{"id":158568,"date":"2016-09-04T13:00:55","date_gmt":"2016-09-04T13:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/premium.wpmudev.org\/blog\/?p=158568"},"modified":"2016-09-02T02:15:19","modified_gmt":"2016-09-02T02:15:19","slug":"decluttering-communicating-effectively","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpmudev.com\/blog\/decluttering-communicating-effectively\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tricks for Decluttering Your WordPress Site and Communicating More Effectively"},"content":{"rendered":"

When creating a website, it\u2019s natural to want to share as much information as possible. While visitors have come to your website to learn more about those pieces of information, that\u2019s all they really want to see: pieces<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t the first time the shrinking attention span<\/a> of your site\u2019s visitors has come to the forefront of our conversations on website design best practices. That\u2019s why we talk so much about increasing your site\u2019s speed, using high resolution imagery, and employing powerful calls-to-action in order to hook your visitors and keep them engaged.<\/p>\n

While most of these suggestions and solutions typically focus on improving the overall imagery and functionality of your website, messaging is something we don\u2019t touch upon often. As a web developer or designer, you\u2019re (usually) not responsible for writing copy. But just because you don\u2019t write it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t have an effect on it.<\/p>\n

Messaging is important. Aside from the utilization of relevant imagery, messaging is the only way you can effectively communicate to your audience what your website is all about. So how do you share all of the important details about your website and business without going overboard and cluttering up the clean and polished design you\u2019ve developed?<\/p>\n

Adopt a minimalist approach.<\/p>\n

What is Minimalism?<\/h3>\n

When we talk about minimalist design, there are two brands synonymous with the definition and underlying principles behind minimalism: Google<\/a> and Apple<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Apple_Minimal\" <\/div>\n

Both of these brands rely heavily on the literal use of white<\/em> space around the most important elements on their websites. White space\u2014also known as negative space\u2014simply refers to any space on a website that is devoid of elements. It can be used around an image (like in the case of Apple), around text, or around a call-to-action (like in Google\u2019s case). Wherever white space is employed, it\u2019s almost always a clear indication that there is something important to be found within it.<\/p>\n

While white space is one of the most commonly highlighted features of minimalist design, there is quite a bit more that goes into it than that. Minimalism is about achieving more with less. Less words. Less competing images. Less complexity. Just less of everything\u2026 so that what remains will shine through very clearly.<\/p>\n

Now, of course, we\u2019re not advocating for websites to be super basic. On the contrary. In minimalism, there still needs to be a strategy behind the design and copy, and the website should have the ability to intrigue and lure in visitors with sharp pops of color, images, and messaging. Ultimately, it all comes down to striking the right balance.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s where you<\/em> come into play.<\/p>\n

How to Communicate Effectively through Minimalist Design<\/h3>\n

As you aim to employ a simpler approach to your site\u2019s design, it\u2019s important to keep in mind why you\u2019re choosing to do this:<\/p>\n