Creating a website can be an exciting and daunting task. With so many options available for building a website, it’s easy to jump right in and start designing without much thought. However, this approach often leads to a disorganized and ineffective website that doesn’t achieve its intended purpose.
This is where wireframing comes in. Wireframing is the process of visually planning out the layout and structure of your website before actually designing it. Think of it as creating a blueprint for your website.
Why You Should Start with Wireframing
As mentioned before, wireframing allows you to plan out the structure and layout of your website. This is crucial because it helps you identify any potential issues or areas for improvement before investing time and resources into actually designing the website.
Additionally, wireframing allows you to focus solely on the functionality and user experience of your website, rather than getting caught up in design elements like colors and fonts. This ensures that your website’s foundation is strong and user-friendly. But most importantly, it gives you the chance to decide which sections are right for your website’s homepage. You’re not basing website sections off of a pre-made template. You’re intentionally deciding which sections make the most sense for your unique website.
Tools for Wireframing
There are several tools available for wireframing, ranging from simple paper and pencil to more advanced online tools like Whimsical. While we’re not a sponsor of Whimsical, our agency has used Whimsical for dozens of the sites that we’ve built and it’s proven to be a helpful online tool for wireframing! The important thing is to find a tool that works best for you and your team.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, using paper and pencil is a great option. It allows for quick changes and revisions, making it easy to experiment with different layouts and ideas.
Recommended Sections for Your Website
When wireframing your website, there are several key sections that should be included in order to effectively communicate your brand’s message and engage with your target audience. Here are Brandan’s top recommended sections to consider for your website’s homepage:
- Above the Fold: This is the first section of your website that visitors will see without scrolling. It should include important information and catch the attention of your audience. The big 3 here are: clarity statement, call to action, and photo/video of happy end user.
- Identifying Audience Pain Points: This section should address the pain points or problems that your target audience may have.
- Positioning Yourself as a Solution: Here, you can highlight your brand’s unique selling points and explain why you are the best solution to your audience’s needs and how you’re the solution to their problems.
- 3 Easy Steps: If there are specific steps or actions that customers need to take on your website, this section can make them more clear and easy to follow. Remember, people need to be guided and led, even on a website.
- Testimonials: Including testimonials from satisfied customers is a great way to build trust and credibility with your audience.
- Free PDF Resource/Lead Generator: This section is a great opportunity to offer something of value to your audience in exchange for their contact information. It could be a free guide, checklist, or other resource related to your brand or industry.
- Get Started: This section should include a clear call-to-action, such as “Sign Up” or “Start Your Free Trial,” encouraging visitors to take the next step.
- Footer: The footer is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of your website that can provide additional navigation options and contact information.
Avoiding Cookie Cutter Results
Avoid AI website builders that can produce a “quick website” with the click of a button. Stray away from generic templates and copying what others have done. Your website is a representation of your brand, and it should communicate your unique message and appeal to your specific target audience.
By starting with wireframing, you can ensure that your website has a solid foundation and effectively communicates your brand’s message. This will lead to better results and a more successful online presence.
If you need help developing a strong website strategy, we’d love to help! Our team is dedicated to helping businesses, churches, and non-profits create effective websites that are built with intentionality. Don’t settle for cookie cutter results – let us help you make an impact online! Get started by booking a call with Brandan below!
