes important things easier to notice
A good homepage typically has one clear headline, one supporting sentence, and one obvious primary action.
Use Simple Layouts and Consistent Spacing
Most “messy” websites aren’t messy because of content — they’re messy because spacing is inconsistent.
- Use the same spacing patterns repeatedly
- Align elements to a grid
- Limit the number of layouts you use across pages
Typography: Make Text Easy to Read
Typography is one of the biggest drivers of professional-looking design.
- Use 1–2 fonts total
- Keep body text comfortably sized
- Use short paragraphs and clear headings
- Increase line spacing
Color and Contrast: Keep It Controlled
- One primary color
- One neutral palette
- One accent color (optional)
Always check contrast. Weak contrast destroys clarity.
Buttons and CTAs: Make the Next Step Obvious
- One primary CTA per page
- Use descriptive button text
- Make the next step obvious
Design Mobile-First, Not Mobile-Later
- Short, scannable sections
- Large tappable buttons
- No cramped layouts
Common Design Mistakes That Hurt Clarity
- Too many fonts or colors
- Long unbroken text blocks
- Over-designed sections
- Weak contrast