When it comes to web design, much like horse racing, success isn’t just about looking good – it’s about performance, strategy, and ensuring that every element works together to cross the finish line ahead of the competition. A website that prioritises UX best practices can significantly improve visitor engagement, reduce bounce rates, and most importantly, drive conversions.
Here, we’ll explore key UX best practices to help you design a website that not only attracts users but encourages them to take action — whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form.
See how Click Return can drive more traffic to your website
- Social Media Marketing: Amplify your key message, increasing traffic and sales.
- Search Engine Optimisation: Grow your SEO traffic and enjoy visible results.
- Pay Per Click Advertising: Smart paid strategies with guaranteed ROI.
Get Out of the Gate Fast: Optimise Loading Speed
Much like in the Grand National, where a slow start can leave a horse trailing behind, a slow-loading website can cost you visitors before they even see your content. Studies show that 53% of users abandon a site that takes more than 3 seconds to load.
How to Improve Load Speed:
- Compress images without sacrificing quality using tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim.
- Minimise HTTP requests by reducing scripts, stylesheets, and third-party integrations.
- Use caching and a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to speed up page delivery.
- Choose a reliable hosting provider with high-performance servers.
By optimising your site speed, you ensure that users stay engaged rather than bouncing away in frustration.
The Right Track: Mobile-Friendly Design
With over 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, a mobile-responsive website is no longer optional – it’s essential. Just like a jockey needs the right track conditions to succeed, your users need a seamless experience across all devices.
Mobile UX Best Practices:
- Use a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.
- Prioritise thumb-friendly navigation (large buttons, easy-to-tap links).
- Keep forms short and easy to fill out on small screens.
- Optimise images and media for mobile to avoid slow load times.
A site that performs well on mobile ensures that users can engage with your content anytime, anywhere.
Clear the Fences: Simplify Navigation
Imagine a racecourse with too many obstacles – riders would struggle to reach the finish line. The same applies to website navigation. If users can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave and find an easier path elsewhere.
Navigation Tips for Better UX:
- Stick to a simple and intuitive menu — limit main menu items to 5-7 options.
- Use clear labels for navigation items (avoid vague terms like “Stuff” or “More”).
- Implement breadcrumbs so users can track their location within the site.
- Include a search function for easy content discovery.
A well-structured website helps users move smoothly through their journey, increasing the chances of conversion.
Winning Form: Visual Hierarchy & Readability
A great jockey knows how to guide a horse efficiently toward victory, and a well-structured website does the same for users. Visual hierarchy directs attention to the most important elements, making the page easier to scan and navigate.
How to Create an Effective Visual Hierarchy:
- Use contrasting colours to make CTAs (Call-to-Action) buttons stand out.
- Stick to a consistent typography style – use easy-to-read fonts and appropriate text sizes.
- Space out content with ample white space to prevent visual clutter.
- Use bold headings and bullet points to break up long blocks of text.
A clear and readable design ensures that visitors can absorb your message quickly, improving engagement and conversions.
Place Your Bets: Strong Calls to Action (CTAs)
A race without a finish line wouldn’t make sense. Similarly, a website without clear Calls to Action (CTAs) leaves visitors unsure of what to do next. A well-placed, compelling CTA can make the difference between a passive visitor and an active customer.
Best Practices for Effective CTAs:
- Use action-oriented text (e.g., “Get Started Now” instead of “Submit”).
- Make CTA buttons stand out with contrasting colors.
- Place CTAs above the fold and at key points throughout the page.
- Create a sense of urgency with words like “Limited Offer” or “Sign Up Today.”
Strong CTAs guide users toward conversion, ensuring they take the desired action before leaving your site.
Build Trust: Social Proof & Security Features
Just like bettors look at a horse’s track record before placing a bet, website visitors look for trust signals before making a purchase or sharing personal information. A lack of credibility can lead to abandoned carts and missed opportunities.
Ways to Build Trust on Your Website:
- Display customer reviews and testimonials to show positive experiences.
- Use trust badges (e.g., SSL certificates, payment security logos) to reassure users.
- Highlight well-known clients or partnerships to boost credibility.
- Ensure your contact information is visible—transparency builds confidence.
Establishing trust through social proof and security measures helps reassure users that they’re making the right decision.
See how Click Return can drive more traffic to your website
- Social Media Marketing: Amplify your key message, increasing traffic and sales.
- Search Engine Optimisation: Grow your SEO traffic and enjoy visible results.
- Pay Per Click Advertising: Smart paid strategies with guaranteed ROI.
Keep Up the Pace: A/B Testing & Continuous Optimisation
Even the best racehorses need continuous training to stay competitive. The same applies to your website—you should regularly test and refine your UX design based on user behaviour.
How to Optimise UX Through Testing:
- Run A/B tests on headlines, CTAs, and layouts to see what converts best.
- Use heatmaps (via tools like Hotjar) to track where users are clicking.
- Monitor Google Analytics to identify pages with high drop-off rates.
- Gather user feedback through surveys or usability testing.
By continuously analysing and improving your website, you ensure that it remains a high-performing asset for your business.
Final Stretch: Bringing It All Together
Just like a winning horse in the Grand National, a high-converting website is built on strategy, speed, and seamless execution. By focusing on UX best practices – fast load times, mobile optimisation, intuitive navigation, clear CTAs, trust signals, and continuous testing – you can create a site that not only attracts visitors but compels them to take action.
Unlock the potential of your business by contacting Click Return today to learn more about how we can help with UX Best Practices.
For information on Google Pay Per Click Advertising check out our PPC Marketing Services.
To obtain more information on our Search Engine Optimisation Consultants check out our SEO Services.
For information on Website Design and Build check out our website design packages.
