A detailed guide to creating a responsive and user-friendly website: from idea to launch

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Define the purpose and objectives of the website

3. Choose the right platform and website builder

4. Overview of popular platforms: WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Zomro

5. Choosing a domain name

6. Plan the website structure

7. Create a sitemap

8. Develop a user-centric layout

9. Basic design principles: simplicity and use of white space

10. The importance of effective text on the website

11. Creating prototypes and wireframe structures

12. Gathering and creating engaging content

13. Establishing a brand style: colors, fonts, images

14. Mobile optimization

15. Implementing SEO strategies to increase visibility

16. Setting up key pages

17. Conclusion

Introduction

Today, creating your own website is not just an opportunity to announce yourself or your business online. It is a necessary step for those who want to be noticeable, competitive, and accessible to their audience. However, for a website to be truly effective, it is important not only to have it but also to design it properly.
Previously, we had a short article 5 steps to creating the website of your dreams, where we briefly described the process of creating a website and discussed some technical aspects, and in this article, we will go step by step on how to design a website that will be not only aesthetically pleasing but also convenient, functional, and adaptive. You will learn how to format a web page, select tools, choose a platform, and how to create your own website that will work for you 24/7.

1. Define the purpose and objectives of the website

Before creating a website, it is important to clearly answer the question: for whom and why are you doing it? A common mistake among beginners is that they immediately start choosing a template or developing a design without understanding what function the website should perform. Different types of websites serve different purposes, and this topic is covered in our article Types of websites: what for, why, and how.

Examples of goals:

• Attracting clients — the website as a sales channel (services, consultations, applications).
• Selling products — a full-fledged online store.
• Building an image — for companies, brands, personal experts.
• Informing — blogs, news portals, educational platforms.
• Communication and support — websites with forums, knowledge bases, FAQs.

How to formulate objectives:

• Increase the number of applications by 30% in 3 months
• Present a portfolio and case studies
• Gather subscribers for the newsletter
• Increase brand awareness

Clear definition of goals helps to build a user journey and select functions that solve real business and client tasks.

2. Choose the right platform and website builder

Choosing a platform is one of the most important steps. There are many options, and each has its pros and cons. Your task is to match the capabilities of the platform with your objectives, budget, and skill level.
What to pay attention to:

• Do you need an online store? Choose platforms that support eCommerce.
• Is SEO important? Check if there is access to meta tags, URL settings, speed.
• Do you have experience in development? Beginners will find builders suitable, while advanced users may prefer CMS.
• Budget: free solutions are often limited, while paid ones are more flexible and powerful.

3. Overview of popular platforms: WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Zomro

WordPress (wordpress.org)

• Type: Open-source CMS
• Suitable for: blogs, corporate websites, stores (with the WooCommerce plugin)
• Pros: flexibility, SEO-friendliness, thousands of plugins
• Cons: requires hosting, technical knowledge
• Recommended if you need a powerful website with scalability options.

Wix

• Type: Builder
• Suitable for: portfolios, landing pages, small business websites
• Pros: visual editor, quick creation, ready-made templates
• Cons: limited SEO settings, issues during migration
• Best for beginners who want a beautiful website "in one click".

Squarespace

• Type: Premium builder
• Suitable for: creative projects, online showcases
• Pros: stylish design, reliability, simplicity
• Cons: high price, less freedom
• A great choice if visual appeal and minimalism are important to you.

Zomro

• Type: Hosting and platform with a builder
• Suitable for: small and medium businesses, Russian-speaking users
• Pros: affordable prices, support, fast operation in the CIS market
• Cons: less known than foreign competitors
• Recommended if localization, support, and price are important.

The website development will be assisted by the builder provided by Zomro. This is a modern solution to your tasks, aimed at both people who know what they want and beginners trying their hand at creating websites. Unlike traditional builders like Wix and Squarespace, our builder combines the flexibility of CMS and project management tools.
The builder provided by Zomro has recently been actively developing built-in tools based on artificial intelligence to speed up and simplify the process of creating and managing websites.

Let's briefly review the available or integrated AI features:

• AI copywriting:
• creates headlines, subheadings, and descriptions of products or services;
• writes SEO-optimized texts;
• adapts style to the website's theme;
• translates content into other languages (useful for multilingual websites)

The AI design assistant can suggest optimizing the website structure based on the business, help choose basic color palettes, and automatically place elements on the page.

Automation of routine tasks:

• Auto-filling blocks.
• Image optimization and suggestions for alternative text (alt tags) for SEO.

AI content analysis:

• Checking for readability and relevance of the text.
• Suggestions for improving page structure and keyword density.
• Assessment of loading speed and usability with recommendations for improvement.

In addition to the builder, you will need hosting in the future, where your website will be located, and Zomro can provide you with such services for any needs. Choosing what and for what purposes will suit you will be helped by the article Online business: How to choose hosting for successful website placement.

4. Choosing a domain name

Your domain is not just the address of the website; it is an important part of branding. It affects both the first impression and user trust, as well as your positions in search engines. A well-chosen domain name allows you to stand out from competitors and is better remembered by the target audience.

4.1 Principles of choosing an effective domain name

When choosing a domain name, it is important to consider some key characteristics:

• Brevity — the shorter your domain, the easier it will be for users to remember and type it in the browser's address bar.
• Simplicity — it is important to avoid complex words, numbers, and symbols. Simple spelling will reduce the chance of errors when entering.
• Brand alignment — the name should evoke associations with your professional field or services.
• Keywords — if possible, include relevant keywords (e.g., “shop”, “design”, “consult”, etc.) to enhance search impact and reduce time spent on it.
• Uniqueness — check that the chosen name does not duplicate existing brands and does not violate anyone's copyrights.

Examples:

• Good: designhub.dev, eco-cleaning.com, mycoach.online
• Bad: best-websitetemplates2.biz

4.2 Checking availability and registering a domain

After you have decided on an option — check its availability through a service provided by Zomro:

If the domain is available — register it without delay, as good names are quickly taken. Choose a reliable domain name registrar that offers privacy protection, technical support, and the ability to renew without interruptions.

4.3 Choosing a domain extension

A domain extension (TLD) is what comes after the dot: .net, .org, .gg, etc. It also affects the perception of the website:

• .org, .net — universal and familiar, especially for an international audience.
• .shop, .store — emphasize the type of website and increase recognition.
• .news, .pro, .tech — thematic extensions that add meaning.
• .adult, .webcam — extensions that indicate age restrictions of resources.

Tip: if you are targeting an international audience, register several versions of the domain with different extensions to protect the brand and prevent copying.

4.4 Own domain and professionalism

Using your own domain instead of free subdomains (like myproject.wixsite.com) is a sign of a serious approach. This directly affects your level of trust, especially if you plan to promote the website, conduct sales, or build a customer base.
 

Advantages of having your own domain:

• Clients trust more
• Search is conducted with better indexing
• Email looks professional [email protected]
• Strengthens branding

5. Plan the website structure

Planning the website structure is not just about arranging pages. It is the architecture of the entire web resource, which affects navigation convenience, visitor behavior, and SEO effectiveness. A well-thought-out structure allows users to quickly find the information they need and increases the chances of achieving the website's goals — whether it be sales, applications, or registrations.
 

What the website structure includes:

• Main and secondary sections
• Page hierarchy (levels of nesting)
• Navigation menu and submenus
• Links between pages (internal links)
• URL names

Why structure is so important:

• For users: allows quick orientation and finding the necessary information without unnecessary clicks.
• For SEO: search engines better understand and index properly structured websites.
• For business: helps retain attention, guide to target actions, shorten the customer journey, and influences marketing.

Principles of designing an effective structure:

Simplicity and logic

•  The structure should be intuitive. The user should not "think", they should "find". Stick to 2–3 levels of nesting:
•  Home → Services → SEO promotion, not Home → Company → Services → Website promotion → SEO → Audit.

The role of each page

•  Each page should have its purpose: inform, sell, convert, or support.

Supporting the customer journey

•  Example: if a user comes from a blog, offer them to go to a related service. This builds a logical route towards the goal (in purchase, application, registration).

SEO optimization

• Use keywords in URLs (e.g., site.com/seo-promotion)
• Think through internal links: connect the blog with services, cases with reviews
• Create separate pages for key queries (e.g., site.com/creating-a-website-for-a-restaurant)

Useful tips:

• Start with a paper draft or visual planner.
• Use a mind map (e.g., XMind or Miro) to build a visual map of sections.
• Evaluate competitors: what do they have that you lack?
• Always design the structure with mobile users in mind — simplified menus, dropdown lists, convenient "Back" button.

6. Create a sitemap

A sitemap is a structured representation of all pages of your web resource. It helps search engines better index your site and plays an important role at the design stage when you build the logic of navigation and structure.
 

There are two types of sitemaps:

• Visual (UX map) — created at the planning and design stage. Its purpose is to show how pages are interconnected and how the user will navigate the site.
• Technical (XML sitemap) — created after the site launch for search engines like Google and Yandex. It helps bots understand which pages exist and which ones need to be indexed.
   

Why a sitemap is needed

Advantages of a visual sitemap:

• Clear understanding of the structure before development begins
• Ability to agree with the team or client
• Detection of "dangling" pages (without logical connection)
• Simplifies development and menu creation

Advantages of an XML sitemap:

• Speeds up site indexing
• Helps with SEO optimization
• Allows managing page visibility for search engines
• Indicates the last update date of each page

What to include in a visual sitemap

• Main pages: Home, About Us, Services, Contacts, etc.
• Secondary sections: service pages, cases, reviews, portfolio
• Blog and posts: indicate the "Blog" section and demonstrate the hierarchy: Blog → Categories → Posts
• Landing pages and special pages: landing pages for advertising
• System pages: 404, privacy policy, terms of use

How to create a visual sitemap

Here are some convenient tools:

• Octopus.do — a simple and understandable visual website planner. Ideal for creating UX maps.
• GlooMaps — a quick way to create a sitemap directly in the browser.
• FlowMapp — a tool focused on UX design and user journey mapping.
• Figma or Miro — for flexible adjustment of schemes and layouts with team collaboration capabilities.

Tip: Use color coding for groups of pages: for example, main sections — blue, subpages — gray, system — red.
 

What is an XML sitemap and how to create it

This is a special file in XML format that is placed in the root directory of the site (e.g., site.ru/sitemap.xml). It contains a list of URLs of all pages you want to index in search engines.
What to include:

• All main pages of the site
• Blog posts and articles
• Product pages (if there is an online store)
• Dynamic pages (e.g., filter pages)

What to exclude:

• Duplicate content
• Admin or personal account pages
• Unpublished or unfinished pages

Where and how to create:

• WordPress: using plugins like Yoast SEO, Rank Math, or All in One SEO
• Wix/Squarespace: created automatically
• Online generators: XML-Sitemaps.com, Screaming Frog

7. Develop a user-centric layout

The website interface is what the user interacts with first. The intuitiveness, logic, and clarity of the interface directly affect whether a person will stay on the site and perform the desired action: submit an application, make a purchase, or subscribe to a newsletter.
User-centric layout means that the interface is designed in the interests and habits of the user, not the business owner or developer. 

Principles of creating a user-friendly interface

Understanding the target audience
Different audiences perceive information differently. For example:

• Younger audiences expect visual dynamics, short forms, and chats.
• B2B audiences value clear structure, formality, and minimal distractions.

Clear visual hierarchy
It is important to emphasize: large headings, highlighted buttons, contrasting colors for call-to-action.
The user should immediately understand where they are and what they are being offered to do.

Simplicity of navigation
The main menu should be in a visible place. Section names should be short and clear.
For example: instead of "Our Advantages" — simply "Advantages".
We have previously published an article on Navigation Mistakes that will be useful when designing the interface and help avoid common errors.

Consistency of design
Use the same elements on all pages: the same button styles, forms, margins. This reduces cognitive load.

Mobile adaptation as a standard
Today, most users access sites from phones. The interface must be adaptive:

• Larger clickable elements
• Collapsible menu (hamburger menu)
• Simplified design on small screens

You can delve into the topic of design adaptability by reading the article Adaptive design on our website.

8. Basic design principles: simplicity and use of white space

The design of the website should be not only beautiful but also functional. One of the main principles of modern web design is simplicity and minimalism, enhanced by the proper use of white space.

The principle of simplicity:

• Remove everything unnecessary. Each element should perform a clear function.
• Focus on key user actions: submit an application, buy, read, navigate.
• Use intuitive navigation: clear icons, logical menus, consistent button styles.
• Avoid overload with fonts, colors, and graphics — this distracts and reduces engagement.

White space is not emptiness:

• It creates visual hierarchy, helps the eye "rest" and focus on what is important.
• Increases text readability: more spacing — easier perception.
• Works as an accent tool. For example, an isolated button against a background of emptiness attracts attention three times more.

Tips for visual structure:

• Stick to a grid system — this will simplify the alignment of blocks.
• Use one or two fonts, maintain contrast between headings and body text.
• Apply accent colors only for important elements (CTA, buttons, key phrases).
• Maintain visual consistency: the logic of block placement and color rhythm increases trust in the site.

9. The importance of effective text on the website

Text on the website is not just words. It is a bridge between the brand and the user. It is through texts that you convey essence, persuade, and guide to action. Part of the text also includes the domain and the choice of domain name by which users will find your site, but this is a topic for a separate article.

Key functions of text:

• Conveying value — explaining why the user needs your product.
• Navigation — headings, subheadings, buttons, hints.
• Persuasion and motivation — descriptions, cases, benefits, evidence.
• SEO promotion — organic traffic through search queries.

The psychology of text perception:

• The user scans the page in an F-pattern: first the top line, then down the left side.
• The most readable elements are headings and the first paragraph.
• The text should speak to the user in their language, without jargon and complex turns.

Practical tips:

• Use short paragraphs (2–4 lines).
• Make headings informative and specific.
• Use lists and bullet points to simplify perception.
• Include keywords organically and considering semantics.
• Add a call to action (CTA) in each key block.

Example:
Instead of:
«Our company provides a wide range of services in the field of information technology»

Better:
«We create fast and reliable websites that help businesses grow»

10. Creating prototypes and wireframe structures

A prototype is a rough layout of the future website that reflects the placement of elements on the page, user scenarios, and interface structure. It allows you to visualize ideas before the design and development begin.

A wireframe is a simplified scheme of the page, where the main blocks (headings, buttons, forms, images) are marked, but without design and branding. It is like an architectural plan for a future house.

Creating prototypes and wireframes is a crucial stage in website design that helps:

• Check the website structure before the design launch
• Get feedback from the client or team
• Avoid costly corrections at the layout stage
• Simplify the work for the designer and developer

Tools for creating prototypes and wireframes

11. Gathering and creating engaging content

Content is not just text. It is everything that "speaks" to the user: articles, images, videos, icons, headings, buttons. It is responsible for trust, engagement, and conversions.
What content is needed:

Text content:

• Unique descriptions of products and services
• Blog articles (SEO support, expertise)
• Clear headings and subheadings (informational hierarchy)
• Calls to action (CTA): "Get a consultation", "Download the guide"

Multimedia content:

• High-quality images (not overloading the site)
• Video reviews, explanatory videos
• Infographics for visualizing complex information

Social proof:

• Customer reviews
• Case studies
• Logos of companies you have worked with

Content that addresses user pain points:

• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• Guarantees
• Instructions and tips

Tips:
Focus on value for the user, not on "sales text".
Use a clear, conversational style — understandable and honest.
Integrate keywords naturally so that readability is not compromised.

12. Establishing a brand style: colors, fonts, images

Brand style helps the site to be recognizable, cohesive, and professional. It sets the tone of communication, reflects the character of the brand, and influences trust.

Color palette:

• Use 2–3 main colors: base + accent + background, necessary for creating a personal color palette
• Choose colors considering the psychology of perception:
  • Blue — trust, reliability
  • Green — ecology, safety
  • Red — energy, urgency
• Use online tools: Coolors, Adobe Color, Paletton

Fonts:

• A maximum of 2 fonts: for headings and body text
• Choose readable fonts (sans-serif for the web)
• Ensure the font is responsive (scales without distortion)

Images:

• Original photos or high-quality stock images
• Images should complement, not distract
• Pay attention to optimization (WebP, SVG formats, lossless compression)

Important:
All elements — from icons to buttons — should be in one visual style
Create a guideline or brand book to maintain consistency in the future

13. Mobile optimization

Mobile adaptation is not a trend, but a standard. More than 60% of users access websites from phones.

Principles of mobile-first design:

1. Flexible grid — the site should adapt to the screen
2. Convenient navigation:
   • Hamburger menu
   • Large buttons
   • Simplified interface
3. Testing on devices:
   • Check in the browser (Chrome DevTools)
   • Online services: BrowserStack, Responsively App
4. Image and font optimization:
   • Compressed images
   • Fonts without unnecessary weight
   • Lazy loading
5. Loading speed:
   • Removing unnecessary JS/CSS
   • Using CDN

Common mistakes:
Small text
Non-clickable elements
Horizontal scrolling

14. Implementing SEO strategies to increase visibility

SEO (search engine optimization) is the key to attracting organic traffic without advertising. A competent SEO strategy should be implemented at the website creation stage.

Key elements:

1. Keywords:
   • Inclusion of keywords in headings, subheadings, texts
   • Natural embedding (without keyword stuffing)
2. Meta tags:
   • Title: up to 60 characters, with a keyword
   • Description: up to 160 characters, encouraging clicks
3. URL structure:
   • Short, clear, in Latin
   • Example: /services/website-design
4. Responsiveness and loading speed — Google considers this a ranking factor
5. Image optimization:
   • ALT tags with descriptions
   • Compression and modern formats
6. robots.txt and sitemap.xml files
   • Help search engines index pages correctly
7. Internal linking
8. Link articles and sections to each other

Tools:

• Google Search Console
• Google Analytics
• Ahrefs, SEMrush, Serpstat
• PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix
   

15. Setting up key pages

Some pages are especially important — their content affects trust, conversion, and SEO.

What to include in each:

1. Home page
   • Unique selling proposition (USP)
   • Main blocks: "About Us", services, advantages, reviews, CTA
2. About the company
   • History, values, mission
   • Team photos
   • Certificates, licenses, trust
3. Services/products
   • Clear description
   • Advantages
   • Prices (or a call to "Find out the cost")
   • Call to action (CTA) button
4. Contacts
   • Address, phone, email
   • Interactive map
   • Feedback form
   • Working hours
5. Blog/articles
   • Relevant content
   • SEO support
   • Backlinks between articles
6. Privacy policy and terms
   • Mandatory for all websites, especially with forms
      

Conclusion

Creating a website is a sequential and creative process. It includes both technical and creative tasks: from designing the structure to formatting web pages, from selecting colors to setting up SEO tools. But with the right approach, anyone can create a website that is not only beautiful but also effective.

The steps outlined in the article show the path that should be taken to create a website that will serve you as a builder of a business or enterprise, from the idea to optimizations after launch.

Let this guide be your starting point to design the website of your dreams — adaptive, understandable, attractive, and useful for your audience.