In today’s digital age, businesses need to have a good web design in order to establish an online presence and reach a wider audience. However, simply having a website is not enough. In order to stand out from the competition and attract potential customers, a website needs to be visually appealing and engaging. In fact, visual appeal is often considered a primary objective in business websites over functionality.
Visual appeal can attract and engage users with a website, leading to increased user satisfaction and retention. According to a study by the Missouri University of Science and Technology, users form an opinion about a website’s visual appeal within 50 milliseconds of visiting it [1]. This means that a website’s visual design is the first impression a user has of the business. A visually appealing website can also increase the perceived value of a business, leading to increased trust and credibility among potential customers.
While functionality is important in a website, it is not the only factor that determines user satisfaction. In fact, a study by the Nielsen Norman Group found that users are more likely to remember a website’s design than its functionality. This means that even if a website has great functionality, if it is not visually appealing, users are less likely to remember it and return to it in the future.
Moreover, a visually appealing website can also have a positive impact on a business’s bottom line. According to a study by Adobe, companies with a focus on design had a 219% higher year-over-year growth in revenue than companies without a focus on design. This demonstrates the importance of visual appeal in attracting and retaining customers, ultimately leading to increased revenue for the business.
Other information for comparing between visual & wording on a Website.
| Criteria | Visual Elements | Wording |
| Engagement | High | Moderate |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Eye-catching, Grabs the user’s attention quickly | Minimalistic |
| Information | Visual representation | Concise and descriptive |
| Accessibility | May require visual interpretation | Universal comprehension |
| Memorability | Memorable & Impressive | Forgettable |
| Emotional Impact | Evokes emotions | Depends on the wording |
| User Preferences | Attracts visually-oriented users | Appeals to text-oriented users |
| Impact on Conversion | High conversion potential | Moderate conversion potential |
In conclusion, while functionality is important in a website, visual appeal is often considered a primary objective in business websites over functionality. A visually appealing website can attract and engage users, increase user satisfaction and retention, increase the perceived value of a business, and ultimately lead to increased revenue. Therefore, businesses should prioritize visual appeal in their website design to stand out from the competition and attract potential customers.
