Web design tips aren’t hard to find on the internet. The problem with them is that they are mostly opinions. The reason for this is that design is largely subjective. What looks good to one person may not to another. That said, there are some research-backed web design tips that everyone can benefit from.

If you’re ready to take your web design to the next level, follow these ten proven strategies below.

1. Make speed a priority.

Speed is everything. It influences bounce rate, user experience, conversions, revenue and more. It all makes sense, considering that a slow site won’t have people sticking around for a sale. Bottom line: make speed a top priority.

2. Limit the number of choices.

It might sound reasonable to give your visitors multiple choices, but this can actually make it harder to come to a decision. And, if a visitor can’t make a decision, they may leave your site.

To boost conversions, limit choices in the following ways:

  • Reduce number of menu items

  • Limit form fields

  • Have one call to action

  • Display social buttons for active channels

  • Have one goal per page

3. Stick to simplicity.

Visuals add flavor and fun, but they can also overwhelm visitors. Everything on your site should have a purpose. If you love an image or element, but it doesn’t fit with the design, don’t try to squeeze it in. Simple is beautiful.

4. Choose scrolling over clicking.

Scrolling is graceful and natural. Clicking is annoying. Where you can, have users infinitely scroll instead of click. If this means including all of your information onto a single page, then do it. Users prefer to scroll. Don’t you?

5. Add images with people.

When choosing images for your site, opt for those that have people in them. Humans like to connect with other humans, so online users tend to respond well to photos of real people. However, avoid stock photos. They don’t have the same effect.

6. Use images to guide attention.

Did you know that humans tend to look in the same direction as the people they see in advertisements? By using your photos strategically, you can guide users to where you want them to go.

7. Include social proof.

When a group of people approve of something, others are more likely to follow suit. Add social proof to your site – social shares, media mentions, testimonials – to show visitors that others trust you.

8. Avoid carousels (and other messy visuals).

Carousels may feel effective because they feature multiple pictures, but they aren’t all that effective. People tend to ignore them, along with sliders, tabs and accordions. Stick to scrolling and single pages and your audience will be happy.

9. Place important info above the fold.

Above the fold is territory that you want to pay attention to, as people tend to spend most of their time here. Use a descriptive headline, add rich media and include a CTA.

10. Use lists to your advantage.

People like when information is organized in list form. That said, they tend to remember the beginning and end of the list, not what’s in the middle. When organizing information, remember this order.

You won’t regret using these ten strategies in your web design. They work – and they can make all the difference in whether your web design thrives or falls short.