What is motion design?

Motion design is a creative way to bring graphics, text and other elements to life using animation. It is not just about making things move on a screen. It is about creating emotions, telling stories and guiding users through a digital experience.

Advantages of using motion design

Enhancing user experience

One of the main benefits of using motion graphic design is that it boosts user engagement. Animated elements catch attention more effectively than static ones, making users more likely to spend time exploring your content. This increased engagement is important for websites that want to lower bounce rates and improve conversions.

Guides user’s attention

Motion design is great for guiding user’s attention. It can highlight important features, show users where to focus, and explain how things on a page are connected. When used thoughtfully, motion helps users make the right choices without adding unnecessary distractions.

Reduce cognitive load

A good animation can make it easier for users to understand how a website works. Motion can guide attention to important areas, highlight key actions, and create smoother interactions, helping users process information with less effort.

Differentiating the brand

Motion design helps make a brand unique and memorable. By using animations and transitions that match the brand, designers can strengthen its identity and create a smooth, consistent look that makes it stand out from competitors. Whether i tis a fun loading animation or a special way pages change, motion design adds a unique touch that connects with users and leaves a lasting impression.

Creates smooth transitions

In static web design, transitions between pages or actions can feel sudden and disconnected. Motion fills in the gaps, making these shifts feel smoother and more natural. This improves the overall flow and helps users feel more in control of their experience.

Reduces loading screen boredom

Loading screens can often feel boring and frustrating, which can hurt the user experience. Luckily, UX motion design can make these moments more enjoyable and less annoying. A loading screen happens when users have to wait for something to load or process before they can continue. By adding motion design, you can turn a plain blank screen into something engaging and interesting for your users.

Indicate errors or successful actions

Motion can be used to show errors or successful actions, helping to reduce confusion and make things clearer for the user. By providing visual cues, like a shake for an error or a subtle bounce for success, users can quickly understand the outcome of their actions and know what to do next.

Types of motion design

Loading animations

When users are waiting for a page to load or search results to show up, loading animations can make the experience much better. Simple things like a spinning icon or a progress bar let them know the system is working. This helps the wait feel quicker and less annoying, keeping users more patient and making the system seem smoother.

Microinteractions

Microinteractions are little animations that make using a website more enjoyable. For example, a button might change colour when you click it or an icon pulse to show users that their actions have been noticed. These small touches make tasks easier, reduce confusion, and add a bit of personality to the interface. They might seem minor, but they can make a big difference in keeping users happy and coming back.

Animated logos

Animated logos are a great way to bring a brand to life. They add energy and personality, making a brand more memorable and unique. These logos can be simple, like a quick transition, or more detailed, like an animation that tells the brand’s story.

Form submission feedback

Feedback animations for form submissions let users know what’s happening after they click submit. For example, a checkmark means success, and an error message shows if something needs fixing. These animations help users feel sure that their information has been received and processed. They make the process easier and less confusing, so users are more likely to keep going and finish the form.

Navigation transitions

Navigation animations use smooth effects to help users move between sections or pages of a website. Effects like sliding fading, or scaling create smooth transitions that help users stay oriented and reduce confusion. By making the navigation process smoother, they create a more enjoyable and professional experience, encouraging users to explore further.

Interactive tutorials

Interactive tutorials guide users through a website’s features in a simple and engaging way. They might include things like animated tutorials and guides or step-by-step instructions. They make it easier for users to understand how the website works by breaking down complicated tasks into simple steps so they feel more comfortable and confident right from the start.

Explainer video

An explainer video explains a product or service, introduces a brand, explains how a product works or demonstrates a step-by-step process. It helps viewers quickly understand what the product or service does and how it can benefit them, making it easier to make decisions or take action.

Infographics and data visualisation

Animated infographics and data visualisations make complex information easier to understand by turning it into eye-catching visual stories. They’re commonly used in news, educational content, and corporate presentations to make data and trends clear and interesting.

Best practices for implementing motion design in 2024

To make sure motion design and animations improve the user experience, here are some tips to follow:

Meaningful motion design: Every animation should have a clear reason. Avoid using effects that could distract or confuse users.

Smooth performance: Make sure animations run smoothly and don’t slow things down. Stuttery or slow animations can hurt the user experience, especially on mobile devices.

Consistency and timing: Keep animation styles and timing consistent across your site or app for a seamless experience.

Ensure animations don’t interfere with content: Animations should not get in the way of the content or actions users need to take. Make sure animations are simple and don’t distract from the main focus of the page. Users should be able to interact with important elements like buttons or forms without having to wait for an animation to finish.

Guide users easily: Use motion to help users move easily from one action to the next, like showing buttons, transitions or loading process so the experience feels simple and clear.

Use colours and textures that align with your brand identity: Your UX motion design should reflect your brand’s style, so choose colours and textures that connect with users emotionally and represent your brand’s values.

Keep performance in mind: Heavy animations can make your website slower. To keep it fast, make sure your animations are optimised. Use smaller libraries, compress files and avoid too many animations that could slow down the user experience.

Test your motion design: Before adding motion design to your website or product page, make sure to test it on all devices and browsers. This will help ensure it works properly and looks good everywhere.

If you are interested in learning more about how animation can be effectively used in web design, be sure to check out our blog post on Animation in web design and how to use it effectively.

In conclusion, motion design is shaping user experience in 2024 by making interfaces more engaging and intuitive. From smooth transitions to playful animations, it helps guide users and adds personality to interfaces. By understanding the benefits, exploring different types, and using the right techniques, designers can create experiences that not only work well but also leave a lasting impression.

Early this year we launched a new website for SHFT Group. SHFT use its experience from global campaigns to produce documentaries that aim to change public opinion, influence policymakers and inspire important conversations.

The SHFT website features a modern, dynamic design that emphasises smooth video transitions and interactive scrolling. Videos are placed directly into the layout. As users scroll down the page, they are presented with various video clips showcasing behind-the-scenes footage from the filming process and their digital content projects, giving a closer look at the company’s work.

The goal of the website design was to highlight SHFT’s expertise in storytelling through video. The site gives an easy and seamless experience, making it simple for users to explore their digital media and campaign work.

Looking for a new web design?

Reactive recently launched a new website for Square Global Markets. With offices in London and Paris, the company provides tailored financial solutions in cash equities, ETFs, and a range of equity derivatives, from standard to more complex products.

The updated website has a clean, contemporary design in dark mode, using a deep navy colour that gives it a modern look that evokes a sense of professionalism and sophistication.

To give the website added dimension, we incorporated short video clips aligned with Square Global Market’s ethos. In the hero section, videos bring the site to life. Each video scene reflects the brand’s strength and its ability to navigate dynamic markets. Each clip is filtered in a deep navy colour to match the overall visual theme.

We designed a new brand identity for the business to align with the company’s strategy for growth in 2024 and beyond. Strong geometric shapes help to convey a sense of trust and stability. For the logo, we designed a simple visual: a circle with a square inside, reflecting the ideas of “square” and “global”. Next to this symbol, Square Global Markets is written in clean, easy-to-read letters, creating a strong and clear brand presence.

Looking for a new web design?

What is a dark mode web design?

Most websites and apps usually have dark text on a light or white background. We are all used to seeing this when we browse the internet or use our phones. Even before computers, we wrote with black ink on white paper and read books with dark text on light pages. It is just how things have always been for us.

But dark mode changes all that by switching from light backgrounds to dark ones. Instead of dark text on a white background, dark mode features light text on a dark background. It is hard to pinpoint when exactly dark mode was introduced, but in the past years, it has become an increasingly popular feature in major platforms like Facebook, Google, YouTube, Microsoft, X and Instagram.

Advantages of using dark mode on your website

Reduce eye strain

One of the best things about dark mode for your website users is its potential to reduce eye strain. If they stare at a bright screen for too long, it can tire out their eyes and even give them headaches. Dark mode web design cuts down on blue light, which is especially helpful in the evening before bed because blue light can mess with your sleep. Also if they’re in a dark room, a darker background is much easier on the eyes. This is especially true for apps and websites where people spend a lot of time reading or scrolling, like social media or news sites.

Looks appealing

Let’s be honest dark mode looks fantastic. While most websites stick to a bland white design, dark mode stands out with its mysterious and fresh feel. Colours pop against dark backgrounds, making them more vibrant for your website users. It also creates great opportunities for showcasing graphic content like graphs, dashboards, images and photos. Dark mode gives websites a stylish, modern look, so it is a smart choice for brands wanting to keep their design up-to-date for their users.

Saves user’s battery

Dark mode web design can help save battery life for your website users, especially those with devices that have OLED or AMOLED screens. In these types of screens, each pixel creates its own light. When dark mode is used, pixels displaying black are turned off entirely, which conserves energy. So, if your website offers a dark mode option, users with OLED devices may experience longer battery life compared to using a regular light mode.

Readability

Dark mode can help your website visitors read more easily, especially those with certain vision problems or who are sensitive to bright lights. The dark background and light text can make the words pop and be clearer. Still, how easy it is for users to read can vary based on personal preferences and how well the dark mode is set up on your website.

Disadvantages of using dark mode on your website

Some people see dark colour as something negative

Think about a person in dark clothing – do they seem elegant and mysterious or do they look sad and gloomy? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the same goes for dark mode. For some website visitors, dark colours can bring up negative feelings and sadness, while others may find them elegant and luxurious. Although we love dark mode web design, it ultimately comes down to what each person prefers.

Readability

When creating a website with dark mode, you should be aware that light text on dark backgrounds can be hard to read if the contrast is too strong. This can create a “halation effect,” making the text look a bit blurry, which may be especially challenging for website users with astigmatism.

Dark mode website development time

Another downside of adding dark mode to your website is that it can take a lot of time to develop and test, especially if your site is large. This work can be time-consuming and may need extra changes to make sure everything looks good in dark mode. Because of this, website owners will need web development support to handle this process effectively.

Battery life

If your website users have phones or computers with older LCD screens, dark mode won’t really save their battery. They will need a OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen for this to be the case.

You can find different and sometimes debated opinions about dark mode. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference.

When to use a dark mode on your website

While dark mode web design can be useful in some situations, it is not always needed. Here are a few examples of when it is a good idea to use dark mode on your website.

Long sessions

The more time people spend looking at your design in one sitting, the more likely they are to experience eye strain and drain their device’s battery. Adding features like dark mode on your website can make a big difference, helping to keep their eyes more comfortable and extending battery life. For example, this is especially helpful for users reading an e-book on your site.

Frequent usage

The more users interact with your design, the longer they will spend looking at it, which means they are more likely to use it in low-light settings. For example, messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messanger are often used at night, so having a dark mode can help make it easier on the eyes.

Low-light situations

Using apps in a dim environment, like a navigation app at night, can make bright white screens really annoying for users. When your eyes are used to the dark, bright screens can feel harsh. That sudden burst of light makes it tough to focus and can tire your eyes out quickly.

Minimal use of media

When there is little use of media like photos and videos generally look the same in light and dark modes. This means that if you have a lot of this type of content, dark mode doesn’t make much of a difference.

Minimalist content

Dark mode works well for minimalist content by making important parts stand out clearly against the dark background. It keeps the design simple and clean, helping users focus on what matters most.

Dark mode website: Tips and tricks

• Using pure black with white text can create too much contrast, which may lead to eye strain for users. Instead of using pure black consider using a softer shade. For example, Google’s design team recommends using “Cod Gray” or colour #121212.
• Instead of using pure white, try a softer shade. Using a softer shade for the text on a dark background can make it easier on the eyes and still easy to read. This combination helps make reading more comfortable.
• Instead of using black or grey colour, try using a much darker shade of your primary brand colour for the background. For example, if your brand colour is blue, you could use a dark navy or midnight blue.
• A great tip for adding dark mode to your website is to include a toggle that lets users easily switch between light and dark modes. This gives users the choice to pick what works best for them based on where they are and what they like. Make sure to place the toggle in an easy-to-find spot, like the header or footer, so that everyone can quickly find it and use it.
• Avoid using shadows in dark mode. Shadows are often used to show depth and help people see the difference between the background and the content in light mode. While this works well in light settings, it can be confusing in dark mode.
• Don’t forget to adjust your images for dark mode as well. Make sure they blend well with the dark background by using a filter to tweak their contrast and brightness.
• Before you finish your dark mode UI design, check how it looks in different lighting conditions, both dim and bright. It’s also a good idea to test it under regular light bulbs.

In conclusion, dark mode websites work well for minimalist content, social media sites and entertainment platforms. The choice of whether to use dark mode web design or not depends on the type of site you have and the experience you want to create for your users. What do you think: does dark mode help you focus better when browsing or do you prefer the classic light mode?

Reactive launched a new website for JB Drax Honoré, a leading financial markets intermediary. Their goal is to anonymously secure the best possible liquidity for their clients from global liquidity providers, across a broad range of asset classes.

For the web design, we focused on creating a clean, professional look that mirrors JB Drax Honoré’s tailored approach to financial services. The colour palette consists of various shades of blue, chosen for their association with trust, stability and professionalism – qualities that are central to the firm’s brand. These cool tones, combined with refined typography and subtle transitions, give the site a polished and sophisticated feel without overwhelming the user experience.

The goal was to build a website that not only looks good but also helps JB Drax Honoré showcase their expertise and connect with global clients, including asset managers, investment banks and trading houses. The result is a site that enhances their credibility while being simple and intuitive to use.

Looking for a new web design?

What is visual hierarchy?

Visual hierarchy is a way to arrange design elements by their importance to guide user’s attention. A clear visual hierarchy helps direct the eye to the most important parts of the page. A good way to see visual hierarchy in action is through poster design. Posters are often large and placed in busy spots where you only have a few seconds to catch people’s eyes. To do this, they are designed so that the most important information really stands out.

Why is visual hierarchy important in web design?

Visual hierarchy is key to making your website engaging and easy to use. Without it, if every part of your design were treated equally, nothing would stand out. Visual hierarchy highlights the most important elements, helping to guide user’s attention and keep them interested. It also helps people find what they need and do things like fill out forms or make purchases. By making sure important content stands out, it helps visitors navigate your site smoothly. Overall, a good visual hierarchy makes your website more intuitive and user-friendly.

Principles of visual hierarchy in web design

Understanding visual hierarchy in web design is key to creating an effective UI and UX experience. Let’s go over some principles you should consider when designing a website.

Scale

The principle of scale means that bigger elements catch the eye more easily, so using size helps show what is most important. To make scale work effectively in your design, use just three sizes – small, medium and large. This helps keep things clear and organised, like having different sizes for headers, subheaders and body text. Make sure the most important element is the largest to grab attention and keep less important elements smaller. Don’t use too many large elements, ideally just one or two to ensure they stand out and make the hierarchy easy to follow.

Colour

Colour isn’t just for making your site look nice. It’s a powerful way to create a visual hierarchy. Bright colours like red or orange catch the eye, while softer colours like green or blue tend to fade into the background. By using colour wisely, you can highlight important areas of your site, like CTAs or key messages. Just be careful not to overdo it. Stick to a consistent colour scheme that fits your brand identity and use pops of colour sparingly to draw attention where it is needed most.

Contrast

Contrast is important for creating a visual hierarchy in a web design. Contrast helps make certain parts of your design stand out. You can use things like colour, brightness or font-weight to do this. A bright headline on a soft background catches the eye quickly and a dark button on a light page is more likely to get clicked. Good contrast helps people spot important information easily.

Scanning patterns

When people browse the web, they usually don’t read every word. Instead, they scan the page to find the important parts, using different reading patterns. There are two main reading layouts the Z pattern and the F pattern.

The Z-pattern layout draws attention from the top-left corner first, moves to the top-right, then down to the bottom-left and finishes at the bottom-right. Each corner typically features something important, like a logo or a call-to-action button. On the other hand the F-pattern layout, which leads visitors from left to right and then back again is ideal for text-heavy pages.

Proximity

This principle says that elements placed close to each other on a website look more related than those that are further apart. Proximity has a strong effect on visual hierarchy in web design, to the point that it can even override other factors such as similarity in colour or shape.

Density and whitespace

Fitting too many elements into a space can make it feel crowded and messy. If elements are spaced too far apart, it can be hard to see how they are connected. The key is to balance things so that it is easy to tell which elements go together and which don’t. Use whitespace around important information or buttons to reduce clutter. This not only makes your site look better but also helps focus attention on key parts by setting them apart from the rest of the content.

Texture and style

Choosing the right textures and styles helps make your web design clear and appealing. Textures, whether subtle or bold, can make elements stand out and help separate different sections. Common options like gradients, shadows and patterns can make your website more eye-catching. But be careful, too many textures and styles can make the design look cluttered. Keep things balanced to maintain a clean and attractive look.

Consistency

People are often overwhelmed by information and naturally prefer simplicity, sometimes without even realising it. To ease their mental load, users look for shortcuts, patterns and straightforward ways to interact with digital tools and communication channels. Consistency is crucial for achieving this simplicity. It helps show how elements connect and creates a clear visual structure. This involves using the same icons, fonts, image sizes, buttons, labels and other key elements. By placing items consistently on the page, you help make a website easy to scan and well-organised.

Grid-based layouts

Grids help organise your page, making it easier for users to understand the layout and find what they need. Using grids for alignment and spacing helps create a visual structure, adding rhythm and flow that makes the content easier to understand.

Typography

Typography hierarchy makes text easier to read by arranging it to show which parts are most important. Without it, every letter, word and sentence would look the same, making the text harder to understand. In general every design should have three levels of hierarchy: a heading, a subheading and body text. After that, it is up to the designer to decide if any additional levels are needed.

How to test the hierarchy of your website

To test your hierarchy, do a user test. Ask someone who doesn’t know your website to visit the page and tell you which parts they notice first, second, third and so on. It is a good idea to test with several people to get more feedback. Their comments will show you which parts are too noticeable and which need more attention. Then you can adjust your page based on the hierarchy principles mentioned earlier.

Also we recommend checking out tools like Inspectlet, Microsoft Clarity and Hotjar. They offer features like session recordings that show how users interact with your site – where they click, how they move their mouse and more. They also provide heatmaps to help you see which parts of the page attract the most attention and which are overlooked. This insight can be really helpful for tweaking your site and making it more user-friendly.

Visual hierarchy is important in web design, but you need to understand your content and what you want to say before picking your visual hierarchy and style. Sometimes you can use different methods for visual hierarchy, but other times you might have to work with limited space or specific background colours. The best approach is to choose the visual hierarchy techniques that work for your situation and use them to make the content clear and easy to read. The goal is to organise the information so users can understand it easily.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for search engine optimisation. It is all about making your website and content rank higher on search engines like Google. Good SEO helps your site show up better in search results, making it easier for people to find you. Since most people use search engines to find online content, using SEO practices is important. It helps draw more visitors to your site and increases your traffic.

Benefits of SEO best practices

More traffic for your website

One of the biggest benefits of SEO is that it attracts high-quality traffic to your website. Unlike traditional marketing, which can be hit-or-miss, using SEO best practices ensures that your website shows up in search results when people are actively looking for what you offer. This means you reach them at a key moment when they are focused and looking for solutions, rather than when they are distracted by other activities, which generates more leads.

Boost brand awareness

SEO helps people notice and remember your brand by making sure your business appears often in search results. When people see your company frequently, it increases the chances that people will recognise and recall your brand. This repeated exposure builds trust and makes your brand more familiar to them.

Boost your credibility

Another benefit of SEO is that it helps make your site look more credible. When your site appears at the top of Google’s search results, people are more likely to trust it. Being on the first page makes your site seem more reliable compared to others that are lower down. It also increases the chances that people will click on your link rather than your competitor’s.

Make your website easier to index

Faster indexing is also a benefit of using SEO best practices. When you make your website easier to index, Google can find and list your new or updated pages more quickly. This means your content appears in search results sooner. With quicker indexing, you get better visibility on Google, leading to more visitors and higher click-through rates.

Boost conversion rate

SEO helps bring people to your website for free. Once visitors arrive at your site, the goal is to turn them into customers or at least get their contact information. The percentage of visitors who do what you want, like making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter, is called the conversion rate. Your goal is to make this rate as high as possible. Since SEO increases the number of visitors to your website, it will also boost the conversion rate.

Decrease advertising cost

SEO best practices help you save money on ads and marketing in the long run. When your business appears on the first page of search results, you can spend less on ads and use that money for other things, like improving your content. Many businesses discover that SEO is cheaper and more effective than traditional ads. Often, within the first year, they find that SEO not only costs less but also brings better long-term results.

SEO best practices

This section will give you practical tips to help your website rank better on Google and other search engines.

Do keyword research

SEO isn’t just about getting any visitors to your site. It is about bringing in people who need what you offer and could become customers. To do that you have to rank for the keywords they are searching for, otherwise, they won’t find you, even if you are at the top of the search results. That is why good SEO starts with figuring out what words your potential customers are using in their searches.

Focus on UX

In June 2021, Google introduced its Core Web Vitals update, focusing on user experience (UX) rather than just content. This update evaluates three main factors: how quickly your site loads, how stable it is, and how responsive it is to user interactions. Google’s goal is to provide a better experience across devices, especially mobile, following its move to mobile-first indexing in March 2021. To stay ahead make sure to optimise your site’s loading speed, stability and responsiveness to meet these standards. Additionally, consider updating your website design to enhance these elements and improve overall user experience.

Use internal links

Internal linking or connecting one page on your site to other pages is a powerful yet often overlooked SEO tactic. Good internal links help search engines understand your site and make it easier for visitors to find their way around. Using internal links helps Google understand the context of your content through anchor text (the clickable words in a link) and highlights the value of your pages.

Remove or fix weak content

Every piece of content on your site should have a clear goal, like attracting visitors, turning leads into customers, or improving your site’s reputation. Regularly check how your content is performing to make sure it is effective. If something isn’t working, consider updating or removing it as it could hurt your site’s performance. Search engines favour the latest and most relevant information, so keeping your content updated can help you rank higher in search results.

Relevant meta titles and descriptions

Meta titles and descriptions are short summaries of your page that show up on search engine results. They help people decide if they want to click on your page and help search engines understand what it is about. To make them work well, use your main keywords at the start, add details like numbers or dates to make them pop, include a call to action (like learn more or buy now) and keep titles under 60 characters and descriptions under 160 characters. Make sure each page has a unique title and description.

Link building

Building high-quality backlinks is one of the most challenging aspects of SEO. Google doesn’t say backlinks directly impact rankings, but sites with few links usually don’t rank high. To figure out how many links you need, check how many links top-ranking pages have for your keywords. Start by analysing your competitor’s backlinks and trying to get similar ones with tools like Ahrefs. Focus on creating great content that naturally earns links from respected sources, like through guest posts, shareable infographics or participating in online communities.

Fix broken links

Broken links can hurt your SEO rankings. Google likes sites that are up-to-date and well-maintained, so too many broken links can make your site look outdated. They also cause crawl errors because Google’s bots cannot fully index pages with broken links. To follow SEO best practices, regularly check for and fix broken links to prevent any negative impact on your rankings.

Optimise images with alt-text

Images make your website more attractive and can help with SEO. To use them effectively, choose high-quality, relevant images instead of generic ones. Make sure they load quickly by keeping file sizes small. Also use alt-text (alternative) to explain what each image is about, so both people and search engines can understand them.

Mobile-first indexing

Since most website traffic comes from mobile devices, you should make sure your site works well on phones and tablets. Use a responsive web design that adjusts to different screen sizes and make sure your pages load quickly by compressing images and minimising heavy scripts. Google primarily uses the mobile version of your website for indexing and ranking.

Optimise content for voice search

Voice search is growing fast and might soon replace traditional search. In 2023 60% of UK households with 16-24-year-olds had a smart speaker. Optimising schema markup (the language in which search engines communicate) for voice search helps search engines find your website faster and reach a bigger audience using voice search.

SEO best practices are always evolving because search engines and user habits change over time. To keep your site ranking high, it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques. Which aspect of SEO do you find the most challenging: keyword research, link building or something else? Let us know in the comment below.

Keep your WordPress core, themes and plugins updated

Maintaining your WordPress core, themes and plugins and making sure that they are up to date helps the site with its structure, appearance, and functionality. Each update not only brings forth novel features but also fortifies vulnerabilities unearthed in previous iterations through bug fixes and performance enhancements while delivering crucial security patches. This proactive approach not only enriches your website with enhanced functionality but also erects formidable barriers against potential intruders, significantly bolstering your overall security measures. By performing regular updates, you not only guard the website from potential vulnerabilities and performance but also make sure that your site stays dynamic, engaging, and reliable.

Reliable hosting website

Securing reliable hosting for your website is a foundation for your presence online, making sure that you provide a stable and reliable platform that your visitors can use. When launching your website, you need to ensure you pick a reliable hosting provider with good security measures. By introducing your website to a reliable host, you make sure that you will have features such as malware scanning, backups, SSL certificates, and a firewall. The right provider can offer many solutions to meet the requirements of your website as handling increasing traffic, adapting to changing business needs, or supporting other applications. By making sure of choosing the right hosting provider, you lay the foundation of a stable digital realm.

Here are a few hosting providers Reactive recommends: Wpengine, Siteground, Wordify.

Making sure to have strong and unique passwords & two-factor authentication

Your passwords are the entrance to your WordPress website, so using strong and unique passwords is necessary to make sure that your website is safe. In real life, we do not use the same key to access multiple locks, so making sure that you have a unique password adds an extra coat of safety. An additional security measure that could be considered is two-factor authentication. The plugins that might be worth to your website are: Solid Security, Password Protected. Make sure, that the password is a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters that cannot be easily guessed. Using these tips and tools, you can keep your WordPress site secure in 2024.

Limit login attempts

Web attacks pose a huge threat to WordPress sites, and limiting login attempts would help prevent against malicious activities. Few of the most popular plugins that your business could use are Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, Limit Login Attempts and WP Limit Login Attempts. While making sure that the user can try to access their account within the specified timeframe, you are making sure to protect yourself from unlawful access, but also preserve server resources and encourage users to choose stronger password protection. Implementing lockout mechanisms enhances resistance and stops potential attackers while keeping the balance between security and user experience.

Enable your firewall

Making sure that you have a firewall guarding your website guarding your website against malicious threats is necessary to keep your website safe. The firewall’s mission is to monitor incoming traffic, identify it, and block potential threats before they impact your website. A WAF is like a shield against cyber threats and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), among others. Recommended plugins that you should take under consideration are: Wordfence Security, All-In-One Security (AIOS), CleanTalk. While the device tries to access the website, it is scanned and searched for any suspicious patterns and creating the barrier. It also helps with controlling the traffic, by customizing security rules and policies that you might have. By this method, you are not only protecting your business against cyber attacks but also helping the visitors to feel safe and secure.

Change your default login URL

Changing the default login URL of your site will relocate the entrance to your WordPress account, that will make it harder for malicious threats to target your business. You can replace your ordinary “/wp-admin” or “wp-login.php” URLs with your own, chosen address that will add additional security that can prevent automated bots and potential risks. The most recommended plugin that could help you with that is: WPS Hide Login. A simple yet effective measure that would minimise targeted attacks would first have to uncover your login address even before they can attempt of breach other of your site’s defences.

Backing up your website as a one of the biggest WordPress security tips for 2024.

Frequently backing up your website, ensures that even when your WordPress website is hacked or breached, your business can restore it to its original state. By regularly archiving your website, you make sure that you will not have data loss, or any other setback that could make your business struggle. It also reassures you that your valuable files and database are preserved. Whether it involves scheduling automated or manual backups, they should be prioritised when it comes to the safety of your system.

Choose appropriate user roles

You can invite others to contribute to your website, which is great for group blogs, magazine-style sites or large websites.

You can assign different roles with specific permissions:
Contributor: Can draft posts but not publish.
Author: Can publish posts and upload images.
Editor: Can edit/publish any posts, moderate comments, manage categories/tags.
Administrator: Full control of the site.

Assign roles based on what you want users to do. Use Contributor for occasional writers and Author or Editor for trusted, long-term users. Only give the Administrator role to those you fully trust and remove it when no longer needed to maintain WordPress security in 2024.

Stay informed about WordPress security in 2024.

As a website owner, knowledge is your most powerful weapon. By keeping yourself up to date with the latest security risks and vulnerabilities that could affect your website, you can prepare your system and prevent them where possible. Regularly reviewing user roles and permissions is a crucial part of this process.

In conclusion, every WordPress site owner should integrate various security features such as limited login attempts, firewalls, and backups. By implementing these, you ensure your visitors that your website is secure, safe and trustworthy. By staying proactive and prioritising WordPress security in 2024, you equip yourself with self-assurance and peace of mind, ensuring that your website remains resilient against online vulnerabilities.

What is a homepage?

Every website has a homepage. It is the main landing page you see when you open a web browser. From here, users can easily navigate to different sections of the website. The overall look and feel of a homepage, including layout, colours, design and shapes, is what we refer to as its homepage design.

But a homepage is about more than just looks. It’s primarily focused on simplicity and making it easy for users to find information and move around your website. That is why understanding what your audience wants to see on your homepage is crucial for making it effective.

Why is it essential to create a good web design’s homepage?

As we mentioned at the beginning, first impressions are everything. People nowadays have a short attention span and typically spend less than 15 seconds on websites. That means you have 15 seconds to grab the visitor’s attention and during this time, the visitor decides whether they leave the website or explore it further. That is why it is key for your homepage to immediately capture their interest with engaging design and content, guiding them seamlessly through your site.

Tips on how to transform your web design’s homepage

In this section, we will provide some tips on how to transform your web design’s homepage to look more engaging.

Design the homepage to look like a homepage

Visitors have certain expectations for a homepage’s appearance. Usually, it starts with a prominent hero banner communicating a clear message at the top of the page. Next, they look for a well-organised navigation menu. Viewers want a straightforward message – so avoid overwhelming the homepage with too much text or multiple CTA (calls-to-action) buttons. Overall, your revamped homepage should welcome readers in without asking too much of them.

Create a powerful hero banner

The hero image, as the largest photo on your homepage, should clearly represent your brand. It should instantly show visitors how they can benefit from your products or services. Also choose a hero image that fits well with your brand. An image that doesn’t resonate with your vision and values won’t inspire interaction.

The hero image typically includes:

– Graphical element: This visual image will be the first impression of your company. Hero images often feature people to create a sense of connection. Other images emphasize the company’s value proposition, evoke an emotional response, or include industry-relevant graphics. While static images are the most common, video and animation are becoming increasingly popular.

– The headline: five times as many people read the headline as the body copy. If the headline doesn’t immediately capture their interest, they will leave quickly. Therefore, these five to ten words are essential. Take your time and carefully consider multiple options.

The right amount and type of information

A homepage should give just the right amount of information to catch a visitor’s interest. It should explain what your business does and how it can help them. Plus, it should encourage visitors to explore more of your website. If the text is too long and it is difficult to navigate visitors may get discouraged and leave your website.

Clear navigation

Next is navigation. Place primary navigation in a highly noticeable place. Users should find the navigation easily and quickly understand what the website offers and where to find it. On mobile devices horizontal menus that collapse into a hamburger icon are standard and used by the majority of sites.

Include CTA (Call-To-Action) buttons

Your website’s homepage should interest visitors and encourage them to explore more. Using a CTA is a great way to guide visitors into deeper pages, start the buying process or make direct contact. The easier and more appealing you make it for visitors to click on these CTAs, the more likely they will spend time exploring your website. But remember, you should not include too many CTAs because it can overwhelm visitors and dilute the effectiveness of each individual call to action.

Target keywords

Creating the right message can sometimes make us forget how people find our website, which is usually through search engines, like Google. Your website needs to attract both those who know your brand and those who don’t but are looking for solutions using certain keywords. The main keyword you want potential customers to link with your business should be the focus of your homepage. Make sure it is featured in the H1 tag, meta description, sub-headings and body text in a natural way.

High-quality images and video content

Using high-quality images and videos is essential for engaging users and boosting your brand image. Select professional visuals that match your brand identity and avoid low-resolution or irrelevant content. Thoughtfully arranging these visuals on your web pages improves organisation and enhances the user experience.

Highlighting your products and services

To move users further down the sales funnel, start by highlighting your products and services. Since most users are searching for solutions to their problems, showcasing what you offer helps them find what they need and explore more details.

Social media integration

By adding social media to your website design, you can prompt users to follow and interact on different platforms, which boosts your company’s online presence and reputation. To do this well, prominently display your social media handles on your website – whether at the top, bottom or sidebar. Also include share buttons so users can easily spread your website content on their social networks, helping to increase your website’s impact.

Responsive web design

Responsive web design allows your website to change its layout and content to fit different device’s screens, ensuring users have a great experience. Responsive web design is important because if potential customers are using their phones to browse the internet and your website doesn’t adjust to fit their screens, they will likely leave your site quickly, which can increase your bounce rate.

Show what is clickable

A well-designed homepage guides visitors effectively. Highlight clickable elements with colour, underlines or bold text and change the cursor from a standard arrow into another element (like pointy finger or larger dot) on hover.

Your design is an important part of your business. Transforming your homepage from ordinary to professional involves careful attention to design details. Implement these tips to make your website not only look professional but also function seamlessly.

A great homepage is just the beginning of a successful website. To keep generating leads, you need the whole site to work together to attract, engage and convert visitors.  If you need assistance with your web design, feel free to contact us.

What is a microsite?

As the name suggests, a microsite is like a miniature website, it is much smaller than a typical website. It‘s usually 2-3 web pages or a one-page website. A one-page website has proven to be an effective way to boost engagement. Having all the information in one place naturally creates a positive user experience, especially when the site is well-optimised for handheld devices, allowing for easy swiping and navigation.

What is the difference between a landing page and a microsite?

At first, these two marketing vehicles may seem nearly identical. A landing page is a single page, always published on its branded parent website. In contrast, a microsite can consist of multiple pages and may be published as part of the parent site or independently.

Landing pages are frequently used in online advertising campaigns, email marketing and social media promotions. They usually feature a focused message, minimal distractions and a clear call-to-action (CTA). The main goal of a landing page is to convert visitors into leads or customers by encouraging them to take specific actions, such as filling out a form, making a purchase or downloading a newsletter.

Microsites provide more extensive content and functionality compared to landing pages. They are ideal for raising brand awareness and are usually created to promote a company’s product, service, campaign or event.

Advantages of a microsite

Because of their immersive nature, they are ideal for focused storytelling about a single brand, product or service. Microsites are easier to develop and quicker to launch. They are naturally highly engaging due to their focused content. Users prefer not to spend time navigating through a complex main company website. Providing customers with what they want in a tidy, easy-to-navigate format keeps them engaged. Whether they are single-page websites or more complex, you can create as much or as little content as needed to keep customers interested in your brand. Microsites are highly shareable, easy to scan and perfect for creating targeted campaigns.

Disadvantages of a microsite

A microsite may not have as much information or features as a full website. This limited content can make it harder for users to find all the details they need. Also, having fewer pages and less content on a microsite can make it tougher to rank high in search engines. This is because there are fewer chances to use keywords that people search for, which affects how many visitors the site gets from search results. For many companies, particularly those on the smaller side, the benefits of microsites can outweigh these potential negatives.

Example of microsites in web design

This section will discuss where it is appropriate to use microsites in web design. We will focus on specific examples and situations where microsites are most effective.

Business microsites

Having a website is crucial for establishing an online presence, building your brand and achieving your business objectives. Business microsite is designed to enhance brand recognition and tell the company’s story. They can be particularly beneficial for smaller businesses looking to introduce themself and showcase specific products and services in a focused and engaging way on the internet. We have created several microsites, mainly for financial firms, such as Blakeney Management, Socci Capital, Alithea Capital and Pythia Sports.

Portfolio microsites

If you are a photographer, artist or writer, having a portfolio website can boost your chances with employers or clients, i tis like your online art resume. It typically includes images, videos or clips that showcase your best work. You can regularly update it with new projects and achievements to keep it current and showcase how you have grown over time. This not only highlights your skills but also strengthens your personal brand.

Startup microsites

Microsites are quicker and more affordable to set up and manage compared to larger websites, which is perfect for startups working with limited resources. They can help enhance your brand’s visibility and credibility. In the early stages, you might also include a crowdfunding page or explore other funding options. Ultimately, the goal is to attract both customers who believe in your product and investors who see the potential in your venture.

Personal microsites

While a portfolio microsite is great for showing off your work, a personal website is where you can truly express yourself. It’s your own space to share your achievements and build your personal brand. What you decide to include on your personal website depends on your goals. If you’re using it to boost your career, you might want to include a resume, samples of your work and a bio. If it is more about self-expression, a blog and links to your social media profiles could be all you need.

Consulting microsites

Do you have unique expertise that others could benefit from? Your microsite should include a list of services you offer, information about your background and an explanation of who would benefit from your services. For example, if you are a financial planner use your site to explain how you help clients create comprehensive financial plans to meet their long-term goals or if you are a career consultant describe how you can help individuals advance their careers through resume building, interview preparation and job search strategies.

Booking microsites

A booking microsite helps you get started quickly and efficiently. The microsite can be built to let users sign up for classes, accommodations or services online. Customers can pick their preferred date, time and price. These websites also include recommendations, reviews and contact information.

Educational microsites

Provides detailed information on a specific subject, often including tutorials, articles, videos, and resources for learning.

Event microsites

Event microsites are for promoting events like conferences, webinars, or festivals, including schedules, speaker bios, and registration forms.

Reactive Graphics has designed and developed several effective microsites that load quickly and appeal to top clients. Feel free to reach out to discover more about our work.