There are basic principles and rules that should be followed when designing a website. However, just because you follow those rules doesn’t mean that your website will be a winner. There are a few additional steps you can take to really make your web design stand out from the crowd.

1.       Use a large image as a background. Images can make or break your web design. Large images used as backgrounds can actually be very good for your website. This makes your page visually appealing, which will keep visitors on your page longer. Some simple CSS programming can make this step happen quite easily.

2.       Think about the navigation. The way the navigation of a website is designed will not only make the site more user friendly, but it will also help with visual appeal. You may need more than a simple toolbar at the top of the page to enhance navigation. Try adding color, unique fonts, or images to your navigation.

3.       Avoid clutter. Designing with a very minimalistic style can help you to stand out from the sea of competitors. Don’t mistake minimalism for lack of substance. In fact, the exact opposite is true. When done effectively, a minimalistic design can achieve balance and provide a very attractive and agreeable website. There’s no need to go overboard with fancy design elements and images.

The next time you need to design a stylish, effective, and useful website, keep these three tips in mind. You might be surprised at how effective these tips will be to your overall design style.