Best practice in website design doesn't stand still, and your site shouldn't either. You might not have the appetite to refresh your website every year, but depending on your industry and how much content you have on there, you don't want too much time to elapse before you take an objective look at your online home.

Here are some of the tendencies I'm seeing in the world of website design.

One or two, I admit, might be slightly wishful thinking on my part, but if you're undertaking a website project in 2020, you should certainly be aware of these considerations and make conscious choices.

My 2020 website predictions:

1. Fewer websites with blogs

I've talked recently to a few authors who are moving away from blogging, either to spend more time on writing their books, start a podcast instead, or to focus on posting that same content on other platforms where it has a much better chance of reaching a new audience. I think this is a smart move. Here's a guest article I wrote on this topic, which explains my thinking. In it, I explain I'm not against writing blog-type pieces, but I worry when authors only post on their own sites.

2. Less content (and less clutter) on websites

Marie Kondo isn't just influencing our homes, she's making her presence felt in the amount of clutter you see on websites. Recent clients have told me they want to pare down the amount they put on their (new) sites, and their instincts are right: in our busy and distracted world, most people simply aren't reading long, content-stuffed web pages. And of course, many of us now to the majority of our browsing on tiny screens.In fact, a study from Missouri University found users only spend 5.59 seconds reading your written content, and about the same time looking at images and menus. So it's vital you get your key points across quickly and clearly.

3. The death of the sidebar

This leans to wishful thinking on my part but I challenge you to find 5 websites which:
a) Are owned by people succeeding in their writing or creative business, and
b) Were built in the last 2 years.

I'll be surprised if more than 1 or 2 feature a sidebar, which is outdated both in design terms and also a prime location where clutter lurks.

Lose your sidebar, if you can!

4. Fewer websites using WordPress

WordPress was definitely the best option when I set up my website to support my author activities in 2012. I hung around there for 9 years (!) before finally making the switch to Squarespace.

I no longer recommend WordPress for authors and small business owners who are just getting started. There are simpler, cheaper options out there now and (unless you  love playing around with technology and have lots of time to do so!) I strongly recommend you look into the alternatives before following the WordPress route. I encourage my clients to:

• Express the key parts of their writing or service business in 5 pages;

• Forego the blog (unless they’re passionate about blogging);

• Eschew bells & whistles.

If you can do the same, you can then use a platform like Carrd.co and enjoy both simplicity and low annual costs. If you want a more extensive website, then I think you’ll love Squarespace.

5. Better photos of who's behind the website

Not everyone can afford a full "brand photoshoot", but one of your first priorities in spending limited money on your site should be to get a decent photo of yourself. I'd even say you should pay for photos and build your website yourself, if you can't afford the cost of both pictures and a website designer. And there are some good budget-conscious tips here.

Another option is to have a talented friend take lots of pictures of you in a neutral setting, choose one or two you like best, then use a tool like remove.bg to remove the original background and place yourself in a setting (or in front of a color) which matches your brand. This isn't a silver bullet, but it can be a big help in looking more professional.

For examples I like of authors with professional photos on their sites, check out Mark Dawson, Marian Keyes, Tara Mohr, and Chantel P. Walls.

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If you feel your website needs some attention so that it looks more 2020 than 2010, you might also like this post on fast updates you can make. And if you'll be investing in new technology or hiring a website designer, here are my suggestions on how to evaluate the masses of advice you read online.

Want to start over with your website?

Download your free copy of my Simple Website Starter Kit, or view examples of my full-service web design work.