Common Website Typography Mistakes
Typography is an important design element for any website. In fact, it is the key to creating visually appealing websites. However, many designers unknowingly commit these mistakes that negatively impact the readability and aesthetics of their websites. To help you avoid these blunders, we've compiled a list of nine common typography mistakes you should steer clear of. By familiarizing yourself with these errors and adhering to best practices, you'll be able to craft a website that looks visually appealing and effectively conveys your intended message in a user-friendly manner.
In this blog, I will explain these most common typography mistakes and how they can hurt your website. This is the first step toward designing a visually appealing and user-friendly website. By implementing best practices and avoiding these errors, you can effectively convey your message and create a website that truly stands out.
Website Typography Mistakes #1: Low Contrast Text
One of the most common website typography mistakes that can cause frustration for visitors is low-contrast text. When the text color is too similar to the background color, it can be challenging to read, and that's not what we want for our users. To prevent this, it's crucial to choose a color palette that creates a strong contrast between the text and background. A reliable and effective option is to use either dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background. This way, we can ensure that our site is easy to read and accessible to all users.
Website Typography Mistakes #2: Wide Paragraphs
Paragraphs should be between 40 to 70 characters per line. To make your website easier to read, avoid long blocks of text. Instead, break the information into smaller sections with subheadings, bullet points, and shorter paragraphs. This makes it easier for readers to scan and find what they need. Using these website typography strategies improves your website's overall readability and user experience.
Website Typography Mistakes #3: Line Spacing in Body Text
To improve readability and make it easier for visitors to navigate through your content, set an appropriate line height for your body text. Too little space can make the text feel claustrophobic, while too much space can create unnecessary gaps. Achieve a happy medium by slightly increasing the space between lines.
Website Typography Mistakes #4: Not Making Text Scannable
In today's fast-paced digital world, Most people scan websites to skim through content rather than read every word. Failing to make your text scannable can result in missing important information. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and bold or italicized text to highlight key points and make it easier for users to grasp the main ideas quickly.
Website Typography Mistakes #5: Making Body Text Too Small
Too small text strains the eyes and makes reading difficult, particularly for users with visual impairments or those accessing your website on mobile devices. Set a legible font size for your body text, typically around 16 pixels or higher. This ensures that visitors can comfortably read the content without zooming or squinting.
Website Typography Mistakes #6: Overly Decorative Fonts
While decorative fonts may seem appealing, they can be challenging to read, especially in large bodies of text. Avoid using overly ornate or script fonts for your main content. Instead, opt for clean, legible fonts that maintain readability across different devices and screen sizes.
Website Typography Mistakes #7: Using Core Fonts
Core fonts, such as Arial, Times New Roman, and Verdana, may be familiar and readily available, but they lack uniqueness and can make your website appear outdated. Instead, consider using a wide range of web fonts available today. Services like Google Fonts offer a vast selection of free, high-quality fonts that can give your website a modern and distinctive look.
Website Typography Mistakes #8: Using Too Many Web Fonts
While it's tempting to use a variety of fonts to add visual interest, excessive font variations can create a chaotic and unprofessional appearance. Stick to two or three complementary fonts throughout your website to maintain consistency and ensure a cohesive design. This approach helps establish a visual hierarchy and guides visitors through your content smoothly.
Website Typography Mistakes #9: Combining Fonts
Inappropriately Choosing complementary fonts is essential, but ensuring they harmonize well is equally important. Avoid pairing fonts that clash or create visual disharmony. Instead, select fonts that create a cohesive visual identity and reinforce the tone and message of your website.
According to CareerFoundry's blog post on UI design, Typography: What is it? The Complete Guide for 2023, you can gain a thorough understanding of typography and its significance in web design.
To better understand these typography mistakes, let's look at a couple of real-time examples:
Example 1: Imagine visiting a website where the text is barely distinguishable from the background color, causing strain on your eyes and making it difficult to read the content. Frustrated, you leave the site without fully understanding its message.
Example 2: Picture a website with long paragraphs of text and no clear subheadings or bullet points. As you skim through the content, you struggle to find the information you need quickly. Frustrated, you leave the site in search of a more user-friendly resource.
Example 3: Let's consider this graphic as an example of good typography practice, where complementary fonts are used and still the elements flow seamlessly guiding the user's eye from one section to another.
Conclusion:
Typography plays a vital role in web design, influencing a website's aesthetics and usability. You can create a visually appealing, user-friendly website that effectively communicates your message by avoiding these nine common typography mistakes. Remember to prioritize legibility, scannability, and consistency throughout your design.
If you're looking for a web designer who understands the importance of typography and can create a visually stunning website, visit www.bostongraphicdesignstudio.com to book a call with us to discuss your project requirements. Let us help you create an exceptional online presence that captivates your visitors and leaves a lasting impression.