For most clients, seeing a brand-new web design is probably the most exciting part of the process. And many have ideas regarding layout, images, and other design features that they want to implement before their new website goes live.

As you look at your layout with a critical eye though, be sure you don’t overlook an important detail: easy navigation and usability.

In other words, you never want to overload your website with so much “stuff” – no matter how cool or interesting it might be – that gets in the way of making it easy for customers to actually use your website. It won’t ever matter how impressed they are with the visuals if they can’t find the information they’re looking for.

The best websites are beautiful and functional, and it’s important to never lose sight of that balance. Usability and navigation might not be the first thing you notice on your new website, but they could represent a make-or-break detail that keeps customers coming back.