Designing Website Patterns That Guide Through B2B Mysteries
Let's be honest. We've all hit that point when browsing the web where every site starts to blur together. They're like that guy at the party – you know, the one who talks a lot but says very little. That's where the charm of storytelling comes in. Especially in the B2B realm, where the magic trick is to be memorable without being overly flashy.
The secret?
Good, old story patterns woven seamlessly into website designs. Stick around – this might just be the plot twist your website needs.
Dive into the plot: Understanding story patterns
Think of your favourite series. You can recognize its theme music from another room, can't you? That's a pattern. Similarly, websites with a consistent design and layout theme are telling their visitors, "It's us, and we're here to take you on a journey." It's the subtlety of continuity that keeps an audience engaged, even when they’re hopping from page to page.
Now, consider when that series introduces a new character. At first, they might seem a bit out of place, but as episodes progress, they seamlessly integrate into the story. They become vital, even though they weren’t in the pilot.
Websites function in a similar fashion. New pages or features might be added over time, but if they maintain the foundational pattern—the core essence of the brand story—they fit right in, enhancing the narrative rather than disrupting it. It's this thoughtful weaving of the old and the new that crafts a tale that lingers in the audience's memory.
Why B2B websites should get into the storytelling game
First impressions matter: In the blink-and-you-miss-it world of the internet, a well-told story grabs attention quicker than the latest viral meme.
Familiarity breeds content: No, that’s not a typo. A consistent visual pattern feels familiar, like your favourite cosy sweater. It’s comforting and assures visitors they're in the right place.
Trust isn’t given; it’s earned: Just like any protagonist, a business needs to build trust. Consistency in design tells clients you're reliable—and not just winging it.
Building a consistent story
We've all experienced the power of a compelling story. One that grabs us from the get-go and doesn’t let go until the final word.
Now, imagine if your website could do the same. Well, it can, and it all boils down to the artful intertwining of design, structure, and those tiny but mighty details.
Dress for the part
Just like any character, your website should have a 'look'. This includes matching colours, fonts, and logos that nod to your brand’s storyline.
Chapters and verses
Here's where layout patterns really shine. Picture a main 'parent' page - the first introduction. Now, the subpages branching from it? They're your supporting characters. Each should have the same layout, subtly hinting they're part of the same family.
Details, details, details
Be it icons, images, or animations, these are the little quirks that make your story special. They should all circle back to the main plot.
Direct the journey
Your user's pathway through the site should be as well-thought-out as any narrative arc. Keep them engaged from the enticing introduction through rising action and right to the satisfying conclusion (read: Contact Us form).
Once upon a time, there was an example:
Imagine a B2B firm, let’s call them "EcoScribe", selling eco-friendly stationery.
Right off the bat, their 'parent' page sets the tone – resplendent in shades of deep green, reminiscent of untouched forests. The backdrop? A forest so serene, you can almost hear its whispered legends carried by the breeze. And, adding a touch of charm is a logo, elegantly sketched like a pencil doodle, epitomizing their core product.
Venture deeper, and you'll stumble upon the 'child' pages. Whether it's the pencils with their unique graphite blend, notebooks boasting recycled pages, or pens with biodegradable casings, each page is distinct. Yet, they echo the parent. The forest backdrop subtly transitions into the edges, letting the product shine while still cocooning it in EcoScribe's ethos. Layouts across these pages? Mirror reflections of each other, ensuring you never feel lost in this forest.
As you meander through, little details pop – an animated leaf here, a fluttering butterfly there, perhaps even a squirrel sketched on the footer. You’ve seen them before, and they’re coming to you as if you’re the princess of a fairytale. These elements, though small, tie back to the grander theme, enhancing the brand’s commitment to nature.
Navigation is smooth. Starting with an enticing intro about eco-responsibility on the homepage, you're seamlessly guided through the offerings, each page building anticipation. And where does this green trail lead? To a conclusion that urges action, drawing you to their contact form, possibly under a canopy of digital trees that says “Leaf a message.”
End of the line? You've not just browsed a website; you've experienced a story. One of sustainability, care, and unwavering commitment, all without ‘EcoScribe’ uttering a single word (except my leaf-pun above). The power of well-crafted digital storytelling exemplified.
Wrapping up
Your B2B website needs to be that enthralling book that readers can't put down. While aesthetics matter, it’s the consistent, underlying story patterns that truly resonate.
So, when considering a website revamp, don't just think design; think design with narrative. And just like that, you might find your website becoming the talk of the digital town.
Happy storytelling!
