In 2024, having a visually stunning and user-friendly website is really becoming more and more essential for businesses to thrive. As a branding and Showit website designer, I understand the importance of staying inspired and keeping up with the latest trends in website design. While that’s part of my job, I also know that as a busy business owner, you may not have your finger on the pulse when it comes to website trends in the same way. No worries – in this blog, I’m sharing where you can find website design inspiration before you start to work with a website designer to bring your vision to life.
While I hope that the below content will be helpful, I also want to stress that you do NOT need to have everything figured out before you reach out. Thinking about launching a new website? I’ve got you covered! Contact me here to get started!
Looking at Physical Inspiration
Often I find my clients think that every piece of design inspiration they collect needs to be from other websites or things they see online. One approach I particularly enjoy, and one that’s accessible to everyone, particularly those using Showit, is drawing inspiration from physical sources like magazines and coffee table books. You have SO much creative freedom with Showit that you don’t need to feel limited by what already exists online (which is SO nice).
I also want to take a second to remind you that as a client of a brand and website designer (like me!), you’re only job is to share things you like. It’s not your job to figure out how to put it all together. Whether it’s the imagery you like or the typography you found in a cookbook or industry-specific publication, start by snapping pictures of things you like. It’s my job as a designer to find patterns within what you find and create something that feels cohesive.
Finding physical design inspiration is personally one of my favorite things to do. I often find myself perusing the shelves of Barnes and Noble, taking photos of anything that catches my eye, regardless of whether it directly relates to my work (or my client’s industry). For example, just the other day, I was flipping through outdoorsy magazines and camping books for fresh ideas.
I also recommend my clients look at bulletin boards at local restaurants or head to the local library, real-world encounters can spark design ideas, trust me.
Looking at Your Favorite Websites (Or the Showit Template Shop)
Another great source of inspiration is your favorite websites. Take some time to explore the websites of fellow service providers that you admire and consider what makes them visually appealing and user-friendly. Is it the clean layout, vibrant colors, or minimalist navigation? By identifying the elements that resonate with you, you can draw inspiration and incorporate similar features into your own designs. Remember, inspiration can come from anywhere!
If you’re not sure where to start, I love the Showit Template Shop. I would caution you against trying to find a website template that you want an exact replicate of (most designers won’t do that!), but finding elements of sites you like can be a good idea. For example, if you love the way a site has its font laid out on top of the image or you love that the image takes up the entire background, those types of things can be helpful to note!
Another tip? Don’t hesitate to explore a wide range of websites across different industries and niches. For example, if you’re a copywriter, you may find inspiration from a social media manager, a brand and website designer, or even from something random like your realtor! This reduces the risk you’ll accidentally create a website that will make you blend in with your competitors instead of standing out (which you don’t want!). For example, I found some inspiration for an outdoor brand from a non-profit website just the other day!
Browsing Instagram and Pinterest
Next, and perhaps the most obvious option, is to turn to social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. With millions of users sharing images and ideas every day, these platforms offer endless possibilities for discovering new trends and styles.
When browsing through Instagram and Pinterest, pay attention to color palettes, typography choices, and layout designs that catch your eye. Specifically, what made you stop YOUR scroll? What catches your eye? Save your favorite posts and create mood boards to reference during your design process. Whether it’s a stunning photograph, an elegant typographic composition, or an eye-catching animation, social media can provide valuable inspiration for your next website project!
Feel like you keep seeing the same thing over and over again? Try to search for MORE specific things. For example, instead of “website design” search “website design for X industry” or “minimalist website design on Showit”.
Keeping Up with Trends
Staying on top of the latest trends in website design can help keep your designs fresh and relevant. While not every trend may be suitable for your project, it’s important to balance timelessness while still feeling current. Trust your designer, but also consider following design blogs or participating in online communities and Facebook trends to stay updated and inspired. This can be especially helpful if you are an online business, where trends change more rapidly than other industries (and an online presence is even more important).
Whether it’s the rise of minimalist design, the popularity of dark mode interfaces, or the integration of immersive multimedia experiences, staying ahead of the curve will set your designs apart and attract more visitors to your website. Again I want to remind you that it’s OK if you don’t feel like the expert here. That’s what you’re going to hire a professional brand and website designer for!
Exploring Local Connections
In addition to online resources, don’t overlook the power of local connections for finding website design inspiration. I love to find design inspiration in unusual places. Networking with fellow designers and business owners in your community can provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives on design challenges. Join local meetup groups, attend workshops, and participate in industry events to connect with like-minded professionals and exchange ideas. By building relationships with local businesses and creatives, you can gain inspiration from their work and collaborate on exciting projects that showcase your skills and expertise.
Your Ultimate Guide to Website Design Inspiration
In conclusion, finding website design inspiration is an ongoing journey that requires curiosity, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. Like I said above, it’s your job to decide what you like, but it’s not your job to find ways for what you love to work together. As the designer, I’m able to take a lot of commonalities from your Pinterest board and physical inspiration roundup, and I can usually notice patterns you love (whether that be a lot of shadowing, layering, texture, etc). I don’t need specific websites you love to make those connections so I don’t want you to feel limited by this!
As a branding and design expert, I’m here to help you bring your vision to life and create a stunning website that sets you apart from the competition. Reach out to me today to discuss how we can collaborate on your next website project and take your online presence to the next level.