Learn How Your Webpage Design Can Augment Trust

Did you know simple elements such as charts and badges could be the trust-building blocks of your webpage? Not just the content but also minimal factors such as the quality of color and design can impact your viewers immensely.

Are you facing trouble in getting converting leads for your webpage? Believe it or not, the problem may be in the overall design of your page. Trust is an essential aspect of the customer relationship, whether your site sells products or not.

When you get viewers on your page, you just have a few seconds to grab their attention and gain confidence. So, what do you think plays an essential role in webpage trust? The design. When it comes to website design,  there can be a plethora of aspects that reflect credibility.

In this article, you will learn all about building a webpage’s trust with designs. Before getting to the step-by-step process of designing elements and graphics, here’s the necessary know-how about Photoshop, Layers, and some tools.

Building A Webpage’s Trust with Designs

You can find a vast number of tools when it comes to designing. However, everyone knows that nothing can beat Adobe Photoshop in terms of ease-of-use. It is a software that is not only used for simple editing but also by professional designers.

(Source : Google Images)

If you hire a skilled web designer, you will have to get ready to empty your pockets. Not anymore. In this article, you will learn simple designing tricks that can make a regular element look extremely professional. Building a webpage’s trust with designs could not be easier!

Here are a few Photoshop features that are quintessential for getting a pleasing yet straightforward webpage design.

Layers

If you are using Photoshop for designing or editing, Layers are downright indispensable for your work. It can help you create the magic that you would expect from a professional designer. You can create various designs on separate layers and bring them together without disrupting the other.

(Source : Google Images)

Layers give you the option of working on distinctive images, text, shapes, and objects and overlap to see the outcome. The best part—you can go and edit any of these parts throughout the designing process. You can do all this without hampering the other aspect of the design.

You must know that the first layer you can see in the side panel would be the topmost one. It will cover up the objects and content of the other following layers. However, you can change its Opacity and transparency to make the lower layer’s items visible.

Another essential thing that you must learn is that the grey and white checkboard pattern means transparency. If any section is transparent, other layers’ objects in that section will be visible in the final result.

Creating and editing layers is simple and the multitude of available tools make it oh-so-interesting. Make sure that the design you are making does not get covered by another layer, which is at a higher level. In such a case, the design may not appear in the final image.

Naming Layers

Be it a simple design or a complicated high-level one, you will be using multiple layers at a time. It can get really messy and time-consuming to find the right layer. That is why it is essential to name your layers. You can do so right when you create a new one.

Once you have added the name, your workspace will not only look organized but also convenient to toggle around. You can filter it according to Name and search for whichever layer you want by typing in the white box.

Let us have an overview of the essential Layer tools you would require to build a webpage’s trust with designs!

Basic Editing Tools

Type

If you are using layers, you better know how to go about working with the basic tools. While designing, you will, of course, want to enter text in some areas. That is why the Type tool is significant.

(Source : Google Images)

You can access this tool by merely pressing ‘T.’ It is actually the horizontal tool, which means you will be able to type horizontally. Now you may want to move this text around. So, all you got to do is press V. It will activate the move tool, letting you place the text box in your desired location.

With the Type tool, you need to keep a few things in mind. If you have already selected the tool, clicking anywhere on the canvas will get you a new layer. It is crucial to keep an eye on this, as you may accidentally click on the canvas multiple times. As a result, you will have several useless layers.

Apart from that, you can see the stop and tick icons at the top. These allow you to cancel and confirm your recent edits, respectively. Once you understand the functions, you will see that working with layers is pretty easy!

Shapes and Buttons

Creating buttons for your webpage is highly important. You need to direct your customers to take action for delivering value, sales, and much more. So, how are you going to curate buttons?

The shape tool will come in handy here. You can access it by pressing U. If you press Shift + U, it will give you a list of varying shapes.

·         Rectangle

·         Ellipse

·         Line

·         Rounded Rectangle

·         Polygon

·         Custom

Select the desired tool, let’s say, the rounded rectangle. If you see the top bar, you will get an option to set the radius—pixels of the curved corners. Set the radius to 5px and draw the button. You will get a rounded rectangle with 5px.

You must note that as you do this, you will get a shape layer in the layer palette automatically. Now when you see the button, you can notice four anchor points at the corners. It will allow you to edit the shape in the most flexible manner.

Now you can enhance the button. These include adding colors with the Fill option, changing the radius, and the most important—adding text. Know that if you want to move the button, you can press ‘V’ and move it around.

Pen Tool

Present in the lower section of the Layer toolbar, the Pen Tool is an extremely important aspect of designing. It has some excellent uses, such as manipulating shapes to fit a complex selection, image, or another object.

Shapes have a definitive structure that would remain the same, whether you increase or decrease its size. However, in some (most) cases, you would need to cover a precise area that may not have a definite shape. Here is where the Pen Tool comes in handy.

With the help of this tool, you can create multiple sections and paths of a shape or selection. Thus, it can easily allow you to edit, cut, and select complex shapes for getting the perfect outcome. You may want to use it to crop a section of an image, fit an object over a shape, etc.

Pen Tool offers several options:

·         Standard

·         Freeform

·         Curvature

·         Edit existing paths (add/delete/convert point tool)

The standard Pen Tool will be the one that you want to use the most. It lets you create straight as well as curved paths. However, you will need to select an option from—Paths and Shapes.

Though it is relatively easy to use, it may take you some time to master the Pen Tool for making curves. With some practice, you can learn it to perfection. That said, the straight paths are what you will be using the most, and they are pretty easy to make.

Enhance the Design

Now that you are aware of using the essential tools let us read about how you can enhance the designs. Note that merely drawing a design is not enough. You need to give it some definition to add quality. Only then will your page look credible enough.

Needless to say, a three-dimensional element can make your page instantly look extra-attractive. These are highly-easy to use, that do not even require you to add more layers. You can access them by Layer Style. Double click on the layer, and the Layer Style dialog box will appear.

Stroke

Adding a stroke can add details to the element. In the Layer Style window, check the Stroke box. You can set the size to 1px and the Position to Inside. In the Fill Type, select the Color option. Make sure that you choose a slightly darker version of the color so that the edges of the element can get a definition.

You can also see a Preview at the side to know how your final result will look. Keep the Blend Mode to Normal and Opacity to 100%.

Gradient

To add a gradient in your element, check the Gradient Overlay box. All you need to do is select Overlay in the Blend Mode and set the Opacity to 20%. You may leave the rest of the options to default. You will see that the object will get a 3D look automatically.

Shadow

(Source : Google Images)

Another excellent way to uplift your webpage design is by adding shadow. If you choose to add inner shadow, your element will look highly-crisp and detailed. You can play with the Opacity, though 40% is a good choice.

Apart from that, you need to select Overlay as the Blend Mode and distance to 2px. It is because the inner Stroke will cover 1px. Lastly, make the Angle to 90 degrees.

You will see several other options in the Layer Style window, such as Inner and Outer Glow, Satin, Overlay, etc. These all are highly beneficial, and you can use them within the same layer with the utmost ease.

Designing the Right Way – Elements Designing Tutorials

When it comes to building a webpage’s trust with designs, you need to pay extra attention to the objects you add. Here is a list of a few of such essential items, along with a step-by-step tutorial for each of them.

Badges

Do you want to build trust in your viewers? When viewers see certified stamps and badges, they instantly gain a sense of confidence in your brand. Here’s how to design your unique badge on Photoshop.

Step 1: Start by adding a circle by selecting the Ellipse option in shapes. You may draw it at a size of 145px.

Step 2: Double click on the layer to open the Layer Style window. Add Stroke and make its size to 6px. Choose the color of your choice. You will get a thick colored border.

Step 3: Now bring the Fill to 0% to get a blank circle with a colored border.

Step 4: Duplicate this layer by pressing Cmd + J. Drag the layer inward to get another smaller circle.

Step 5: Change the size of the Stroke to 3px and make it thinner. Repeat the same steps to get two other smaller circles of the size of 80 and 72px, approximately.

Step 6: In the smallest circle, make the Fill 100% and select your preferred color.

Step 7: Select the Custom option in shapes and choose All in the settings. Now you can pick a few shapes of your choice, such as a star. You can use it to display the rating of your brand.

Step 8: Click T to get the Text Tool and choose a preferred font. Add text in the middle.

Step 9: To add text in a circular path, select Ellipse and click on the Paths icon from the top options bar. On a new layer, draw a circle, press T, and click on the new circle. Type the required text, and you will notice that it appears in a circular path in the upper half of the badge.

Your badge is ready!

Ribbon

Adding a Ribbon bearing text will automatically pull your viewer’s attention towards it. Such elements are great for delivering a theme message, scheme, or other such offers.

Step 1: Open a document and add a rectangle at the center of the page. You can do this by using the Rectangular Marquee tool.

Step 2: Fill the box with a preferred color using the Paint Bucket tool.

Step 3: Now, you need to make a small rectangle to create the ends of the Ribbon. You can either do it using the Rectangular Marquee tool in a new layer or duplicate the existing layer (Cmd +J) and change the size of the rectangle.

Step 4: Once you have a small rectangle, move it to the side of the more oversized shape, at a slightly lower area.

Step 5: Draw a triangle on the smaller rectangle with the help of the Pen tool.

Step 6: Extend the shape slightly more under the center rectangle.

Step 7: Repeat the same for creating a similar shape for the other end. Alternatively, you can duplicate the layer consisting of the small rectangle and flip it. Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal. Make sure to place these two layers underneath the first one.

Step 8: Enter the required text at the center of the shape. You can do so by choosing the Center Alignment from the toolbar.

Step 9: Double click on the layer to get the Layer Style window. Enhance the ribbon banner by adding a Shadow, Gradient, Stroke, etc.

Your very own Ribbon is ready! You can play with the shapes to make them more exciting and relevant to your content.

iOS App Screenshot

Do you want to promote your iOS app through your webpage? Here’s how you can do it in the most attractive way.

Step 1: Open the Screenshot of your app in Photoshop.

Step 2: Download a pre-designed apple device border from the apple website. Follow this route.

developer.apple.com > iOS Dev Center > Marketing Resources > AppStore Marketing Guidelines > Apple Product Images

Step 3: Open the downloaded image in Photoshop and select the <Open to Update Screen> layer.

Step 4: Choose the <Replace Contents to Update> layer.

Step 5: Drag the app screenshot and add it to this layer.

Your graphic is ready!

Line Chart

A line chart can help add authenticity to your webpage. Additionally, it is more comfortable for the eyes to understand as against text that is time-consuming. It is excellent for displaying useful statistics over time.

Step 1: Start by drawing a rectangle on a blank document to provide a grid for the chart. Make sure to get rid of the fill color by making Fill to 0%. You may use Stroke to add definition to this border.

Step 2: Press Cmd + Option + T (Win: Control + Alt + T). You will get a vertical line overlapping the border on the left side. Drag it rightwards and place it at 100px. Press Shift + Cmd +Option + T to duplicate these lines at gaps of 100px.

Step 3: Repeat the same step for horizontal lines. You may place them at a distance of 50px.

Step 4: Now that you have a graph-like structure, let’s get to designing the chart.

Step 5: Add a rectangle covering the bottom two rows of boxes. Extend it from the left border to the right one. Highlight it using Stroke and add color.

Step 6: To hide the three sides of the rectangle that do not fall in the graph, add a layer mask. First, extend the rectangle from the bottom and both the sides and then add the mask.

Step 7: Double click on effects and select ‘Hide Mask Effects.’ Delete the layer mask and add a new one. Make sure to disconnect them.

Step 8: Using the Pen Tool, add anchor points on the colored line. Now you can drag the anchor points upwards to create various paths.

Step 9: Use Ellipse to add a circle each at the various joints of the chart.

You may add various data or readings as per your requirements.

3D Screenshot

Adding a screenshot on the screen of a device amplifies its credibility. That’s what you can do by placing a 3D screenshot on a screen in Photoshop.

Step 1: Open the device image where you want to add this Screenshot. It may be a pc or a laptop that is facing sidewards.

Step 2: Open the Screenshot in another layer.

Step 3: In the device image, add a Rectangle of any color to make the process easier.

Step 4: Align the shape on the screen using the Pen tool. Double click on the layer to get the Layer Style window, and add a gradient. Now, you have a border.

Step 5: Take the Opacity of the device to 100% so that the rectangle is not visible anymore, though you can see its border.

Step 6: Select the screenshot and press Cmd + T. Right-click on the Screenshot and choose the Distort option from the list.

Step 7: Drag the corners and align it with the screen. You may zoom in and fix the edges with the white border guiding you.

Step 8: Hide the layer containing the added rectangle.

You have successfully placed a 3D screenshot on your device screen. It looks quite realistic, doesn’t it?

Pie Chart

A pie chart is another useful element to display statistics. Remember, values always instill a sense of trust in customers, as they are informative and truthful.

Step 1: Use Ellipse to create a circle in a new document. You can hold shift to ensure the circle is perfectly round.

Step 2: Double click the layer to open the Layer Style window. Check the Gradient Overlay option and select Angle in Gradient.

Step 3: Click on the Gradient to open the Gradient Editor window.

Step 4: Add color and slide the left bottom slider rightward. Once you have reached a certain distance, click over the gradient bar to add a stop.

Step 5: Right next to this stop, add another one, and change its color. Doing this will give you the next section of the pie chart. Make sure to place the two stops as close as possible.

Step 6: Repeat the process to get more sections.

Step 7: To get exact values for each section, you may adjust the percentage in the Location box of the Gradient Editor.

Add strokes and shadows to level-up the look of this chart.

Interfaces

Interfaces can add life to your webpage. They are buttons and designs that add a realistic touch to your page. You can get professional designs without actually having to hire a designer. Here’s how you can create perfect interfaces.

Step 1: Draw any shape of your choice. Take a rounded-rectangle, for example, and fill it with a color of your choice. You can do this from the Layer Style window that will appear once you double-click on the layer.

Step 2: You may add another shape in the middle to improve the look or continue without that.

Step 3: Add Gradient Overlay to get a smooth texture. Make sure that you choose similar colors for the Gradient so that it does not look too loud. That way, it will look simple and precise.

Step 4: Check the Inner Shadow option. Here, set the Angle to 90% and Blend mode to Overlay. Make sure to Use Global Light option is checked. Set the distance to 1px. Turn down to Opacity to around 40%.

Step 5: To get smooth edges, check the Stroke box. Make it 1px and choose a shade that is a notch darker.

Step 6: To further level-up the interface, you may add some icons from the icon list. These could be the Phone icon if you added a contact button, a TV icon for a piece of news, etc.

You can add tweaks to the icons by using Shadows, Gradience, Stroke, and much more. That would give you a perfectly-curated interface, entirely unique for your brand.

Other Trust Building Factors for A Webpage

·         Credibility: When it comes to showcasing your web page’s credibility, nothing can beat a section of customer experiences, testimonials, and reviews.

·         Personal Touch: People love to see the face behind the brand, and adding some pictures can help personalize your page. You may choose to add an image of your team or your own professional yet cheerful photo.

(Source : Google Images)

·         Security: Displaying the security measures followed by your webpage is an excellent way of earning your customer’s confidence.

·         Disclosure: Viewers want full disclosure of your product or service. Adding an FAQ section can help with this.

(Source : Google Images)

·         SEO: Make your page well-structured, relevant, and easy to access. It is undoubtedly a big booster for making your viewers stay.

Putting it all Together

Our graphic design service was created to empower small, medium, and even large businesses to take advantage of all the many benefits of design, including increased trust, but going far beyond that as well.

Endnotes

When it comes to designing a webpage, you can explore a never-ending terrain and make your page 100% unique. Do you want to increase the credibility of your website? The best way of doing this is by building a webpage’s trust with designs.

In this article, you have learned about the various essential aspects you need to consider while designing a webpage. Now you can build a page with sheer perfection that fits your brand and earn the trust of your customers!

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