You might want to consider the following if you're thinking of getting a new website or eCommerce store in 2012.

• A major trend in 2011 has been all about responsive design and this will continue into 2012. While you are sitting at your PC try and re-size your browser. How does it look? When designing or re-designing your web site, make sure that it can be accessed from a whole host of devices ranging from the standard desk top to an ipad to a mobile phone. If your site can only be accessed by one method, it is no longer acceptable and will ultimately cost you dearly! Keep an eye on your analytics, how are people accessing your site, and is there is bigger bounce rate for those accessing via mobile devices?
• Keeping in mind the way that your website is being accessed, another tip is that sites now should be designed for touch screen navigation. Does your web site allow for both touch screen navigation and by mouse?
• Everyone wants is to keep their visitors coming back to re visit their website and/or following a call to action (Call us, contact us)? Bear in mind the visitors to your web site are now in control of the viewing orientation so using a liquid layout should be a must.
• An eye catching way to captivate your target audience is by using a large scale, high resolution photo. This will of course be content appropriate. Forget pretty and make sure that the background works harmoniously with any text you have. Optimise any images that you have on your page, so that these are also discoverable in search engines. Try where possible to use original photos rather than stock images.
• Choosing a colour scheme has never been simpler. Focus on three main colours and then vary the colours by using different shades. This is simple but extremely effective as the eye will then be drawn to your company message or slogan.
• Do you research on your competitors.  Find out what they are doing online and howyou can get a commercial advantage over them.

Of course, designing your web site from scratch can be extremely daunting and unbelievably time consuming even with these web design tips to guide you. You will definitely find it far easier and see much greater results if you enlist the services of an Essex Web Design company. They will produce a website that will start creating interest from the moment it goes out.

For more information on our Essex web design services, please contact us: 0845 258 1208 Email: info@covenantsolutions.co.uk Twitter:  @cslweb Facebook: Covenant Solutions